The CX-90's interior is huge, thanks to its long wheelbase and considerable length and width.

Access is easy due to large doors that open up to nearly 90 degrees, while once sat perched up high, the cabin environment is one of high quality attention to detail.

Plus points include an attractive and beautifully presented dashboard, featuring clear and concise instrumentation, a large central multimedia display, easy reach of most switches and controls, ample ventilation and sufficient storage.

The driving position is also first class, and is aided by comfy and very supportive front seats. If Mazda is aiming for premium buyers, there's a lot that will sway them just from sitting inside a CX-90.

The centre row, meanwhile, continues to impress with lots of room, and most of the amenities you'd expect in a luxury SUV . These include face-level air vents, USB ports, cupholders and map packets, as well as a separate climate control system.

Plus, the 70:30 split-fold bench reclines a little and slides forward and back as required.

The latter aids third-row entry, to a pair of surprisingly accommodating seats. Mazda has also addressed one of the preceding CX-9's biggest criticisms by installing air vents out back there as well.

Finally, there is up to 257 litres of cargo space with all seats erect, rising to a total of 2025L in two-seater only mode.

Every CX-90 is well equipped.

The entry-level (for now) Touring comes with LED headlights, auto high beams, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, 10.25-inch multimedia display screen, 360-degree surround-view camera, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, wireless smartphone charging, eight-speaker audio with DAB+ digital radio, sat-nav, USB-C ports, leather, three-zone climate control with separate rear controls, electric and heated front seats with driver’s side memory, keyless entry/push-button start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power-folding/heated exterior mirrors, a hands-free powered tailgate and 19-inch alloys.

For adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch digital instrument display, powered steering column, a heated steering wheel, second-row heated outboard seats, a 12.3-inch display screen, premium Bose audio upgrade and 21-inch alloy wheels, you'll need to stretch to the GT.

The flagship Azami, meanwhile, introduces Nappa leather seats, a frameless interior mirror, upgraded camera views, woven textile fabrics, cooled/vented front seats, ambient lighting and more.

Two styles of seating arrangements are offered in the CX-90.

The standard one is the usual seven-seater set-up. Two comfy and supportive bucket seats up front, followed by a three-person second row, with the bench divided into a 70:30 split. Both portions slide and recline, to offer easier access to the twin-seat third-row area.

The second is a six-seater style, with two seats up front, two 'Captain's Chairs' in the centre, and the two third-row positions out back.

Both permutations provide enough space for adults as well as kids.

The CX-90 is powered by a 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbocharged engine, with the choice of petrol or diesel, and both use a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

The petrol-powered G50e produces 254kW of power at a heady 5000-6000rpm and 500Nm of torque between 2000-4500rpm, while the diesel delivers 187kW at 3750rpm and 550Nm between 1500-2400rpm.

Both are paired with an eight-speed, non-torque-converter automatic transmission, and though rear-biased, it’s to an all-wheel drive system.

The Mazda CX-90 G50e can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 210km/h.

Officially, the CX-90 G50e petrol returns 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, and spews out 189 grams per kilometre of CO2. Fitted with a 74L petrol tank, expect an average range of around 900km.

Note it requires a minimum 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.

The diesel-powered D50e delivers an impressive 5.4L/100km, for a CO2 figure of 143g/km. Its diesel fuel range average is about 1370km.

On our rural-only launch drive, we managed 9.3L/100km indicated in the petrol G50e, and 7.8L/100km in the diesel D50e.