By Emma Cesar
It has been recently announced that the 2017 CX-9 has won Ward’s 10 Best Interiors award and Autotrader’s “Must Test Drive” award. Fresh off of winning a spot on Wards 10 Best Engines Award a few months ago for its SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, these additional recognitions come as no surprise to the groundbreaking company.
The company views these successes as a direct reflection of the new “Mazda premium brand focus” and the evolution of “KODO—Soul of Motion design language.” Everything designed in this vehicle is intended to be in a class above. This new brand focused initiative by Mazda develops a greater premium status for the brand, providing opulence and comfort the lineup has never seen before.
Mazda’s “KODO: Soul of Language” is a design philosophy that allows each vehicle to have unique craftsmanship but exist under a single unifying theme. The company strives to enhance the bond between driver and vehicle by creating a sense of enveloping comfort so the urge to drive is uncontrollable.
“I want them to feel Mazda’s devotion to design. If they do, I believe they will feel the joy of driving and love their cars all the more,” Osamu Fujiki, Mazda Expert Fabricator said. Given that people spend so much time in their cars, Mazda aims to create a design that makes drivers feel at home.
Not only does this car resonate with buyers, but experts adore this vehicle, seating it #1 on the prestigious “Must Drive” list, determined by Autotrader’s editorial team. Ranked in categories ranging from exterior styling, to interior quality and cargo capacity, to available technology, the CX-9 came out on top.
Released in May 2016, the car continues to outshine other vehicles on the market with its new top-tier Signature trim level: Auburn Nappa leather seating surfaces, and rosewood sourced from premium guitar-maker Fujigen and aluminum trim.
The goal was to incorporate practicality and accessibility for families while providing a luxurious design. One Autotrader editorial judge stated that this vehicle proved “you don't need to buy from a luxury brand to get a luxurious experience." Mazda certainly succeeds at every turn.
