New Mazda CX-9 from $42,490

Mazda Australia says a lower starting price, reduced fuel consumption, better performance, improved design and more equipment will make its second-generation CX-9 far more popular than the original when it goes on sale in July.

The Japanese car-maker today announced a $42,490 (plus on-road costs) pricetag for the new entry-level CX-9 Sport, which makes it $1280 cheaper than the old CX-9 Classic it replaces, but pricier than than base versions of key large SUV rivals like the Toyota Kluger, Holden Captiva and Ford Territory.

All four new CX-9 variants will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with AWD adding $4000 to the price of the base Sport, the "core-grade" Touring (from $48,890), the high-grade GT (from $57,390) and the range-topping Azami (from $59,390).

As we've reported, all CX-9s will be powered by a new 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission fitted with both i-stop and i-ELOOP systems, delivering 170kW of power at 5000rpm and 420Nm of torque at just 2000rpm.

Consuming 8.4L/100km (FWD) and 8.8L/100km (AWD), Mazda says it's not only almost 25 per cent more efficient than the 204kW/367Nm 3.7-litre V6 model it replaces (11.0L/100km FWD, 11.2L/100km AWD), but "the most economical seven-seater petrol model in its class".

Combined with double the number of model variants and an array of new safety features  Mazda says its new CX-9 will be far more popular than before.

"The new CX-9 will outsell the old one," Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders told motoring.com.au.

"It's better in every respect – fuel consumption, performance, comfort and design. While the old CX-9 was long and narrow, the new one is hunkered down and much more attractive.

"With sharp pricing and more torque at half the revs, it's going to be a winner."

Under the umbrella of Mazda’s new i-ACTIVSENSE technologies, Mazda’s new flagship SUV will feature advanced blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and forward/reverse Smart City Brake Support in all versions.

In addition, the top-spec Azami model will come standard with adaptive LED headlights, high-beam control, driver attention alert, lane keep-assist system and Smart Brake Support – which is an extension of the Smart City Brake Support that is standard elsewhere.

“The brand-new Mazda CX-9’s value proposition is a strong one,” said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

“Starting from $42,490 plus on roads, each grade offers something unique, [and] we expect brand-new Mazda CX-9 will appeal to a broad buyer group.

“When you consider the seven-seater SUV options available on the market, this is affordable luxury.

“I think we can now safely say that the Mazda CX-9 offers a premium ownership and driving experience without the pricetag.”

Mazda Australia's annual CX-9 sales reached a high of 4605 in 2008, but dropped back to just 3384 in 2015 – well below the segment leaders.

Although 80 per cent of CX-9 production at the Ujina Plant No 1 in Hiroshima is destined for North America, Mazda expects its new SUV flagship to achieve something its nine-year-old forebear never did – find 50,000 customers annually.

2016 Mazda CX-9 pricing (plus ORCs):
Sport FWD -- $42,490
Sport AWD -- $46,490
Touring FWD -- $48,890
Touring AWD -- $52,890
GT FWD -- $57,390
GT AWD -- $61,390
Azami FWD -- $59,390
Azami AWD -- $63,390