New Mazda CX-9 line-up to double

Mazda Australia has announced it will double the model range of its long-awaited second-generation CX-9 when it goes on sale here in late June.

Pricing for the big new seven-seat SUV is yet to be announced, but Mazda has confirmed four equipment grades will be available for the first time -- up from three currently and bringing it in line with the smaller CX-3 and CX-5.

Topping the range will be the new top-shelf Azumi variant, positioned above the high-grade GT, mid-spec Touring and entry-level Sport.

All four model grades will be available in both front-wheel drive (2WD) and i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration, bringing the total number of new CX-9 variants to eight – up from four currently.

However, there will be no diesel, no V6 and no manual versions, with the new CX-9 set to be offered only with a turbocharged 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the Ford-developed 3.7-litre V6 that powers the outgoing CX-9 exclusively.

Mazda claims the new CX-9 will therefore be almost 25 per cent more frugal than the first model, which used fuel at the rate of 11.0L/100km, as well as the most economical seven-seat petrol model in its class. A six-speed automatic transmission will continue to be the sole gearbox option.

Fuel consumption of the new engine, which runs on 91 RON unleaded and delivers more torque but less power than before at 170kW/420Nm (versus 204kW/366Nm for the old CX-9), will be as low 8.4L/100km, while AWD variants will consume 8.8L/100km.

Apart from its downsized turbo-petrol four, which could eventually power a range of born-again MPS sports models from Mazda, economy is aided by both 'i-stop' idle-stop and world-first capacitor-based i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration systems, as in the Mazda6.

Apart from these SKYACTIV engine technologies, there will be a range of i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety features.

“This is the most comprehensive Mazda CX-9 range ever,” said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

“Four grades in both front- and all-wheel drive brings the Mazda CX-9 range in line with the four distinct grades that we offer on Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-3, both of which have proved to be very appealing to Australian car buyers.

“When the brand-new Mazda CX-9 arrives, thanks to the strength of the range and the significantly improved fuel economy figures, there is certainly something for everyone.”

Now in production at the Ujina Plant No 1 in Hiroshima, the CX-9 will be released first in North America, where 80 per cent of global CX-9 production will end up.

With Mazda forecasting 50,000 sales per annum worldwide, Australian sales could account for a large part of the remaining 20 per cent, given it's expected to be far more popular than the nine-year-old model it replaces.

Currently priced between $43,770 and $61,680, the original CX-9 found just 3384 customers Down Under last year – well down on cheaper seven-seat large SUV rivals like the Toyota Kluger, Holden Captiva 7 and Ford Territory.