The 2021 Mazda CX-9 Ignite Edition is the new face of the large SUV in Malaysia, and with the suffix comes a host of technological and styling updates.

Much like before, two drivetrains are offered: the two-wheel drive (2WD) variant priced from RM 319,847, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) version which starts from RM 336,215.

Both variants are fully-imported (CBU Japan), and prices are with SST discounts applied, valid from now to 31-December 2021. The example you see here is the 2WD variant.

What's under the hood is the familiar Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 230 PS and 420 Nm, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC) is also standard fitment.

On the outside, the 2021 Ignite Edition gets gloss black finish on the new design front grille, gloss black door outer mirrors, and chunky 20-inch black metallic aluminium alloy wheels.

Completing the CX-9's arsenal outside are auto-levelling LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers.

In Machine Grey – which we think is a colour that suits the CX-9 best – the gloss black and chrome accents gives off a stately vibe for the SUV. Aggressive too, but not ostensibly so.

The sporty touches trickle into the cabin, and while it may not sound like the best combo on paper, the burgundy-coloured leather seats complement the exterior very well.

That, and the black interior trim on the dashboard, door panels, and handle bezels are all new additions to the CX-9 Ignite Edition.

New for the 2021 Mazda CX-9 Ignite Edition are a wireless charger and paddle shifters behind the leather steering wheel.

Continuing the slew of updates is the revamped 9-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, which now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also 6 USB ports peppered throughout the cabin.

Meanwhile, standard features of the CX-9 include a leather-wrapped shift knob, three-zone automatic climate control, a ten-way power driver's seat with memory positioning, interior LED accents, as well as keyless entry and push-button start.

Also, the Mazda CX-9's i-Activsense ADAS suite retains:

• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSM, RCTA)
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist (LDA, LKA)
• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
• Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)

Besides these, new for the 2021 model are additional features such as Smart Brake Support and Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 Ignite Edition is now available, and comes with a five-year/100,000 km warranty and free maintenance period.