Mazda is ready to start rolling out the 2021 CX-9 in Australia, where it will go on sale early next year with three new trim levels. The new range-topping variant is named the Azami LE and features second-row captain’s seats with heating and ventilation separated by a central console. It also gets quilted Nappa leather upholstery, new aluminum trim and easy access to the third row at the push of a button. On the outside, it has a Titanium Grey metallic grille, larger tailpipes and 20-inch wheels.

Limited to 110 units locally, the CX-9 100th Anniversary Edition has a burgundy and white color theme reminiscent of Mazda’s first passenger car, the R360. The cockpit is adorned with burgundy Nappa leather and the red theme extends to the carpet and floor mats. The special edition badging on the front fenders, wheel caps, headrests, floor mats and key fob, rounds out the looks.

 

Building on the GT, the CX-9 GT SP is also new to the range. It sports a dark gunmetal grille, black side mirror casings, black 20-inch alloy wheels, black interior decorations, red stitching and burgundy leather upholstery. The rest of the range has gained the latest-gen 10.25-inch infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging pad for the GT and higher grades, paddle shifters for the Touring and higher model grades and a new exterior color named Polymetal Grey.

Black cloth upholstery is standard on the Sport trim level, and the Touring and GT get optional black leather. Furthermore, the latter can be specified with natural stone and beige leather interior, while the GT SP gets rich burgundy leather, and pure white and walnut brown Nappa leather are reserved for the Azami and Azami LE.

 

Safety gear such as the radar cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, smart brake support, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention alert, smart city brake support, high beam control and others are standard. Power is supplied by the SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 231 PS and 420 Nm of torque. It is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or, optionally, all-wheel drive.

Local pricing starts at AU$ 45,990 (US$ 34,780) for the base model, excluding on-road costs, and goes up to AU$ 73,875 (US$ 55,868) for the Azami LE, while the 100th Anniversary Edition has a starting price of AU$ 72,575 (US$ 54,884).