Mazda CX-9 upgrade

Showing off a new look and boasting improved fuel economy, Mazda's updated seven-seat crossover vehicle, the CX-9, will arrive in Australian dealerships later this month (September).

While the updated Mazda CX-7 range, which arrives a little later -- in November -- benefits from a turbodiesel unit, the CX-9 will stick with a single V6 petrol engine.

The 3.7-litre 24-valve V6 generates 204kW/367Nm to shift the CX-9's considerable mass and Mazda has managed to reduce fuel usage from 13.0L/100km to 12.2L/100km. As the icing on the cake, the updated engine also meets Euro Stage IV emissions regulations.

Making use of a six-speed automatic transmissions as standard, the updated CX-9 range adds a new model to the mix, in the form of the Grand Touring variant.

This top-spec model sits above the Classic and Luxury models, which were first introduced in 2007, and all CX-9s will be equipped with Mazda's Active Torque Split all-wheel drive system to improve traction and safety levels.

Mazda's new CX-9 has been given a more modern appearance with a restyled front fascia that includes a larger air intake below the grille, different fog light nacelles and other subtle changes.

Several new features are expected to be added to the revised CX-9 range and we'll have all the details when Mazda releases detailed specifications and pricing in the next few weeks. The range will consist of three models:

- CX-9 Classic six-speed Activematic
- CX-9 Luxury six-speed Activematic
- CX-9 Grand Touring six-speed Activematic

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