The second generation of Mazda’s CX-9 has been on sale in Australia since mid-2016. As the flagship of Mazda’s SUV range the CX-9 is available in four trim levels offering a comprehensive choice of specification to match your specific needs or budget. Let’s take a closer look.
The latest model range starts with the entry level CX-9 Sport. Stepping up from there is the Touring trim level followed by the GT. The highest specification, and most expensive CX-9 is the range-topping Azami.
The entry level Sport model is priced from $42,490 (excluding on-road costs) and features the following standard equipment:
>> 18-inch alloy wheels
>> LED headlights
>> Three-zone climate control
>> Rear-view mirror with auto dimming function
>> Seven-inch touch-screen display
>> Satellite navigation
>> Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming functionality
>> Keyless push-button engine start
>> Cruise control
>> Reversing camera
>> Rear parking sensors
>> Blind spot monitoring
>> Rear Cross Traffic Alert
>> Smart City Brake Support (AEB)
>> Black cloth seat upholstery
Options are limited to premium paints. Soul Red metallic and Machine Grey metallic are both priced at $300 on all trim levels.
Safety and driver assistance
Safety basics are pretty well covered by the entry level CX-9 Sport. Standard features on all trim levels include rear parking sensors, reversing camera, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking, which can function at speeds of up to 30km/h.
A jump up to the $48,890 GT model adds front parking sensors and Mazda’s ‘Active Driving Display’, a head-up display system projecting driver information – speed and navigation instructions, for example – directly on the windscreen.
Even more driver assistance tech such as radar cruise control and adaptive LED headlights can be had by choosing the top-spec CX-9 Azami. The extra $2000 spend over the equivalent GT also gets you lane departure warning, a lane keeping assist function and an AEB system that can operate at freeway speeds.
Comfort and convenience
A seven-inch full-colour touch-screen display is standard on the CX-9 Sport models while all other CX-9 trim levels are upgraded to an 8.0-inch system. Every CX-9 gets satellite-navigation included in the standard equipment.
Choosing the CX-9 Touring will ensure LED front fog lights and automatic headlights and wipers, but for bigger ticket items like the electric glass sunroof, hands-free keyless entry and the convenient powered tailgate the $57,390 GT is the minimum requirement.
Music fans will be drawn to the GT and Azami models, which feature digital radio piped through a 12-speaker, 249-Watt Bose premium sound system, while those wanting a sportier exterior look will appreciate the more purposeful 20-inch alloy wheels.
There are two levels of interior trim in the CX-9 range starting with black cloth, which is exclusive to the Sport models. All other CX-9 models feature a more luxurious leather upholstery, black only for Touring variants, while those who opt for GT or Azami variants can also choose a ‘natural stone’ (beige) trim too.
Only the Sport models miss out on front-seat heating and power adjustment for both driver (eight-way) and passenger (six-way). The Azami also has the added convenience of a two-position memory function for the driver’s seat.
Engine and transmission choices
All CX-9 models are powered by the same 170kW petrol engine with a choice of either front wheel-drive or all-wheel drive:
>> 2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive, automatic
>> 2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive, automatic (+$4000)
Every model has a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Prices for the full Mazda CX-9 range are as follows:
Sport:
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive – $42,490
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive – $46,490
Touring:
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive – $48,890
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive – $52,890
GT:
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive – $57,390
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive – $61,390
Azami:
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, front-wheel drive – $59,390
2.5-litre Turbo, petrol, all-wheel drive – $63,390