Meet the mega-Mazda.
In a market where makers are climbing over each other to create cars that are more frugal, practical and flexible, Japanese marque Mazda is swimming against the tide with its hulking new seven seater, the flagship CX90.
Big? It is hard to think of a Mazda that comes close to matching this outsized latest arrival from Hiroshima. The CX9 was similar in shape, but different in just about every dimension.
Perhaps the car best matching blows with the Mazda is its rival from Korea - Kia's imposing EV9 - the hulking, fully electric SUV recently named World Car of the Year.
Funnily enough, while many makers such as Kia are plunging head-first into the electric vehicle pond, Mazda is taking its own good time.
It has apparently had a good look at the market and decided the time is not quite right for emissions-free motoring in the flagship model.
That means hybrid drivetrains, which are claiming back ground from the EV throng.
A line in the sand? Maybe it's just clever timing.
There are very few faults with this big, rock-solid family hauler.
It's got a cracking pair of engines to choose from - both using a 3.3 litre, six cylinder turbocharged format, each with a mild-hybrid system to add power and reduce emissions.
One is a diesel, the other petrol-driven and both are effortless performers.
Mazda has always tended to cut its cloth into slightly smaller, impressively finished and economical models such as the Mazda3 Mazda6 and the CX-5 SUV.
This car might be late to the market but the CX90 is a fitting flagship for the big Japanese manufacturer.
The CX90 offers three trim levels - all representing good value at various ends of the spectrum. Tested was the entry-level Touring model, fitted with seven seats and six cylinders and a 48-volt mild hybrid system that delivers power at the margins where the diesel is less responsive.
That's a little surprising, considering Mazda has never quite embraced oil-burners as enthusiastically as others.
The Touring costs $75,800 plus on roads, less than $1000 more than the petrol-powered variants. Standard kit on the Touring edition includes 19-inch alloys, 10.25-inch full colour widescreen, leather power adjustable seats (heated and ventilated) and eight-speaker audio.
Step up to GT trim ( $84,800 for diesel) and it brings LED headlights, 21-inch wheels, twin-display screens, electric steering and premium BOSE audio.
The flagship Azami looks a treat - massive black alloys, 360-degree parking monitor and upgraded driver electronic aides.The petrol variant costs six figures, a first for Mazda, but for $95,185 plus on-road costs it looks every bit what you'd expect at the top-end of this marque.
A bit surprising is the increased size of the two engines when most makers are opting for smaller, more heavily-worked powerplants.
Mazda calls it "rightsizing approach to engine design" - ie making sure your engine is strong enough to lug your whacking big SUV around.
Fortunately, this one is.
The test car was the diesel in-line, turbocharged, six-cylinder engine, known as the e-Skyactive D, with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, churning out an impressive and effortless 187kW and torque of 550Nm.
But the truly impressive number from this big wagon is 5.4 - as in litres per 100km. That's a stunning efficiency rating while burning 143g/100km.
The petrol-engined e-Skyactiv G (3.3L, turbocharged, inline) delivers a stonking 254kW and 500Nm mill beneath the sweeping bonnet. And at 8.2L/100km its thirst is an almost-as-impressive as its oil-burning siblings.
Even so, the diesel would do very nicely, thank you.
And clearly the Mazda engineers have put plenty into engines of such quality. Both are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with a rear-biased, all-wheel-drive and variable off-road capability;
The CX90 is unmissable in the flesh - 5100mm in length, 1994mm wide with a 3120mm wheelbase. No wonder it is so wonderfully sleek and slippery to drive.
But it wasn't totally trouble-free.
The main complaint was a sometimes jerky application of the mild hybrid - particularly at low or parking speeds.
It's not a deal-breaker - and in fact the diesel is surprisingly spirited once it's up and running
But for a car pushing (or exceeding) $100,000 it's a little surprising.
That aside, the handsome, shapely-looking big SUV makes a stunning impact.
The best features are its effortless power and limo-like interior, particularly on the up-market models.
This flagship model looks every bit a car worth six figures.
MAZDA CX90 3.3L Skyactiv D diesel turbo with M Hybrid boost
HOW BIG?
A full-sized, seven-seat SUV with massive capacity.
HOW FAST?
Mazda didn't publish an official 0-100 sprint time but it appears to sit in the mid-range. The application of the mild hybrid makes it seem effortless even under heavy loads.
HOW THIRSTY?
The diesel consumes an unbelievably frugal 5.2L/100km.
HOW MUCH?
Entry-levels, arriving in the mid-$70,000s, offer impressive value and memorable performance. The flagship Azami just sneaks above the $100,000 mark once the government has had its share.
