The new Mazda CX-9 had been expected to surface by the end of 2016, and as promised, Mazda distributor Bermaz has given the media a preview of its flagship SUV, the bigger sibling of the popular CX-5. However, the second-generation CX-9 will only be launched in June 2017. It will be a CBU import from Japan, but Bermaz is exploring the possibility of CKD local assembly and exports (Thailand gets its CX-5s from Malaysia).
Revealed at the LA Auto Show late last year, the new CX-9 is styled in the now familiar Kodo design language Mazda has pushed over the past few years. No surprises, but design highlights include the wide, square jaw and chrome bar linking the tail lamps.
The seven-seater SUV (50:50 third row, 60:40 second row) no longer shares underpinnings with Ford, and has a slightly smaller footprint than before – but at 5,075 mm long and 1,969 mm wide, it won’t be confused for a CX-5. The overhangs have been trimmed, and the 2,930 mm wheelbase is 55 mm longer than before.
Similarly, the interior is all new, featuring a dashboard layout that’s typically modern Mazda, with three deep-set dials and a free-standing display in the centre of the dash. Age aside, the materials used in the original CX-9 was quite some way from the premium standard, and this is an area that has been significantly improved.
The design isn’t the only big shift for the CX-9 – gone is the big naturally-aspirated V6 engine and in comes a downsized turbo motor. Mazda’s SkyActiv-G 2.5T is a direct-injection turbocharged engine with both i-stop and i-ELOOP tech.
The four-cylinder unit makes 250 hp/420 Nm in the US, and 228 hp/420 Nm in Australia. It has what Mazda calls Dynamic Pressure Turbo – which varies exhaust pulsation depending on engine speed – to help reduce turbo lag. The 2.5T is mated to a six-speed Skyactiv torque converter auto gearbox. Malaysia will get both front-wheel drive and high-spec AWD variants.
The big Mazda is strong in safety, and has been awarded a five-star rating by the Australasian NCAP. Six airbags aside, there’s Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Smart City Braking Support (SCBS) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), now with a Stop & Go function to handle stop-start traffic. All are part of i-ActiveSense.
Kit wise, things that are available include an eight-inch touchscreen for the MZD Connect infotainment system, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and a revised Active Driving Display head-up display that is now full-colour and projects directly to the windscreen. Aside from speed and driver assist warnings, the HUD now includes a rev counter and navigation.
Also available are a sunroof, powered tailgate, three-zone air con and LED headlamps. Note that these are all the toys available for the model, and the Malaysian spec has not yet been finalised. The car shown here is from Australia and does not reflect what we will get, which will be off a higher spec, Bermaz boss Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said. Stay tuned.
GALLERY: Mazda CX-9 in Japan
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Wow Audi screen in dash like design!
Why wow? It is copy paste job!
Sack the designer!
Why all front all the same ? Mazda has repeatitive boring koala nose design in all its cars. No, thanks
That’s a family face in case you did’t know. Try tell that to the piggy nose of BMW.
Mercedesz front orso same you never complaint…even wprst same headlights for all models…ok now start complaining and whining…
Even chapalang proton can do different front designs. Ok, some parts are quite similar though, so why not Mazda??
I would stay away from a company that lies about increasing their prices out of greed. One day they blame the Yen, another day they blame the US dollar. Next month they will blame the Rupiah or rupees.
This alone shows it is an unethical company with no principles. You dare fork out RM300k to a company that is so dodgy and unethical?
Dont complaint too much la..if you cannot afford then third hand kembara suits you well…whining all the time…get a life la haiyaaa…spoilt my day everytime i see your name here….podah
Bermaz probably waiting for the ringgit to strengthen before introducing it…..
anywat, if u cant quite stretch ur budget, theres always the innova to consider
Anda betul bro shaw, Innova memang bagus.
Even the ringgit strengthen they will not reduce the price. After this they will blame Thai currency down. Typical greedy company. It is not because budget, but some customer smart enough to smell the greediness of some company. Even Innova is out from this type of customer, because they very smart in spending their hard earn money if you know what I mean.
Why not come to Indian market this mazda company car we are interested to see her
lol wait so long….other cars already launched la brother
Kia Sorento dah launched! Lebih Power & practikal, ada Future Value guaranty
Hopefully we will get the same spec as aussie, rm200k for bolehland?
Comfirm over RM 300k
At the rate Bolehland is going, don’t even think about that price bracket. We will be lucky to get at 250k.
No diesel engine, so ‘pemanduan CX9’ feel very sluggish…
sluggish?!
it pumps out 420Nm…
Correct. Toyota Fortuner veli Power
yea… sluggish…
toy fortuner 2.4L GD… <3
400Nm local spec…
other countries may get 450Nm…
I heard from mazda price over RM 300 k..
Very pretty, also well liked in early car reviews (TFL car). If the rumors are true that this will cost about rm250-260k, this will be a very good buy.
If less than 100k, good buy.
CBU estimated $228K^^
228k?? Then its really an attractive proposition.
June 2017??!! Haiiyaaa..
June 2017 Ringgit go up!! Now so low….
the rear look unbalance design..the tail light too small
y nvr bring in CX4?! @@
love mazda cars. But i hope mazda malaysia really look into their service center, so many complaint, i heard some charge for oil change but after driving out from service center found out oil didn’t change.
Toyota aftersales service is good, Honda don’t know, the rest …….
Mercedes aftersales service is excellent, just that you have to be able to pay for it.
Some Japanese brands, even if you pay for it, you get subpar service, worst than Proton in some aspect.
Ask your friends.
This new CX-9 looks impressive given that its goodies have improved by having the latest gizmos like i-stop/i-ELOOP tech together with BOSH 12 speakers, new HUD/Led headlamps/3-zone aircon & sunroof to say the least.
Since this is “only” a 2.5 plus Turbo. it should be priced cheaper than the older model bcos our tax structure is more favorable to smaller engine. Smart move Bermaz.
honda civic 1.5L turbo… ~130k…
favarable to smaller eng capacity?! @@
kanasai, please read our Malaysia Automotive Info Duty Structure. Our Tax structure states that U are paying 105% for engine above 2,500cc.
I believe that is what Mikey is referring to.
Its too pricey….i think Santa Fe and Sorento 10x better than CX9
We need CX4 here! Pls bring it to our shore!
Omg 2017 coming. Where is ya surround camera? Mazda come on! Is cx9 not kancil!
What happened to cx 7??
It’s a good SUV, no doubts about that. The engine is probably one of the best units to come out of Japan at this stage. It definitely outperforms anything we have seen from Toyota, Honda or any other Jap brand’s in that category.
The way I look at it, this is an X5 on a budget.
Mazda cars and SUV had the worst RV currently.
Toyota and Honda vehicles are next to get hit by low RV soon
Audi and VW currently had the worst resale value for European makes
I want one! If you look at the review made in youtube in US, everyone gave a big thumbs up! However i would like to know if Mazda has resolved the issue on draining battery. My current CX9 has changed 3 times since bought it last year. My old CX5 also changed the battery in less than a year after the ownership. All mazda workshops i have been said it was normal. What happened here Mazda? My old volvo S60 even last than 3 years and yet my driving style was always aggresive one.