The critically acclaimed Mazda CX-9 continues to evolve with the flagship SUV receiving dynamic, safety and comfort upgrades.

Released in July 2016 as part of Mazda's new-generation line-up, CX-9 now comes standard with G-Vectoring Control (GVC) to improve the seven-seat SUV's already impressive handling and passenger comfort.

GVC improves vehicle dynamics by adjusting engine torque in response to steering input. This delivers unified control of lateral and longitudinal acceleration (G) forces, enhancing the vertical load on each wheel.

The new CX-9's impressive NVH levels have been further improved. Six new countermeasures have been added, including reducing the height difference between the rear end of the roof molding and the liftgate, and increasing the thickness of the noise-absorbing material on the underside of the headliner.

In addition, noise-insulating material introduced on the back of the boot side trim reduces the amount of noise transmitted from the tyres and from the rear of the vehicle. Inside the cabin, higher density fiber used in the floor mats better absorbs noise and the insulation layer added to the ceiling liner reduces reverberation of sound.

These measures improve the clarity of voices in the second and third row by approximately five percent, making it easier to enjoy a conversation with your family, while drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the quieter cabin on every trip.

As befits a high-end family car, all CX-9s come with an extensive range of class leading i-ACTIVSENSE safety features. These include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Parking sensors (rear), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Reverse camera and Smart City Brake Support [Forward/Reverse] (SCBS F/R).

Advances to this already extensive safety suite include pedestrian detection for Smart City Brake Support (Forward) with the effective speed range for the system expanding from 4–30km/h to 4–80km/h. Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) has also been added to the GT and Azami models.

All CX-9s now get a second top tether point for the third row seats. This allows child or booster seats to be mounted to all three middle row seats and both third row seats. There are also two ISOFIX mounting points situated on both outer seats in the middle row.

The power driver's seat adds a new tilt function that adjusts the height of the cushion's front edge. The memory function saves the tilt setting along with other seat position settings. By offering control over a wider range of positioning adjustments, the updated power driver's seat helps reduce fatigue on long drives.

Improved operation of the second row seats on the Mazda CX-9 makes it easier for those sitting in the second and third row seats to enter and exit the cabin. The back of each second row seat now leans 33° forward when the seat is slid forward, this increases the space between each second row seat and the rear wheel housing from 60mm to approximately 200mm.

In addition, the angle of operation for the walk-in lever on the shoulder of each second row seat is reduced from 58 degrees to 51 degrees, and the amount of force required to operate it is reduced by 25 percent. The slide rail retainers for the second row seat are changed from metal to plastic, which reduces slide resistance by almost 30 percent.

Power seat function controls get a luxurious chrome-like finish and heated seats have been added for the two outer seats in the middle row, in GT and Azami models. While auto-power folding mirrors have been added across the range.

The CX-9 is now available in Soul Red Crystal Metallic, a newly developed body colour that launched on the Next-Gen Mazda CX-5 earlier this year.

The vehicle is powered by the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T, the newly-developed top-of-the-range SKYACTIV-G petrol engine. It delivers the torque of a 4.0-litre V8, yet allows CX-9 to achieve fuel economy figures that are almost 25 percent better than the first-generation model.

CX-9 holds the coveted title of Car of the Year as awarded by Wheels, Carsales and Behind The Wheel. With the Touring variant also taking out Oz Roamer's Car of the Year in the 'seven-seat AWD SUV $45,000-$60,000' category.

"Although it has barely been a year since the debut of the current CX-9, it is important to Mazda to drive the evolution of this vehicle as our flagship SUV, responding to customers who seek quality, design, driving pleasure, safety, value and passenger comfort," said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

The Brand-New Mazda CX-9 sold 9051 in its first year. 200% more than the best yearly sales total achieved by the original model. With 4657 sales to the end of June this year, CX-9 has set a six monthly sales benchmark.

For further information on Mazda CX-9 click HERE or visit your local Mazda Dealership.

*Manufacturer's List Price