The 2021 Mazda CX-9 has been launched in Australia with new luxury features, slightly revised exterior styling and new additions to the local lineup. Now offering second row captain’s chairs in the new Azami LE spec (which reduces the seating capacity to six), the CX-9 now has new appeal to limousine companies while the rest of the range has also picked up new standard equipment such as the brand’s new Mazda Connect infotainment system.

“The Mazda CX-9 is rightfully considered our flagship model,” said Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi.

“With these latest updates, we introduce the Azami LE with its luxurious ‘Captain’s Seat’ seating configuration and the sporty GT SP with its bespoke dark aesthetic highlights, to further strengthen its road presence.

Due in Mazda dealerships early next year, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is priced from $45,990 plus on-road costs (+$70 on the 2020 model) for the entry level Sport. Mazda has increased the available number of models to 12 with the GT SP, Azami LE and 100th Anniversary Edition added to the range, each bringing their own unique look.

Mazda has subtly refined the CX-9’s styling with a new grille and new alloy wheels, while the interior has new trims and colours available. Centre on all models is the brand’s new Mazda Connect infotainment system, which also features in the new Mazda 3 and CX-30. All models receive a 10.25-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, while the system is much quicker than before, according to Mazda.

The Azami LE grade has been reintroduced with new second row ‘captain’s chairs’ – instead of a bench that seats three, there are two individual chairs that feature power adjustment, as well as heating and ventilation and a centre console. A new GT SP grade has also joined the range with blacked out design features and burgundy leather upholstery, while the 100th Anniversary Edition is painted in a metallic white with red upholstery and carpets.

The GT and above receive a wireless phone charging pad ahead of the gear shifter – the first time wireless charging has been offered on an Australian-spec Mazda – while the Touring has received paddle shifters too. Mazda’s new Polymetal Grey colour has been added to the colour palette having featured on the newly updated CX-5.

There have been no mechanical changes with this update for the CX-9 – the 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine matched to either front- or all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission remains for all models.

2021 Mazda CX-9 pricing (plus on-road costs):

  • CX-9 Sport FWD – $45,990
  • CX-9 Sport AWD – $49,990
  • CX-9 Touring FWD – $53,490
  • CX-9 Touring AWD – $57,490
  • CX-9 GT FWD – $62,990
  • CX-9 GT AWD – $66,990
  • CX-9 GT SP FWD (new) – $63,490
  • CX-9 GT SP AWD (new) – $67,490
  • CX-9 Azami FWD – $66,190
  • CX-9 Azami AWD – $70,625
  • CX-9 Azami LE AWD (new) – $73,875
  • CX-9 100th Anniversary Special Edition FWD (new) – $72,575

About The Author

Jake is the veteran automotive journalist in the DiscoverAuto team having been in the industry since 2017. His first word was Volvo, he nitpicks every piece of practical design and has an unhealthy obsession for cars that feature rain-activated headlights.

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