#14
By Dr Hanningtone Gaya
The CX-9 is a stand-up example of both Mazda’s premium aspirations, and its technical merit in terms of engine and platform flexibility. While there have been no earth shattering updates since the initial launch, the all-new Mazda CX-9 shows the brand’s knack for rolling out incremental annual improvements that keep the product fresh and the technology contemporary.
Mazda as a brand has been courting buyers since the introduction of the CX-9, which comes complete with its unfussy drive, comfortable surrounds and decent technology.
The Signature represents the flagship of the CX-9 range, with its new bold exterior badging design, with signature all round chrome ascents. This model comes with Mazda advanced keyless entry system as well as an automatic walk-away locking system.
The All-New Mazda CX-9 Signature model’s interior comes in Dark Oriental Brown Quilted Nappa leather seating surfaces with premium white stitching. Centre console and door panels come with the stylish Santos Rosewood trim and aluminium accents.
Both Front seats come with 10 position power adjust with 2- position memory settings for driver’s seat with power lumbar support. LED illumination on door-pockets and overhead interior lighting with intensity control form part of the premium interior finish.
Dashboard material and door panels consist of quality soft leather touch materials. Wide high mounted centre console with LED illumination houses the BOSE® Premium 294 Watt 12-speaker audio system and 3D full Local Navigation maps controls.
Premium wide armrest with dual opening function with dual USB and Auxiliary as well as SD slot card connections are part of the premium interior. Multifunction 9’’ colour screen display panel with full 360-degree view camera.
The Mazda CX-9 Signature interior also features a power moonroof, an interior signature LED lighting on roof panels, front A/C ventilated seats, front and rear heated seats and independent rear A/C control switches with full digital display.
One-touch front and rear power windows control system, rear privacy glass, with premium rear doors pull up blinders and a third row with seat belts, cup holders, USB outlets for maximum convenience complete the interior premium features.
The 2022 model comes with the 9-inch MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment screen. There is the new addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility together with Wireless phone charging system. Active Driving Heads Up Display with speed and navigation indication as well as traffic sign recognition. Six USB ports are available to accommodate all passengers and their devices including the 3rd row seats.
The all-new Mazda CX-9 offers the advanced foot-activated power liftgate with adjustable height control for ease of reach. Both second and third rows can easily be folded forward to create a large boot space. Dual chrome exhaust pipes as well as signature rear chrome bumper further compliment the bold stylish look whilst enhancing feel of total performance.
The CX-9 comes with the signature brushed aluminium 20-inch alloy wheels with an impressive 222 mm ground clearance. The updated refined and retuned suspension offers a smoother, quieter and more natural ride and greater sound suppression by way of a thicker headliner and thicker floor mats, which aid in ease of natural conversation and enjoyment.
The incorporated Skyactiv-chassis has strut suspension at front and multi-link suspension at the rear.
The engine is smooth and with the silence of a church during the weekdays. The transmission is fluid with smooth changes in gears. If you plan to go upcountry, and cover gravel roads or wet areas often, the AWD all-new Signature is the choice.
Inside the cabin is serene. Road and wind noise are well insulated for hassle and fatigue free. Drive. The ride is comfortable even on the 20-inch wheels. The ability to shrug off choppy gravel roads and smooth out speed humps on roughly designed road surfaces is impressive.
When most of your day is a crazy merry-go-round, it is nice to step into a car that is both spacious and comfortable, and behaves on the road in the manner it proclaims on the tin. The Mazda CX-9 is a confident, capable drive, enhanced in this case by the premium feel of the top-spec Signature. All this in a package that, although obviously large, doesn’t feel like one. Instead, the CX-9’s sporting verve, tidy handling, and sterling performance is up to the task in luxurious motoring.
