Australia’s second favourite car maker is moving in a new direction and its latest machine will change everything you thought about the brand.
2023 Mazda CX-90.
Mazda is moving up in the world.
The Japanese brand has revealed local details of its new CX-90 large SUV before it arrives in August this year and its unlike anything the brand has built before.
Mazda says the new CX-90 is its largest and most luxurious SUV to date – and it has a price tag to match, with some models pushing into six figures once on-road costs are added.
The new Mazda CX-90 is due in Australia from August.
The three-tier range starts at $74,385 (before on-road costs) and rises to $95,185. In a first for Mazda every variant in the model line-up is slugged with the Luxury Car Tax, which adds a 33 cent levy for every dollar over about $72,000.
There are plenty of standard features to justify the price, though.
All variants offer a choice of either mild hybrid petrol or diesel power and every vehicle has all-wheel drive as standard.
Petrol versions use a 3.3-litre inline turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid tech. This combo produces 254kW and 500Nm and drinks a claimed 8.2L/100km.
A mild hybrid system will power the starter motor and assist the engine at lower speeds. It uses regenerative braking to charge the small battery on the go.
It’s the brand’s biggest and most expensive model, yet.
The 3.3-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel also employs mild hybrid tech and delivers a combined 187kW and 550Nm.
Mazda claims diesel CX-90s use a class-leading 5.4L/100km.
The new car is bigger in all directions than the Mazda CX-9 – the brand’s current largest SUV – and will be bulkier than almost all passenger cars on the road today.
The CX-90 is longer and wider than a Toyota LandCruiser. Its wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – is enormous and will translate into one of the most spacious cabins in the business.
Storage area is also cavernous. With all three rows of seating in use, it still have 608 litres of luggage space, which is similar to the Kia Carnival people-mover.
It comes with both petrol and diesel options.
Both rear pews fold completely flat, boosting cargo space to a van-like 2025 litres. A low and flat boot opening makes it easy to load larger objects.
Entry-level Touring variants are priced at $74,385 (before on-road costs) for the petrol and adding diesel power costs about $1500 more.
It comes with plenty of goodies including 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats.
Mazda has ramped up the luxury to entice new customers to the brand.
A 10.25-inch central screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but it does without a fully digital driver instrument display, instead making do with a mix of analog dials and a digital info screen. A head-up display wins back some points.
It’s packed with standard safety features, too.
It’ll brake automatically if it detects a potential collision with a car, pedestrian or cyclist. It’ll keep you centred in your lane and let you know if a vehicle is in your blind spot or if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse.
It’s bigger than nearly every passenger vehicle on the road today.
A birds-eye view camera shows all four sides of the vehicle at once making it easier to navigate tight spaces.
Mid-tier GT versions are priced at $86,085 for the petrol version and $84,800 for the diesel, which goes against convention as diesel options are usually more expensive than petrol-powered equivalents.
These variants come with a bigger 12.3-inch central screen and a fully-digital driver instrument display of the same size.
All models come with a hands-free tailgate that can open with foot swipe under the rear bonnet.
They ride on bigger 21-inch alloy wheels and add heated seats to the second row, a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Bose stereo and a panoramic sunroof.
The range-topping Azami versions is priced at $93,865 for the diesel and $95,185 for the petrol.
It adds luxe features such as ambient lighting, cooling front seats, plush Nappa leather upholstery and a more advanced bird’s eye view camera that shows more detail around the vehicle.
Keyword: Mazda confirms Australian price and details for new CX-90