Tantalising Takami

The Takami grade has been a welcome addition to Mazda’s line-up in recent years, so it was inevitable the flagship CX-9 SUV would get the same treatment. For 2021, the facelift CX-9 Takami gets a new grille, the option of a new Polymetal Grey Metallic colour, and new designed alloys.

Inside, Mazda’s simplistic Kodo design philosophy is everywhere. CX-9 Takami benefits over the standard Limited spec with niceties like the option of either pure white or walnut brown nappa leather heated and ventilated seats.

These seats also feature a new design with quilting, piping and stitch colour change.

You also get shift paddles, wireless charging, and a larger 10.25-inch multi-information display housing the latest generation MZD touchscreen infotainment system. It is very intuitive and easy to read. Also, the Bose stereo system sounds sweet.

Driving to Balcairn and back, the 2021 CX-9 Takami feels so planted. Plus, a lack of road noise and sumptuous ride comfort was very impressive.

The 2.5L turbo four pot with 170kW and 420Nm of torque was also very quiet. Keep it in the sweet spot between 1600 and 3000rpm, and it pulls quite nicely.

At $70,890 plus ORC, the CX-9 Takami is quite well priced considering the level of refinement you get is usually reserved to high end SUVs costing twice as much. You could do a lot worse than this one.