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    Mazda CX-90 2024 review: Azami G50e

    The new Mazda CX-90 G50e Azami features a gutsy mild-hybrid engine and a premium price tag to match.
    Emily Agar
    Emily Agar
    Contributing Journalist
    14 Oct 2023 • 15 min read

    The CX-90 G50e Azami is a new top-spec model being offered by Mazda. Not to be confused with the similarly named and sized, CX-9, this large SUV features a gutsier mild-hybrid engine and premium price tag to match.

    This positions it firmly in the luxury SUV category but I've been driving it for the last week with my family of three to discovery if it earns its entry to the big players club.

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    Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

    There are three models for the CX-90 and ours is the top-spec Azami grade, which will cost you $93,655, before on-road costs. The 'Soul Red Metallic Mica' paintwork of our test model will tack on an additional $995.

    Its rivals all sport before on-roads pricing over $100K, with the nearest rival being the Volvo XC90 Ultimate at $100,990.

    The Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic both have them beat at $119,450 and $133,670, respectively. So, in terms of the large luxury SUV category – this is an affordable option.

    The long bonnet ends in a nose that has a sharp-looking grille and long LED lights. (image: Glen Sullivan) The long bonnet ends in a nose that has a sharp-looking grille and long LED lights. (image: Glen Sullivan)

    It comes loaded with great features that highlight the luxury-factor, like Nappa leather-accented interior trims, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard seats in the second row and an electric heated steering wheel.

    Comfort is enhanced by the 10-way electric driver's seat and the eight-way electric front passenger seat. However, it's surprising that only the driver enjoys adjustable lumbar support. It's great that each row gets air-vents and there's three-zone climate control.

    There are a bunch of practical features, too, like the hands-free powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and push-button start. A handy frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror comes as standard.

    It also has a handsfree powered tailgate and temporary spare tyre. (image: Glen Sullivan) It also has a handsfree powered tailgate and temporary spare tyre. (image: Glen Sullivan)

    The technology is up there with the best with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium Bose sound system with 12 speakers, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a total of six USB-C ports throughout the car.

    However, it's pertinent to mention that the Touring base model has the same engine and still hosts most of the features the Azami model has, for around $25K less!

    The small changes to the features you get isn't enough for me to justify the price hike, so I know which one I would be choosing.

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    Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

    Outside of the sheer size of this seven-seater, there's not much that separates it from its stablemates in terms of looks.

    But the size is important because it sits at 5120mm long and 1994mm wide (with the mirrors folded!), however, I do like the lower 1745mm height as it gives it a sportier look than some other large SUVs on the market.

    The long bonnet ends in a nose that has a sharp-looking grille and long LED lights. The profile is wide and decisive with the crisp lines running the length of the body.

    • Outside of the sheer size of this seven-seater, there’s not much that separates it from its stablemates in terms of looks. (image: Glen Sullivan) Outside of the sheer size of this seven-seater, there’s not much that separates it from its stablemates in terms of looks. (image: Glen Sullivan)
    • But the size is important because it sits at 5120mm long and 1994mm wide (with the mirrors folded!). (image: Glen Sullivan) But the size is important because it sits at 5120mm long and 1994mm wide (with the mirrors folded!). (image: Glen Sullivan)
    • I do like the lower 1745mm height as it gives it a sportier look than some other large SUVs on the market. (image: Glen Sullivan) I do like the lower 1745mm height as it gives it a sportier look than some other large SUVs on the market. (image: Glen Sullivan)
    • Our test car's red paintwork is what makes it pop for me. (image: Glen Sullivan) Our test car's red paintwork is what makes it pop for me. (image: Glen Sullivan)
    • The long bonnet ends in a nose that has a sharp-looking grille and long LED lights. (image: Glen Sullivan) The long bonnet ends in a nose that has a sharp-looking grille and long LED lights. (image: Glen Sullivan)

    I like the way the body colour has been extended to the lower cladding and wheel arches but our test car's red paintwork is what makes it pop for me.

    Overall, the interior looks quite nice with the Nappa leather-accented trims, black headliner and soft touchpoints throughout.

    This model gets dual 12.3-inch digital screens which makes the tech look upmarket. However, the dashboard's design flits between oddly-sized air vents, a chunky panel that the multimedia screen sits on and a sloping control board. The end result is a dashboard that doesn't look sleek.

    There are two optional packs you can choose from which would elevate the interior, the 'SP Pack' or the 'Takumi Pack'.

    Overall, the interior looks quite nice with the Nappa leather-accented trims, black headliner and soft touchpoints throughout. (image: Glen Sullivan) Overall, the interior looks quite nice with the Nappa leather-accented trims, black headliner and soft touchpoints throughout. (image: Glen Sullivan)

    With the SP Pack, you get Tan nappa leather seats with quilting, a suede finished dashboard panel, two-tone colour steering wheel, second-row captain's seats with ventilation function and a second-row centre console with storage.

    With the Takumi Pack, you get 'Pure White' nappa leather seat trims, a bright decoration panel in dashboard, cloth dashboard panel with detailed stitching, white maple wood console panel, second-row captain's seats with ventilation function and second-row centre console with storage.

    They both cost an additional $5000 and while you lose a seat, either pack would certainly add the refinement that this interior is desperately lacking for a car that's over $100K.

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    Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

    The cabin is practical with all three rows enjoying decent head and legroom. Yep, even the third row!

    However, I'd still consider that row as most suitable for kid stowage. The width of the car also means you don't feel like you're on top of the other passengers.

    Front passengers enjoy electric seats that are well-cushioned, meaning long trips are comfortable. Both rear row seats are well-padded but like most SUVs, they lack a bit of under-thigh support.

    Front passengers enjoy electric seats that are well-cushioned, meaning long trips are comfortable. (image: Glen Sullivan) Front passengers enjoy electric seats that are well-cushioned, meaning long trips are comfortable. (image: Glen Sullivan)

    The middle row sports a 60/40 split-fold and the third row is a 50/50 split-fold which should help with boot storage options.

    My six-year old found the CX-90 to be super easy to get in and out of because of the 206mm ground clearance.

    He also enjoyed a good view from the wide windows and adored having his own climate control during the hot days we've been having lately.

    The width of the car also means you don’t feel like you’re on top of the other passengers. (image: Glen Sullivan) The width of the car also means you don’t feel like you’re on top of the other passengers. (image: Glen Sullivan)

    The amenities are good in the middle row with that climate control, directional air vents, reading lights and heated outboard seats.

    Individual storage is excellent in all three rows but the front passengers get the best options with two cupholders, extra-large storage bins in each door, glove box and a middle console, which is on the shallow side.

    The middle row gets two cupholders in the fold-down armrest, and double drink bottle holders in each door plus a couple of map pockets. The third row also enjoys four drink holders.

    The cabin is practical with all three rows enjoying decent head and legroom. Yep, even the third row! (image: Glen Sullivan) The cabin is practical with all three rows enjoying decent head and legroom. Yep, even the third row! (image: Glen Sullivan)

    The technology looks upmarket with the dashboard being headlined by two separate 12.3-inch digital screens. The multimedia system is easy enough to use and it's great to see wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus built-in satellite navigation.

    The premium Bose sound system with its 12 speakers is top notch and the charging options are good throughout the car.

    Up front there is a wireless charging pad but each row gets two USB-C ports to use. There is a 12-volt port and 240-volt (150W) outlet in the boot for extra charging options.

    • The boot rounds out the cabin practicality with a decent 257L of capacity with all three rows in use. (image: Glen Sullivan) The boot rounds out the cabin practicality with a decent 257L of capacity with all three rows in use. (image: Glen Sullivan)
    • Pop that row down and it jumps to 608L. (image: Glen Sullivan) Pop that row down and it jumps to 608L. (image: Glen Sullivan)

    The boot rounds out the cabin practicality with a decent 257L of capacity with all three rows in use but pop that row down and it jumps to 608L.

    If you need more storage but don't need to carry passengers, you can bump it to a massive 2025L with all rear seats folded.

    The level load space makes it easy to slide things in and out and it also has a handsfree powered tailgate and temporary spare tyre.

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    Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

    The G50e Azami grade has two engines available, a 3.3-litre, V6 turbo-diesel or (as per our test car) a 3.3-litre, V6 turbo-petrol.

    Both are mild hybrids and the turbo-petrol has a maximum power output of 254kW and 500Nm of torque. The official 0-100km/h time is just 6.9 seconds – impressive for such a large SUV.

    The G50e Azami is an all-wheel drive and has an eight-speed auto transmission. Overall, it's gutsy and delivers a smooth driving experience on the open road.

    The G50e Azami grade has two engines available, a 3.3-litre, V6 turbo-diesel or (as per our test car) a 3.3-litre, V6 turbo-petrol. (image: Glen Sullivan) The G50e Azami grade has two engines available, a 3.3-litre, V6 turbo-diesel or (as per our test car) a 3.3-litre, V6 turbo-petrol. (image: Glen Sullivan)

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    Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?

    The official combined cycle fuel economy figure is 8.2L/100km. Real world testing saw my figure at 8.4L after some urban driving but mostly open-roading.

    Considering its size and that it's a turbo, that's fairly efficient.

    If you want better efficiency, the combined fuel cycle for the diesel engine is a healthier 5.4L/100km.

    The CX-90 has a large 74L fuel tank and based on the official combined cycle number you should see a driving range of around 900km.

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    Driving – What's it like to drive?

    The CX-90's turbo-petrol powertrain delivers enough grunt to satisfy when you have to overtake or tackle a hill.

    You also don't feel like you're digging deep for that power nor does the car buck when you put your foot down on the highway.

    On the open road the ride is comfortable with most of the bumps being absorbed nicely but it still has a sporty suspension, so don't expect limo-cushioning.

    The cabin is quiet enough to chat with all occupants and the sound system is great.

    The ride and handling completely changes at lower speeds, though! The engine doesn't always feel responsive in stop-start traffic and it can lurch when you accelerate from a full stop or go around corners/roundabouts.

    I noticed this on the plug-in hybrid CX-60 but it's not as severe and more tolerable here.

    The steering is concise and you can hit winding roads at speed without much roll. A big highlight for the CX-90 is that it feels well-placed and stable on the road, which is awesome for such a large SUV.

    Despite its size, it has a fantastic 10.8m turning circle! Combined with the clear 360-degree camera system, as well as the front and rear parking sensors, the car is a breeze to park.

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    Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

    The CX-90 has a lot of safety features and a highlight is the intelligent blind-spot monitoring system which shows the vehicles around you in a dynamic display on the instrument panel.

    Other standard safety features include LED daytime running lights, lane departure alert, lane keeping aids, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, safe-exit assist, intelligent seat belt reminders, driver fatigue monitor, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree view camera system.

    There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats in the middle row and a total of five top tether anchor points. (image: Glen Sullivan) There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats in the middle row and a total of five top tether anchor points. (image: Glen Sullivan)

    It also has adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality and a coloured head-up display that has traffic sign recognition.

    At the time of this video, the CX-90 hasn't been tested by ANCAP and while it does sport 10 airbags, as a mum, I really value that safety rating system. If I were buying a family car, that would be a consideration for me.

    There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats in the middle row and a total of five top tether anchor points. There's plenty of room when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.

    The CX-90 has a lot of safety features. (image: Glen Sullivan) The CX-90 has a lot of safety features. (image: Glen Sullivan)

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    Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

    The ongoing costs are reasonable with the CX-90 coming with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is a normal term for this class.

    You also get seven-years/105,000km capped-price servicing which is a bonus because you usually see only a five-year plan in this class.

    Services cost an average of $649, which is a little expensive but servicing intervals are good at every 12 months of 15,000km, whichever occurs first.

    The ongoing costs are reasonable with the CX-90 coming with a five-year/unlimited km warranty. (image: Glen Sullivan) The ongoing costs are reasonable with the CX-90 coming with a five-year/unlimited km warranty. (image: Glen Sullivan)

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    Pricing & SpecsInsurance Quote

    The Wrap

    The Mazda CX-90 G50e Azami is a good-looking large SUV that will easily house the family and your gear. It has a stack of features throughout and enough comfort that it feels upmarket but I'm still not convinced it's worth its price point. Not when the CX-9 Azami LE smashes it with features and a healthier price tag.

    Not being tested with ANCAP yet is also a biggie for me, so this gets a 7.3/10 from me.

    I did a roadie with my son and dad this week and both mentioned how comfortable they were. My dad fell asleep multiple times, so the seats get big ticks from him! My son loved the red paintwork and thought it looked cool.

    Likes

    Each row gets decent amenities
    Upmarket technology
    Practical boot size

    Dislikes

    Cabin is understated for the price tag
    Entry-level model boasts most of its features
    A bit jolty at lower speeds

    Scores

    Emily:

    3.7

    The Kids:

    4

    $70,990 - $111,747

    Based on 59 car listings in the last 6 months

    VIEW PRICING & SPECS
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