Mazda CX-9 Enhanced

Mazda isn’t resting on its laurels with its award-winning CX-9. Instead the Japanese car maker is introducing tweaks to the CX-9 to further improve handling with the addition of G-Vectoring Control (GVC) as standard across the range, alongside a raft of safety upgrades and measures to reduce NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels.

Tweaks to the reigning Wheels Car of the Year see its pricing rise by $1400 across the whole range of front- and all-wheel-drive models.

GVC adjusts engine torque in response to steering input to better control the vertical load on each wheel, which in turn improves its vehicle dynamics. While handling wasn’t an issue with the CX-9, the addition of GVC is part of the technology’s roll-out throughout the Mazda range.

Cabin noise wasn’t really a problem with the CX-9, but Mazda has improved its relatively quiet ride by bolstering sound insulation throughout the cabin and rear cargo area to reduce tyre noise and sound reverberation.

According to Mazda, this improves the clarity of voices in the second and third row by approximately five percent, making it easier for everyone in the vehicle to communicate.

The CX-9’s ACTIVESENSE driver assistance package, that’s included across the range, has also been enhanced with Smart City Brake Support (Forward) which is now able to operate from 4 to 80km/h instead of up to 30km/h.

Traffic Sign Recognition has also been added to the GT and Azami models.

The powered driver’s seat adds a new tilt function that adjusts the height of the cushion’s front edge, and the second row seats are now able to be tilted forward more, making it easier for occupants in the second and third rows to get in and out.

Auto-power folding mirrors have also been added across the range.

Mazda has also added the Soul Red Crystal Metallic colour to the CX-9 range, which first appeared on the all-new CX-5 earlier this year.

The updated CX-9 range is in showrooms now.

Mazda CX-9 MY18 pricing

• CX-9 Sport FWD – $43,890
• CX-9 Sport AWD – $47,890
• CX-9 Touring FWD – $50,290
• CX-9 Touring AWD – $54,290
• CX-9 GT FWD – $58,790
• CX-9 GT AWD – $62,790
• CX-9 Azami FWD – $60,790
• CX-9 Azami AWD – $64,790