Mazda CX-9

Mazda gave its premium SUV, CX-9 a much-needed update last year. Positioned above the CX-8, it gets subtle changes under the skin and some prominent safety tech which pushes the price bracket further. However, the change in price doesn’t pinch as such, for the new additions made to the equipment list up the ante, making it a value for money SUV in its segment. A new variant, christened Azami LE, has been introduced, which sits at the top of the range. Other variants in the line-up include Sport, Touring, GT and Azami. These grades are available in a total of seven monotone colour options-Mahine Grey Mettalic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Sonic Silver Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic. 

The face has been styled in line with Mazda’s quintessential design tenet seen in its new crop of SUVs. Striking lines on low slung bonnet, sleek LED-equipped headlamps and a prominent grille featuring multiple chrome slats with Mazda’s logo embossed at the top accentuate the bold look. Like in other SUVs in CX range, this one also gets a bold chrome surround around the grille which meets with the headlamps. The bumper, sporting air-inlets, and other sculpted elements are highlighted by the chrome lining running across the width of its lower-end. A lot of chrome treatment can be seen on the sides and round the back, especially in the higher variants. Sides are marked by thick cladding, bold contours on the panels and chunky alloys. While at the back, it gets slender wrap-around LED tail-lamps connected through a bold chrome band. The styling elements offered on the range might vary based on the variant. 

The interior of 2019 Mazda CX-9 gets a seven-seat configuration, spread across three rows. While there isn’t much change in terms of comfort, it gets new tech for an enhanced experience. New to the tech list are the connectivity bits, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that now support CX-9’s MZD Connect infotainment system with 8-inch coloured touchscreen. However, the MZD system seems a bit dated even after it gets the new smartphone interface, and hence it needs an update too. Customers can choose cabin colour from several trim options to complement the dark cabin. Brimming with comfort and connectivity features, the spacious cabin gets multiple utility points such as bottle holders, cup holders, door pockets, glove box, etc. Cargo Space is just 230-litre with the third row in use, albeit it could be expanded further to 810-litres by folding them completely. 

The Mazda Cx-9 specifications include a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 170kW of power at 5000 rpm against 420Nm torque at 2000 rpm. A 6-speed automatic gearbox is connected to the petrol unit, while the AWD system is reserved for the top-spec trim, while rest make do with the FWD drivetrain. Power to retard speed comes from ventilated disc units at both ends. 

The safety suite on this three-row SUV consists of multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, auto-door lock, hill-launch assist, reverse camera, smart brake support, whiplash-minimizing front seats, traffic sign recognition and an array of others.