Mazda Australia has provided some updates to 2019 CX-9. It gains a range of
technology improvements and welcomes a new top-line variant called the Azami
LE. Five variants are now available for the large SUV buyer, ranging from
the Sport, Touring, GT, Azami, and new Azami LE. All continue to be powered by
a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 231 hp and 420 Nm,
matched to a six-speed automatic. Both front- and all-wheel drive versions are available for
each variant (except the LE, AWD only).
Wwhat’s the Azami LE all about? Well, it’s
positioned as a premium offering that promises to set a new standard for
affordable luxury. This is in response to customer demand for the high-grade
CX-9s so far, Mazda says. It’s offered with a unique colour palette with rich and genuine
materials inside, including deep red, Chroma brown Nappa leather, real wood
veneers, and elegant LED ambient lighting. There’s also a cleaner overhead
console design and handcrafted stitching for the leather-wrapped steering
wheel.
In other areas of the range, all models now come
standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a comprehensive package of i-ActivSense safety
technologies. The i-ActivSense suite includes things such as radar cruise
control with stop & go, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure
warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and auto high-beam
control. A rear-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert is also standard.
Mazda has applied some revisions to the
underpinnings for a smooth ride, with changes to the suspension and steering,
lower-friction dampers and recalibrated springs, with urethane top mounts for
the rear end. There’s also a redesigned steering knuckle and ball joint that
promises a more neutral feel. As a result, Mazda says noise, vibration and
harshness levels (NVH) are improved.
Mazda Australia is anticipating a healthy growth in
sales with the launch of the updated range. The new model is on sale now with
prices starting from the following (excluding on-road costs):
- 2019 CX-9 Sport FWD: AUD 44,990
- 2019 CX-9 Sport AWD: AUD 48,990
- 2019 CX-9 Touring FWD: AUD 51,390
- 2019 CX-9 Touring AWD: AUD 55,390
- 2019 CX-9 GT FWD: AUD 59,390
- 2019 CX-9 GT AWD: AUD 63,390
- 2019 CX-9 Azami FWD: AUD 60,990
- 2019 CX-9 Azami AWD: AUD 64,990
- 2019 CX-9 Azami LE AWD: AUD 66,490
