Outisde:
Kodo design slinky exteriors that ebb and flow.
CX-9 has the Mazda corporate face which looks ok, but much better on smaller vehicles.
LED headlights are automatic, including auto on and high beam. A “Mazda Wings” emblem conceals the radar for the smart cruise control.
20” wheels look commanding, and there is chrome and black highlights to add a touch of class to the rest of the bodywork.
Azami comes with a sunroof, but generally, the language adopts a less is more attitude.There are no slashes, dents, lines, and cuts. The surface is smooth from nose to tail.
Is the cabin luxurious?
Even the top draw LE model is subtle, and finely tailored..
Leather is a mix of natural and M-tex, a vinyl type material.
Up front is a cockpit style dash. Lines run along the doors and up over the dash. A 7” tablet sits atop the centre stack. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the screen is much smaller than the latest Mazda3.
As mentioned, there is ample leather-clad seating, 7 pews in all.
Heating and cooling for the fron, and heating for the outer two seats in the second row. The 3rd may not have heating or cooling, but they get great cup holders.
USB outlets are scattered about the cabin, and the cargo hold has in-built bag hooks.
What’s Mazda CX-9 on the road?
Mazda boldly claims the 2.5 turbo 4 cylinder has the torque of a V8. 170kw/420Nm is impressive but the acceleration is relatively leisurely. It has to be, it weighs 2,000kg.
You can fill with 91 ron or E10.
You can select either front wheel or All-wheel-drive in all grades. The latter is an additional 4 grand.
Smart entry and start means your key stays in your pocket.
The cabin is quiet and calm. You hardly feel the gear shifts. There are only 6 speeds, but the operation is seamless.
You have advanced AEB which works between 2 and 80kph, and in reverse.
Active steering allows lane-watch to keep you centred. It works with blind spot monitoring to prevent lane changes if unsafe.
Steering is light, very light.
Once underway, no additional effort is required. You sit high, in one of 3 climate zones. Front seats also get cooled seats as well as heating.
You waft along regally. Bumps can be heard, however remotely, but do not transmit into the cabin under normal use. Cornering is best done at a leisurely pace. CX-9 is a cruiser, not a sports car.
What’s my Verdict?
Hire car companies should be using these. There is a ton of room.
There are 7 seats, all of which can be used easily. Shorter people for the 3rd row as always. Legroom is fine, but access can be challenging.
All-wheel-drives can cross continents as long as there is tarmac. You can’t do any serious off-roading, but it is horses for courses?
I thoroughly enjoyed my brief encounter. Through it all, I stayed calm, not because I am the type to remain calm, but because Mazda CX-9 made me calm, and safe.
It was like being warmly cradled, and I liked that.
Also Look At
Mazda CX9 Azami
- Engine: 2.5L 4cyl turbo, 170kw/420Nm
- Econ: 8.8 L/100km combined, 91ron or higher
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
- Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
- Safety: 5stars tested 2017
- Origin: Japan
- Price: $60,990 FWD, $64,990 AWD, $66,490 LE AWD
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.