Mazda CX-9 2018 pricing and specs confirmed

Mazda Australia has updated its CX-9 large SUV with improved safety and ride comfort, as well as introducing a new premium Azami LE grade to top the range.

Pricing has been adjusted slightly across the line-up, with the entry-level Sport grade checking in from $44,990 plus on-road costs and the Touring now from $51,390, an $1100 price hike in both cases.

Moreover, the GT is up $600 to start at $59,390 and the Azami is just $200 dearer from $60,990.

While the CX-9 is standard with a front-wheel drivetrain, all-paw set-ups are available at a $4000 premium in all grades except for the new Azami LE which is exclusively all-wheel-drive.

The CX-9's suspension has been revised to lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

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The decision to add a new top-spec CX-9 was prompted by the volume of sales in higher grades.

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The new range-topper features a number of interior upgrades including wood trim pieces, ambient LED lighting, and nappa leather seats.

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No changes come to the 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine or six-speed auto.

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Speaking of, the new range-topper is priced at $66,490 and features a number of “luxury” interior upgrades including “real wood” trim pieces, ambient LED lighting, nappa leather seats, a more minimalist overhead console design and a box-stitched leather steering wheel.

The rest of the range has been updated too, now sporting standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, a stronger suit of advanced driver assist systems and revisions to suspension to lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Mazda's ‘i-Activesense’ technology features are now equipped out-of-the-box, which include active cruise control, smart brake support, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam control and tyre pressure monitoring.

These aforementioned technologies join carryover city brake support, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and driver attention alert.

According to Mazda, changes made to the dampers, springs, top mounts and steering column have created a more comfortable ride as well enhanced steering responsiveness.

Standard equipment on the Azami has been improved, which extends to the new Azami LE, now featuring surround-view cameras, a heated steering wheel, front seat ventilation, a windscreen de-icer, frameless rear-vision mirror and a 7.0-inch TFT information display mounted on the instrument panel.

The decision to add a new top-spec CX-9 was prompted by the volume of sales in higher grades, said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“Since its 2016 launch, Mazda CX-9 sales have always skewed to high-grade AWD variants, so we added Azami LE to give those looking for luxury even greater choice in the range,” he said.

The update sees no changes to the engine, with the Japanese SUV still powered by Mazda's 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Seven exterior paint schemes are available which include 'Soul Red Crystal Metallic', 'Machine Grey Metallic', 'Sonic Silver Metallic', 'Deep Crystal Blue Mica', 'Titanium Flash Mica', 'Jet Black Mica' and 'Snowflake White Pearl Mica'.

2018 Mazda CX-9 list pricing

 Mazda Australia anticipates 6500 sales of the new Mazda CX-9 in its first year, do you think they are on the money? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.