It's taken years, but with the Seltos, Kia finally has a small SUV on sale in Australia. Can it compete in a hard-fought market? Alborz Fallah finds out.
Pros Super spacious and practical inside Great ride and handling package Looks the business Best in class infotainment and technology Seven-year warranty
Cons Base models miss out on more advanced safety features No rear-air vents on most variants No power tailgate Front-wheel drive models ride a little on the firm side
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is more than just a pretty face. Along with its attractive style comes plenty of utility and a quick and sporty driving character that enhances the typical three-row family shuttle.Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are newly available.Retuned suspension for a smoother ride.New surround-view parking camera system.
PROS Premium interior, especially the top-level Signature trim Sporty handling Comfortable and quiet on the highway
CONS Cargo capacity isn't as generous as in competitors Third-row seats aren't especially accommodating
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 delivers heavily on style, but it’s just adequate in other respects.
Pros Gorgeous sheetmetal Near-luxury interior Widely available safety tech Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, finally
Cons No touchscreen functionality Not as much space as competitors Limited options No hybrid alternative
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto finally join the spec sheet for 2019 and are standard on Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature trims. Mazda has included a list of other optional features for 2019 as well, which includes ventilated front seats, a 360-degree-view exterior camera system, SiriusXM Travel Link (live traffic and weather updates, among other things), a digital gauge display, power-folding exterior mirrors, and a frameless rearview mirror. The luxurious Signature trim now comes with a new wood trim inside and exclusive exterior badging.
Pros Sweetest-driving three-row, fuel-efficient powertrain, near-luxury interior.
Cons Compromised cargo room, tight third row, no second-row captain's chairs.
