2021 Mazda CX-9 pricing and specifications revealed, with captain’s chairs on new Azami LE flagship

Mazda has announced updates for the 2021 CX-9, with a pair of new variants among the changes.

The new Azami LE flagship will offer a pair of individual captain’s chairs in the second row, separated by an central console offering individual electric adjustment and heating and cooling controls.

Inside, the Azami LE and Azami variants get new quilted nappa leather upholstery on the first and econd rows, plus aluminium interior trims, while both also score a new 20-inch alloy wheel design, brighter Titanium Grey metallic front grille finish and bigger rear tailpipes.

Sitting below the Azami trims, the new GT SP grade offers a dark gunmetal grille design and black mirror caps, with black 20-inch alloy wheels.

The dark theme continues inside, with black interior decoration panels, red stitching highlights to the steering wheel, door trims, centre console and armrests, and Burgundy leather seat upholstery.

It adds $500 to the price of the GT variant it’s based on.

All CX-9 models gain the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system with 10.25-inch colour screen, wireless phone charging as standard on GT models and above.

The Touring and higher model grades also get paddle shifters.

The range continues to offer Mazda’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder oturb petrol engine, offering 170kW and 420Nm of torque and powering either the front or all four wheels.

The range goes on sale early next year.

2021 MAZDA CX-9 SPECIFICATIONS

• Variants Sport; Touring; GT; GT SP; Azami; Azami LE (add $4000 for AWD, Azami LE AWD only)
• Prices $45,990; $53,490; $62,990; $63,490; $66,190; $73,875
• Engine 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
• Outputs 170kW/420Nm
• Transmission Six-speed automatic
• Fuel economy 8.4L/100km (FWD); 9.0L/100km (AWD)