All aboard for the 2021 Mazda CX-9 range refresh

MAZDA’s flagship CX-9 SUV is set to bring new levels of luxury and connectivity to market when it goes on sale in early 2021, with the addition of three fresh nameplates, as the Azami LE, GT SP and limited-build CX-9 100th Anniversary special edition join the range.

The Azami LE will become the new range topping model, and will feature a second row Captain’s Seat layout for superb passenger comfort and luxury. This layout is unique to the LE, as is one touch ‘walk-in’ access to the third row.

The two second-row seats are separated by an impressively appointed central console and offer individual electric adjustment, as well as heating and ventilation functions.

Finishing the interior of Azami and Azami LE grades is a new quilted nappa leather upholstery that is applied to the first and second seat rows. This elegant ambience is further enhanced by redesigned aluminium interior trims.

Outside, both models feature a new 20-inch alloy wheel design that complements the brighter Titanium Grey metallic front grille finish and larger rear tailpipes, which add a further aesthetic sophistication.

Mazda CX-9 Azami and Azami LE also benefit from range-wide connectivity and technology updates, as detailed below.

The new CX-9 GT SP is based on the popular GT grade, but will feature several specific design features to ensure it won’t be mistaken on the road, including a dark gunmetal grille design and black mirror caps, with black 20-inch alloy wheels completing the look.

Inside, the Mazda CX-9 GT SP is differentiated with black interior decoration panels, red stitching highlights to the steering wheel, door trims, centre console and armrests, and stunning Burgundy leather seat upholstery.

The CX-9 100th Anniversary Special Edition has been built to commemorate Mazda’s century in business, and is limited to only 110 units in Australia. It borrows the distinctive burgundy and white colour theme of Mazda’s first ever passenger vehicle, the R360.

Finished in Snowflake White Pearl Mica, the CX-9 Anniversary’s interior is adorned with rich Burgundy Nappa leather. This deep red theme extends to the interior floor carpet and floor mats.

100th Anniversary Special Edition badging combines the current Mazda brand mark with the round logo created when Toyo Kogyo was first formed. The logo features on the front fender, key fob, wheel caps, head rests and floor mats.

The updated Mazda CX-9 gains the latest-generation Mazda Connect infotainment system with 10.25-inch colour screen, as well as wireless smartphone charging fitted as standard on GT models and above.

This latest Mazda Connect system now boots more quickly on start-up, while a move to digital rather than analogue signalling sharpens both screen resolution and audio sound quality. CX-9 Touring and higher model grades also receive tactile gearbox paddle shifters.

Mazda’s Polymetal Grey joins Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica and Jet Black Mica on the updated CX-9’s exterior colour chart.

For the interior, black cloth upholstery is standard on Sport grade, with black leather available on Touring and GT models. Natural Stone and Beige leathers are also available on GT.

Pure White and Walnut Brown Nappa leathers are available on Azami and Azami LE, and Rich Burgundy leather upholstery adorns the CX-9 GT SP.

Fitted as standard across the range is the award-winning Skyactiv-G 2.5T turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine, developing 170kW of power, with an impressive 420Nm torque.

Mazda’s innovative i-stop system intelligently stops the engine at rest, restarting it again once brake pedal pressure is relaxed, to maximise efficiency.

A six-speed torque converter automatic transmission is the perfect accompaniment to the Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine’s power delivery, while a choice of front-wheel drive or i-Active all- wheel drive options are available.

Combined fuel consumption sits at 8.4-litres/100km for front-wheel drive variants and 9.0-litres/100km for the all-wheel drive models. Occupant safety is assured for the updated CX-9, with a raft of features under the i-Activsense banner.

All CX-9 models benefit from Mazda’s radar cruise contorl, smart brake support, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam control, smart city brake support (forward/reverse), and blind spot monitoring.

Rear cross traffic alert and driver attention alert are also included, as are six airbags. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 range starts at $45,990 (plus on-roads) through to $73,875 (plus on-roads) for the range topping Azami LE.