The Brand-New Mazda CX-9 will be safer and better equipped to detect and avoid accidents than ever before, thanks to an array of advanced i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies.

For the first time, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Smart City Brake Support [Forward/Reverse] (SCBS F/R) will be standard across the entire CX-9 range. BSM and RCTA are currently only offered on the outgoing generation's top-spec Grand Touring. SCBS F/R is making its CX-9 debut.

Arriving mid-year, Brand-New Mazda CX-9 will be offered in four grades for the first time, including the entry-level Sport, mid-grade Touring, high-spec GT and high plus grade Azami.

Also available on Mazda CX-9 for the first time, the top-spec Azami gets Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH), which includes High Beam Control (HBC), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Lane Keep-assist System (LAS) and Smart Brake Support (SBS). These new technologies join Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) and Lane Departure warning (LDW) which carryover from the current model.

As you would expect of a luxury seven-seat family-sized SUV, rear parking sensors and reverse camera are standard across the range, as is the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Roll Stability Control (RSC) Traction Control System (TCS) and Trailer Stability control (TSC).

Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies are designed to help drivers recognise potential hazards, avoid collisions and minimise the severity of accidents when they are unavoidable.

"Brand-New Mazda CX-9 offers an uncompromising mix of luxury, safety and affordability that is not offered by any of its competitors," said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

"Thanks to the addition of new i-ACTIVSENSE technology, the Brand-New Mazda CX-9 is safer than ever before, offering drivers, and as many as six passengers, peace of mind whenever the engine is started."

With 170kW of power and an improved 420Nm of torque, the Brand New Mazda CX-9 also debuts the all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T 2.5 litre direct-injection turbo charged petrol engine with both i-stop and i-ELOOP technology.

Combined, these have improved the CX-9's fuel economy by almost 25 per cent, with Front-Wheel Drive options boasting figures from a low 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres, while All-Wheel Drive alternatives sip as little as 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The Brand-New Mazda CX-9 also features the efficient and lightweight SKYACTIV Technology, the impressive i-ACTIV AWD all-wheel drive system, and the award-winning 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design language.

Editor's notes:
A description of Mazda CX-9's i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies

Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH)
The individual control of several LEDs allows precise adjustment of the lighting pattern. The system automatically broadens visibility at low speeds, while shaping the high beam to avoid blinding other drivers by raising beam height at highway speeds to extend a driver's vision area.

Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM)
A radar unit on each side of the car detects vehicles in adjacent lanes. It differs from previous Mazda systems in that it not only determines when a vehicle is in a potential collision area - within 10 metres of the vehicle - but it is also on the alert for potential collisions from overtaking cars farther away.

ABSM also incorporates Mazda's Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which uses sensors at the rear of the body that looks sideways to detect nearby and approaching vehicles that might not be visible when backing out of parking spot.

Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
When travelling at speeds over 65km/h for longer periods, the DAA system monitors inputs and provides a visual warning if it detects signs of driver fatigue. It also provides an alert when 2 hours of continual driving has elapsed.

Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
Operating between 15-145km/h, the system monitors the distance to the vehicle in front and its speed. FOW senses if a collision is likely and prompts you to take evasive action via audible and visual alerts.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Using a windscreen-mounted camera to monitor road lane markings, LDW sounds an audible warning if the driver is about to stray from a lane.

Lane Keep-assist System (LAS)
Working with LDW, LAS will act if it determines the vehicle is going to leave its lane by applying a degree of corrective steering.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
This assists the driver when reversing from a parking space, warning them if a car is approaching from either side of the vehicle. The LED icon on both mirrors is accompanied by a beeping alert.

Smart Brake Support (SBS)
If SBS senses a high risk of impact it applies initial pressure to the brakes, enabling a faster braking response. If the driver takes evasive action SBS de-activates. If no evasive action is taken, the brakes are applied automatically.

Smart City Brake Support [Forward/Reverse (SCBS F/R)
The system detects vehicles or obstacles in front or behind the car and helps reduce the amount of damage in the event an accident cannot be avoided when driving slowly around town or in congested traffic, or when backing up. When the system detects a vehicle or other obstacle, and determines that a high risk of collision exists, it automatically applies the brakes to help prevent impact when in forward gear or reduce impact in both forward and reverse gear.