We’ve already revealed quite a bit of the Malaysian-spec Mazda CX-9 just a few days ago, and now, the model is finally making its official launch debut. The seven-seat SUV now comes with a revised equipment list, which incorporates the 2018 model year update, as well as new pricing.

As before, two variants will be offered to customers – 2.5 2WD and 2.5 AWD. The 2WD is priced at RM 281,449.70, while the 4WD goes for RM 297,349.70, making both slightly cheaper than the outgoing Australian-spec model – RM 286,749.70 for the 2WD and RM 302,649.70 for the AWD. According to Bermaz CEO Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh, only 60 units of the Australian-spec model were brought in.


These are on-the-road prices without insurance, and they come with a five-year/100,000 km warranty plus a three-year/60,000 km free maintenance. Five colour options are available – Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver and Jet Black, with the first two being premium colours.

Under the bonnet, the CX-9 soldiers on with the 2.5 litre SkyActiv-G turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The mill is mated to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system on the relevant variant.


As per the CX-9’s most recent update, the brand’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system, which is part of the SkyActiv-Vehicle Dynamics umbrella, makes its debut here. The system, which we’ve detailed before, is found on other models sold here like the Mazda 2, Mazda 3 and the latest CX-5.

On the exterior, the CX-9 now comes with LED daytime running lights instead of the halogen units which equip the Aussie-spec models. That, and the addition of the ‘GVC’ badge, are the only noticeable differences, with everything else remaining unchanged.


You’ll still get LED headlights, front fog lamps and taillights, along with bulb-type rear fogs, eight parking sensors, a powered tailgate, powered sunroof, all-round disc brakes and a set of 20-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels (shod with 225/50 profile tyres).

The familiarity continues on the inside as well, with nearly identical kit as before. These items include a triple-zone auto climate control system (with rear vents), leather upholstery, powered seats with driver’s side memory, projector-type Active Driving Display, 4.6-inch multi-info instrument cluster display, MZD Connect infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.


A glance to the right of the steering wheel reveals two further changes, the first being the new switchgear for the power-folding side mirrors (like the one seen in the CX-5). The other, is the omission of the i-Stop idling stop function, along with the i-ELOOP capacitor-based energy recovery system. In place of these systems is an improved i-ActivSense driving assistance and safety suite.

Mazda’s Lane Keep Assist System (LAS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Driver Attention Alert are the new introductions, and they join the existing Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) along with front and rear Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).

Other safety-related equipment include six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), ABS, EBD, Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Launch Assist (HLA). Another change is removal of the the second row seatbelt warning indicator, but the vehicle still qualifies for a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).