EVER looked at a Mazda and thought it wasn't big enough for you? Behold the CX-9 where the brand's trademark style and plenty of passenger space meet.
The sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a huge. Within the brand, it is only challenged by the BT-50 4x4 pick-up truck in size.
Taking it up a notch is its signature Ignite Edition, which transforms the seven-seater into the hottest it has ever been.
HOT SAUCE
The main update is very much aesthetics, with the Ignite Edition package offering a gloss black grille and side mirrors, as well as 20-inch black metallic aluminium alloy wheels.
These go extremely well with the brand's trademark Soul Red Crystal colour option, though you can opt for the returning Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl and Sonic Silver.
Completing the look is the automatic self-levelling LED headlamps, LED taillights, automatic wipers, a powered tailgate, sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, and keyless entry and start.
In the cabin are burgundy leather seats contrasting the black dashboard, door panels and handle bezels. Its features include a 4.6-inch instrument cluster display, windshield-projected head-up display, triple-zone climate control with second-row vents, a navigation function, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
New to the CX-9 are the wireless charger and paddle shifters.
The returning nine-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and the existing wired Android Auto.
The fully-imported model comes in either a two-wheel (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Both share many of the listed features.
Returning to the SUV is the SkyActiv-G 2.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that's paired to six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode - a combination that delivers 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.
The 2WD variant has a fuel tank size of 72 litres and a consumption of 8.8L/100km while the AWD variant comes with a 74-litre fuel tank and mileage of 9.2L/100km.
Mazda i-Stop Idling Technology and G-Vectoring Control Plus Technology (GVC Plus) is present. Exclusive to the AWD variant is the Off-Road Traction Assist.
The standard safety features include the SRS Airbags System, anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, traction control system, emergency stop signal, hill launch assist, engine-immobiliser anti-theft system and walk away lock.
The advanced safety technologies include adaptive LED headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning system, lane-keep assist system, driver attention alert, smart city brake support, smart brake support, and Mazda radar cruise control.
The CX-9 measures 1,747mm in height, 1,969mm in width and 5,075mm in length, with a 2,930mm wheelbase and 222mm ground clearance.
The 2WD variant is priced from RM327,000 while the AWD variant is priced from RM344,000 (on-the-road without insurance), inclusive of a five-year or 100,000km warranty and free maintenance.
BIG ON STYLE
Mazda's new signature look has been a winner in the present market mostly for setting a benchmark in either style or built quality - sometimes both.
It is arguably one of two Japanese automotive brands to have successfully incorporated Continental elements consistently into its Eastern design philosophy.
Generally, big automobiles aren't known to look good or are hailed for being stylish. That is until the car brand you're looking at happens to be a Mazda.
The CX-9 is a big SUV that's larger in person than in photos. Not the largest thing you'll see in the market but certainly a contender as a seven-seater after all.
But its appeal is quite specific as even fans of the brand will need some convincing.
All that drive power is used to move a 2,000kg SUV, and so you can imagine it's not going to be a speed demon despite not being slow. The same goes for its handling, which has been tuned for control of its massive body.
You're going to be asking yourself how often you will maximise the seven-seater capacity. And even then, the third row, as with many seven-seaters, isn't exactly optimised for adults.
There's also the price point. Family and passenger carrier options are aplenty even before you hit the RM300,000 mark. So, you're really scouring the premium range here.
But despite its big body, I enjoyed and appreciated it even more for its design because just how many large seven-seater SUVs can you name that doesn't scream boring? Certainly not the CX-9.
Thanks to its Ignite styling, which is a Mazda finest per-usual, you can easily call it sporty, too.
VERDICT
Large passenger carriers may be deceptively capable these days but they have all the size and weight to contend with in spite of their performance.
Things also get complicated as the pricing escalates in this category. The popularity of passenger carriers such as large SUVs or multipurpose vehicles are highly influenced by very specific, and maybe skewed, demands.
Mazda's premium sits in that very competitive spot. Thankfully it already offers a good drive performance and feel, which makes the rationale behind the CX-9 Ignite Edition less of a bonus and more of a necessity.
It is going to need all the edge it can get to come out on top and the added styling does wonders for keeping it from being overshadowed by the competition.
What was already a decent large SUV is now one of the sportiest of its kind around.
