The biggest, most expensive Mazda you can buy, just got a lot of fancier. Sitting at the top
of the range, the flagship 3-row CX-9 now comes with a swanky business-class option that could
turn Lexus owners green with envy. But with only a handful of other changes for model year 2021,
is Mazda's high-end family hauler truly worth the high price? Let's take a look.
More of a rolling update than a full-blown facelift, this vehicle is priced from just
$46,000, but if you want all the bills and whistles of the new top shelf Azami LE model,
it will cost you around $80,000 on the road. It carries over the same exterior styling,
with the new bids being 20-inch alloy wheels, a titanium gray metallic paint job,
and larger exhaust outlets. But once you step inside, you can see where your money is gone.
And these quilted Napa leather captain seats are the headline act,
although the last time I checked, the captain rides up front. Whatever these seats are super
comfy and reminded me of those executive super vans commonly seen in Europe and in Japan,
designed to replicate an office, or maybe a lounge room in the car. This is seriously nice back here,
it's really like business class. You've got heated and cooled seats, there's a centre console,
two USB ports, cup holders, a secret drawer down here, and even power adjustable seats.
The only thing it's missing really is a massage function, and perhaps an in-flight meal.
There's even a one-touch walking function to help those unfortunate souls relegated to the
third row. Although the third row still gets USB ports and cup holders, but no air vents.
The boot is pretty big when you fall down the third row seats, making this
a very family-friendly long distance cruiser.
Upfront, Mazda has upgraded the infotainment system to a much bigger 10.2-inch screen. I've
always liked Mazda's menu system, it's intuitive and easy on the eye, and the new system boots up
faster, operates quicker and looks a little sharper on the screen. My only issue with
it is it's no longer a touch screen system when stationary. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are
part of the package, but they are not wireless. Well, there are no other changes to the cabin,
the wireless phone charger is thoughtfully positioned, so you're never distracted by alerts.
The central controls have a high quality feel
and overall tactility in the car is really quite plush.
Mazda hasn't made any changes to the big SUVs 4 cylinder turbo-charged engine nor its suspension,
but that's no bad thing because it drives very competently.
Despite the CX-9 size, the light steering, clear sight lines and elevated driving position
make it easy to control, and there's loads of torque when you need to overtake.
Ride comfort is also very good, soaking up bumps and lumps effortlessly,
and it's pretty fuel efficient given its size and weight.
At the same time, it handles quite well for such a big rig, with predictable cornering response.
Parking the big SUV is pretty straightforward, thanks to these big side mirrors, and some very
cool parking tech. I've got the reverse camera, I've got front and rear sensors,
plus a 360-degree surround view camera set up. Not bad.
Well, there's only really two major changes to Mazda's flagship SUV, the upgraded screen,
and in the Azami LE, the lavish business-class seats, they make a significant difference,
which I reckon makes this top spec CX-9 worth the high price.
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