Ai Captain – we’re locked and loaded in the new Mazda CX-9 Azami Le – Ai.
It may seem extraordinarily expensive for ‘regular’ SUV buyers, but those European wannabes should look closely at this new 2021 Mazda CX-9 Azami LE when it arrives in early 2021. Quite simply it has everything you can dream of and now boasts ‘Captains Chairs’ for the second row with plenty of room for even the Rock – Dwayne Johnson
Here’ the press release from Mazda outlining the features of this truly ‘value for money’ luxury SUV
17th December 2020: Mazda’s flagship CX-9 Sports Utility Vehicle brings new levels of luxury and connectivity to market when it goes on sale in early-2021.
“The Mazda CX-9 is rightfully considered our flagship model,” said Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi.
“With these latest updates, we introduce the Azami LE with its luxurious ‘Captain’s Seat’ seating configuration and the sporty GT SP with its bespoke dark aesthetic highlights, to further strengthen its road presence.
“Mazda is also proud to deliver the limited-edition 100th Anniversary CX-9 to the latest specification.
“Combined with several key connectivity and infotainment updates, as well as improved equipment levels and some fresh exterior and interior options, the updated CX-9 is a strong statement for the Mazda brand as we enter 2021,” he said.
Joining the existing Sport, Touring, GT and Azami models are three fresh CX-9 nameplates, each with a distinctive flavour: Azami LE, GT SP and the limited-build CX-9 100th Anniversary Special Edition.
Azami LE: Range-topping CX-9 with ‘Captain’s Seat’ luxury
The updated Mazda CX-9 offers the Azami LE as its range-topper, featuring a second-row ‘Captain’s Seat’ layout for superb passenger comfort. This layout is unique to Azami LE.
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.
‘Walk-in’ access to the third seat row is achieved via a simple one-touch system, with the second-row seat automatically returning to position once the operation is completed.
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.
New CX-9 GT SP features dark highlights to truly stand out from the crowd
Based on the popular GT grade, the new CX-9 GT SP features several specific design features to ensure it won’t be mistaken on the road.
The GT SP’s exterior theme includes 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.
100th Anniversary Special Edition: One of 110
Built to commemorate Mazda’s century in business, the CX-9 100th Anniversary Special Edition is limited to only 110 units in Australia.
The 100th Anniversary Special Edition borrows the distinctive burgundy and white colour theme of the original high-grade R360, Mazda’s first-ever passenger vehicle.
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.
Refreshed CX-9 range brings enhanced design and specification, with infotainment at the forefront
The updated Mazda CX-9 gains the latest-generation Mazda Connect infotainment system with 10.25-inch colour screen, as well as ‘Qi’ wireless smartphone charging functionality fitted as standard on GT models and above. Qi allows smartphones to be wirelessly charged simply by placing the device in the centre console tray, ahead of the gearshift.
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.
Mazda CX-9 Touring and higher model grades also receive tactile gearbox paddle shifters for enhanced control of the six-speed automatic transmission.
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, while Pure White and Walnut Brown nappa leathers are available on Azami and Azami LE. Rich Burgundy leather upholstery adorns the CX-9 GT SP.
As capable as ever: Mazda CX-9 drivetrains
Fitted as standard across the range is the award-winning Skyactiv-G 2.5T turbocharged four- cylinder petrol engine.
This engine develops some 170kW of power at 5,000rpm with an impressive 420Nm torque peak available from only 2,000rpm. 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 8.4L/100km for front-wheel drive variants and 9.0L/100km for the all-wheel drive models.
Primed for safety
Being a Mazda, occupant safety is assured for the updated CX-9.
Under the i-Activsense banner, all CX-9 models benefit from the following:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function
- Smart Brake Support
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane-keep Assist System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- High Beam Control
- Smart City Brake Support (Forward/Reverse)
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Driver Attention Alert
- Six airbags (front driver and passenger, front sides, curtain front and rear)
Mazda CX-9: Model line-up and pricing at a glance
| Grade | MRLP (ex. on-road costs) |
| CX-9 Sport | $45,990 |
| CX-9 Sport AWD | $49,990 |
| CX-9 Touring | $53,490 |
| CX-9 Touring AWD | $57,490 |
| CX-9 GT | $62,990 |
| CX-9 GT AWD | $66,990 |
| CX-9 GT SP | $63,490 |
| CX-9 GT SP AWD | $67,490 |
| CX-9 Azami | $66,190 |
| CX-9 Azami AWD | $70,625 |
| CX-9 Azami LE AWD | $73,875 |
| CX-9 100th Anniversary Special Edition | $72,575 |
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Hello. I’m Bob Aldons, the owner and editor of The Car Guy.
The Car Guy is an independently owned car review website. I’m currently testing cars for Mazda, Nissan, Kia, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Renault, Subaru, and Hyundai. Through Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport I’m also writing about the 2020 Formula 1 season
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