First shipment of all-new 2017 Mazda CX-9 arrives Down Under

New Mazda CX-9 Arrival

The first shipment of all-new Mazda CX-9s have arrived in Australia ahead of its July launch.

Scheduled for use at the national media launch, followed by a Mazda Dealer event, 60 vehicles docked in Melbourne late last night having been shipped direct from Japan.

Adopting Mazda’s KODO design language, the new CX-9 features a longer bonnet, swept glasshouse, crisp lines and short overhangs. At 5065mm long, the CX-9 is 30mm shorter than its predecessor, but its wheelbase has been stretched 55mm, benefiting passenger legroom as well as entry to and exit from the rear.

Housing larger wheels – 18 and 20-inch – the CX-9’s tapered fenders are pushed to the edge of its body, giving the SUV a wider stance.

New Mazda CX-9 Arrival

Inside, the CX-9 pushes upmarket with a premium-look interior featuring a sweeping single piece of aluminum across the dashboard, emphasizing width. In the upper grade models, the forward-angled dashboard is flanked with Auburn accents.

Buyer interest in Mazda’s flagship seven-seat family-sized SUV is at an all-time high with almost 55,000 potential purchase leads registering their interest in the vehicle, of which 13,000 want to be contacted directly by a Mazda representative.

Never has there been so much pre-launch interest in a Mazda model, with CX-9 numbers surpassing the record 34,000 leads and 9,700 priority call requests recorded for All-New Mazda MX-5 prior to its showroom debut in early-August last year.

“We had record interest in Mazda MX-5, but the response to Brand-New Mazda CX-9 has been remarkable,” said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak. “Never have we experienced such pre-launch interest in a Mazda nameplate.”

“This gives our sales team a fantastic starting platform, with the goal being to turn as many of these potential buyers into CX-9 owners.”

2016-mazda-cx-9-front-quarter

When the new Mazda CX-9 goes on sale it will be available in four grades for the first time, including the entry-level Sport, mid-grade Touring, high-spec GT and high plus grade Azami.

Available with the new generation SkyActiv 2.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine with both i-stop and i-ELOOP technology, the CX-9 boasts fuel economy figures from a low 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

The new engine, with a compression ratio of 10.5:1 – one of the highest for any turbocharged engine – produces 169kW at 5000rpm and 420Nm at 2000rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda’s i-Activsense safety features upgraded for the new CX-9 now include Blind Spot Monitoring, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic High Beam, Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Full pricing and specification will be announced closer to local launch.

First Look: 2017 Mazda CX-9

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