The Mazda CX-9 is the 7-seater SUV that received an update on its 2020 release and it comes in two variants; the 2.5L 2WD and the 2.5L AWD. Prices range from RM 328,996.52 to RM 347,310.92. With Mazda’s signature ‘KODO - Soul of Motion design philosophy similar to their other models, the CX-9 emphasizes boldness and elegance for a new generation of SUVs.

The measurements are 5,075 mm in length, 1,969 mm in width and 1,747 mm in height, with a wheelbase spanning 2,930 mm for both of the variants.

The newest generation of the Mazda CX-9 exudes an exclusive feel and look as it is equipped with a more distinct front grille blending in well with the sharp and slim headlamps.

The rear view of the CX-9 compliments the front view of the vehicle as it keeps a minimal but sophisticated feel with the sleek rear tail lamps and the two exhaust pipes which compliments the overall size of the vehicle.

The variants are all fitted with LED headlamps, LED front fog lights and LED daytime running lights.

All of the variants are equipped with LED tail lamps similar to the front and bulb rear fog lights and bulb reverse lights.

Both variants are fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, complimenting its massive size.

Mazda has utilized a good mix of metal and soft-touch materials, keeping the overall cabin feel exclusive similar to the exterior of the vehicle. The dashboard definitely portrays the exclusive feel that Mazda aims for with its brand’s philosophy.

Both variants offer a mix of both analogue and digital system that features a 4.6-inch TFT LCD Multi Info Display instrument cluster which allows information regarding the vehicle to be shown.

All the variants come with 7 seats and are finished with leather. For the driver seat, it is equipped with a 10-way power seat with a 2-position memory function to ensure the utmost comfort and convenience. The second-row passenger seats include a 60:40 split-fold with three headrests and the third-row passenger seats include a 50:50 split-fold with two headrests.

The CX-9 offers spacious space for the driver as well as the second and third-row passengers, hence there will be no issues in headroom and legroom shortage even after extending the seats fully.

The vehicle has a decent-sized glove compartment that can accommodate any necessities and several storage compartments in the centre console and armrest.

There are six cup holders altogether scattered in the vehicle, as well as four bottle holders for all four doors and two bottle holders at the third-row seats.

The CX-9 has a total of six USB charging ports located in the centre armrest, second row and third row of the vehicle.

The CX-9 is equipped with 230 litres of boot space with all of the seven seats up. Even so, the 60:40 and 50:50 split seats ensure that boot space is more than enough.

The CX-9 has the following active safety features; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), i-ACTIVSENSE which feature Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as well as Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH).

The passive safety features include six airbags located at the front, side and curtain, seat-belts with pretensioners, load limiter and height adjustable anchorages as well as ISOFIX child seats anchor points.

All variants come with two drive modes, which includes Normal and Sport modes.

The CX-9 is equipped with a 9-inch Full-Colour Touch Screen Display which runs on the Mazda Connect (MZD Connect) software that features multi-function commander control and voice control. The infotainment system also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Both variants feature a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) petrol engine which generates 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

Regardless of the variant, the SKYACTIV DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode comes as standard.

Power is sent to the two front wheels for the 2.5L 2WD and the 2.5L AWD is the only all-wheel drive variant.

The car is able to approximately accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 8.0 seconds.

The fuel consumption is approximately around 8.8 l/100km for the 2.5L 2WD and 9.2 l/100km for the 2.5L AWD.

Convenience features include Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus Technology (GVC Plus), the triple-zone auto climate control with rear air conditioning vents, smartphone connectivity, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, a powered tailgate and rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers.

Rear air vents available for the second-row occupants.

Thanks to Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus Technology as well as the 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-9’s body roll is well controlled and the vehicle handles smoothly for its size.

The sound insulation in the car is seamless as road and wind noises are dampened during driving but there are claims that suggest some noise is present when at three-digital speed.