Mazda CX-9 Takami tested

In recent months Mazda has been building a new range of Takami flagship models — the latest being the CX-9 I drove from Fairview Motors.

The translation from Japanese means “higher than the rest” and describes the specification and positioning of Takami models one step above Mazda’s Limited grade.

While the Limited is already lavishly equipped and boasts impressive finish quality, with a $2600 price premium Mazda has added a Nappa leather seat trim in a deep red colour, ventilated front seats, a “craft-stitch “leather steering wheel, Rosewood trim inserts, front console ambient lighting, a 360-degree view monitor and a 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument cluster.

The CX-9 multi-tasks as Mazda’s luxury flagship and as its roomiest seven-seat SUV.

It has the torque-rich smoothness and strong midrange response of the Sky Activ 2.5T turbocharged engine, to give it an overall driving refinement for a big vehicle that provides a roomy seven-seat SUV cabin space.

Drive it sensibly and you can aim for a combined cycle average of 8.8L/100km fuel economy.

Turbo torque is delivered through a sixspeed automatic transmission with reasonably tall gearing that allows relaxed highway cruising.

All-wheel-drive is standard and it delivers a comfortable ride on the highway while retaining progressive body control through twisty sections.

The CX-9 showcases Mazda’s full i-ActiveSense safety roster — with radar cruise control (with stop-go function) plus the Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Forward/ Reverse) autonomous emergency braking system, Forward Obstruction Warning, Distance Recognition Support System and Lane Keep Assist.