Mazda adds ‘LE’ to CX-9 family

The broader range has also been upgraded, with suspension and steering revised to improve ride comfort and deliver what Mazda says is a “more linear driving feel”, while NVH levels have been improved through the addition of various technologies, including the use of the driver’s airbag as a tuned-mass damper.

Mazda’s suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies is now standard across the CX-9 range, with the CX-9 the first Australian-delivered Mazda SUV to incorporate Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity into the MZD Connect infotainment system.

On the Azami grade, Mazda have added more luxury and assistance features, including a 360-degree View Monitor, 7-inch TFT instrument panel display, windscreen de-icer, front seat ventilation, heated steering wheel and frameless rear-view mirror.

To this upgraded spec, the new Azami LE adds Chrome Brown (a dark terracotta colour) nappa leather seats, real wood trim on the doors and centre console, LED ambient lighting around said console, special box stitching on the leather-trimmed steering wheel and a “more minimalist” look to the overhead console.

These features add $2,000 to the Azami’s list price, making the Azami LE a significant $66,990, excluding ORCs, but Mazda says the addition of a more premium – and premium-priced - CX-9 was the result of customer demand. “Since its 2016 launch, Mazda CX-9 sales have always skewed to high-grade AWD variants, so we added Azami LE to give those looking for luxury even greater choice in the range,” said Managing Director of Mazda Australia, Vinesh Bhindi.

The Azami LE runs the same powertrain as the rest of the CX-9 range in Mazda’s SKYACTIV 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with stop-start technology, matched to the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed auto transmission for listed outputs of 170kW and 420Nm.While all other CX-9 model grades are offered with a choice of front-wheel or i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, the Azami LE is AWD only.

See your Mazda dealer for further details.