Driving Mazda’s new CX-90 seven-seat AWD SUV, the replacement for the ever- popular CX-9 – the CX-90 190mm longer in the wheelbase offers more cabin space, the cabin a highlight in quality, features, comfort and luggage space. I drove the top spec CX-90 Azami 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance – 40 percent more power to the CX-9 with 10 percent better fuel economy but now needing premium unleaded. The entry model, $25,000 more than the entry CX-9, the Azami I tested at $93,655, or just over $100,000 drive-away, taking Mazda into unchartered territory. Whether it can move into this luxury territory remains to be seen. But how does it drive? The new six-cylinder powerful and responsive and its sounds strong under load. Handling is sharp on Azami’s larger 21-inch alloys but ride quality does not match a vehicle costing $100,000 and below par compared to the old CX-9 – the suspension feels overactive on rough surfaces which reduces comfort. One can’t deny this new large Mazda SUV offers great fit and finish, a quality and impressive interior, more power and more sophistication in most areas but in ride comfort the old CX-9 was a much nicer package for a lot less money.

Download this podcast here