Mazda CX-9 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Mazda has launched a refreshed CX-9 only one year into the second-generation seven-seat SUV's life, adding safety upgrades with improvements to noise suppression and road holding.

The CX-9 received its improvements as part of an evolution of equipment upgrades made to other Mazda models.

The latest changes include G-vectoring control, Mazda speak for a steering system that reacts to inputs including vehicle speed, steering wheel angle and lateral forces. It alters steering assistance to reduce driver effort.

There are six measures taken to reduce NVH, including the addition of better noise-reduction material in the floor, boot and headliner.

G-vectoring control has already been launched on models including the Mazda2, Mazda3 and new-gen CX-5.

Other upgrades and changes for the CX-9 include noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reductions that reduce noise by a claimed five per cent in the second and third seat rows.

Mazda said this improves cabin communication for passengers. There are six measures taken to reduce NVH, including the addition of better noise-reduction material in the floor, boot and headliner.

There is also an increase in specifications, most revolving around the CX-9's safety inventory.

The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system has been improved with the addition of pedestrian detection, while the effective speed range of the AEB rises to between 4km/h and 80km/h, from the previous band of 4-30km/h.

Mazda's top-shelf GT and Azami variants now get traffic sign recognition and heated outer seats in the middle row.

There are minor changes to improve occupant and driver comfort.

All grades now add child seat anchor points on all positions in the second and third rows, with ISOFIX connections for the two outer seats in the middle row.

Mazda has announced a $1400 price rise across the CX-9 range for the new upgrades and additions.

Mazda's latest hero colour, Soul Red Crystal, is now included as an option.

There are also minor changes to improve occupant and driver comfort. The front edge of the driver's seat can now be independently tilted.

Second-row seat backs can be tilted back further than before for better access to the third row while the middle row gets less restrictive sliders and a lighter lever action to make it easier to move the seat fore and aft.

Folding mirrors have been included across the range and Mazda's latest hero colour, Soul Red Crystal, is now included as an option.

Sales of the CX-9 are up 380 per cent this year, from 1161 in the same seven-month period in 2016 (previous generation) to 5576 for this year's period to the end of July.

Do you think the changes to the Mazda CX-9 will improve an already good package? Tell us what you think in the comments below.