Mazda SUV moves up a gear

price point. The raised centre console separating the front seats provides a carlike cockpit feel rather than the upright seating position of traditional SUVs.

Key standard features on both CX- 9 models include black leather seat trim, three- zone air conditioning, heated and power- adjustable front seats, rain sensor wipers, LED front fog lamps and a push button electric park brake.

The MZD Connect 8- inch colour touchscreen provides satellite navigation, reversing camera, audio and phone connectivity.

At Limited grade the CX- 9 gains a 294- watt Bose premium audio system with 12- speakers, front seat memory function, LED map- reading spotlights, rear window sunshades, rear privacy glass and Advanced Proximity Locking system. A natural stone leather option is available on the Limited.

Safety will also be a selling point and prior to launch the new CX- 9 has been awarded a 5- star Australasian NCAP safety rating with an overall score of 35.87 ( out of a possible 37 points).

Along with six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control and Roll Stability Control, the GSX and Limited models are equipped with Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Obstruction Warning along with Smart City Brake Support ( Forward and Reverse) and Hill Launch Assist.

The Limited also benefits from a higher level of driver assist technologies, with Mazda Radar Cruise Control with StopGo function, Smart Brake Support, Adaptive LED headlights with auto high beam, Lane Departure Warning and Lane- Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert fatigue warning. The Limited also gets a full colour Active Driving headup display.

The new CX- 9 offers a large- size sevenseat SUV solution with the latest execution of Mazda’s Kodo design providing strong road presence.

The impressive specs, finish quality and technology is a move upmarket without an accompanying price increase. EWMAZDACX- 9 LINE- UP 2.5T GSX FWDAUTO—$ 52,995 2.5T GSX AWDauto —$ 55,495 2.5T Limited AWDauto —$ 62,995