Mazda’s new flagship CX-9 SUV – so much luxury under the luxury tax threshold

Talking further about the Mazda CX-9 seven-seat SUV – more specifically, the new flagship CX-9 Azami LE all-wheel-drive at $66,490. With 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and six-speed automatic I managed 9.1L/100km or around 30mpg over 2700 kms. of driving. Mazda has tweaked the suspension tune, steering and noise, vibration and harshness levels of the CX-9 since its launch in 2017 and I found its on-road demeanor very polished in all load situations– with seven passengers and luggage or with just two passengers up its nimble, quiet with a great ride quality. The Azami LE launched last September introduced a high-quality Nappa leather interior embellished with real wood decorative panels and it provides a real luxury feel – also gaining a very welcome 360 degree view monitor, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Interior comfort for all three rows is excellent with great ventilation.
The number of safety technologies, many of which aid fatigue, now included in the Mazda CX-9 is amazing, more so in this flagship Azami LE. However, the one feature which is now part of the five-model range is the active driving display or head-up display in the windscreen. As said earlier, with your speed, cruise control set speed and the posted speed limit right in front of your eyes it aids eye fatigue – you’re not constantly re-focusing your eyes from the road to the instrument panel. Also the CX-9 is the first Mazda to support Apply CarPlay and Android Auto. Importantly, all Mazda’s now feature a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, recently followed suit by both Subaru and Toyota. I’m David Berthon
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