Mazda reveal new luxury focused SUV

This softroader has been a mainstay in the driveways of Australian families for years but its time is coming to an end and not for a reason you might think.

Mazda is axing the CX-9 SUV.

Mazda’s premium push has put the final nail in the coffin of a family favourite.

The Japanese brand has announced its CX-9 seven-seat SUV will be discontinued to make way for the new luxury focused CX-80.

Mazda is discontinuing the CX-9 SUV to make way for the more premium CX-80.

Poor sales definitely weren’t the problem as it was consistently been one of the best selling large SUVs in the country, landing in the driveways of more than 50,000 Australians in the past seven years.

Mazda Australia’s marketing boss, Alastair Doak, says the CX-9 has been a favourite of Aussie drivers.

“The Mazda CX-9 became an instant hit and, more broadly, helped to lay the foundations for our Mazda Premium approach. It’s left an indelible mark in our line-up and continues to be universally loved for its quality, versatility, timeless design and signature driving dynamics,” he says.

More than 50,000 Australians bought a CX-9 in the past seven years.

Mazda is in the midst of overhauling its SUV range as the brand moves upmarket and the CX-80 is the third new model to enter the fray.

Mazda Australia boss, Vinesh Bhindi, says the CX-80 is an important model for its new direction.

“The First-Ever Mazda CX-80 will play a key part in growing our premium product portfolio by distilling the exemplary qualities of the CX-60 and CX-90, while offering our customers an even broader choice of options, as we continue to expand, enrich and diversify the Mazda range,” says Mr Bhindi.

The new CX-60 will be sold alongside the similar sized CX-5.

It is set to launch the CX-60 mid-size this year, which will be a premium alternative to the similar sized CX-5.

The new CX-60 is priced from about $66,000 drive-away to almost $100,000. The most expensive CX-5 is about $60,000 drive-away.

The CX-60 will come with three power options.

The CX-60 will have three different power options.

First is a 3.3-litre six-cylinder petrol mild hybrid that serves up 209kW and 550Nm.

Next is a 3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel that uses 4.9L/100km to make 187kW and 550Nm, then a plug-in hybrid that pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and sizeable battery. These combine for 241kW and 500Nm and it can run for 76km on pure electric power.

The CX-90 will target machines such as the BMW X7.

The CX-60 will be joined eventually by the big CX-90, an extra large premium SUV targeted at the American market.

Mazda Australia says the CX-90 won’t target mainstream rivals but will instead draw in customers from luxury brands.