Why the Mazda CX-90 from Edwardstown Mazda Is Turning Heads on Australian Roads
The Mazda CX-90 from Edwardstown Mazda keeps showing up in shopping center car parks and school drop-off zones. Something shifted. Australians bought 1.2 million new vehicles in 2024, with SUVs taking 58% of total sales. The CX-90 slots into the premium three-row segment where brands like BMW and Audi usually dominate. Except Mazda priced it $15,000 to $25,000 cheaper than German competitors while delivering comparable materials, technology, and driving feel. Edwardstown Mazda in South Australia reports test drives booked out three weeks ahead. People walk in skeptical about a Mazda costing $70,000-plus and leave impressed. The vehicle combines Japanese reliability with upscale execution that erases the old budget-brand stigma.
Why Are Buyers Choosing It Over European Brands?
Price tells part of the story. A BMW X5 starts at $115,900. An Audi Q7 begins at $106,500. The CX-90 kicks off at $71,950 for the base petrol model. For that $35,000 to $45,000 difference, you lose minimal features. Both come with leather, premium audio, panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety tech as standard. Reliability matters more. J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked Mazda sixth overall, while BMW placed 20th and Audi 18th. Mazda owners reported 162 problems per 100 vehicles versus 190 for BMW. Lower repair frequency means less time at the dealer and fewer surprise bills.
Does It Drive Like a Luxury Vehicle?
Yes, and that surprises people. The inline-six engine produces 254kW and 500Nm of torque. That pushes the 2,260kg SUV to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Not sports car fast, but quick enough to merge confidently on freeways. The eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly without the jerky behavior some dual-clutch transmissions show. Handling stays composed through corners despite the size. The suspension absorbs bumps without bouncing or crashing. Road noise stays low even on rough asphalt. It feels planted at 110 km/h, which matters on long highway drives.
What Makes the PHEV Version Special?
The plug-in hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine plus an electric motor for combined output of 241kW. The 17.8kWh battery gives 63 kilometers of electric-only range. Charging from empty takes seven hours on a standard wall outlet or two hours on a 7kW charger. Most families cover daily errands on electricity alone, saving roughly $40 weekly on fuel. When the battery depletes, it runs as a regular hybrid getting around 6L/100km. The system switches between electric, hybrid, and petrol modes automatically. You don’t need to think about it.
How Does Service and Warranty Compare?
Mazda offers five years or unlimited kilometers warranty. BMW gives three years or unlimited kilometers. Audi provides three years or unlimited kilometers. Mazda wins on coverage length. Service intervals run every 12 months or 12,500 kilometers. Average service costs sit around $350 to $450 for routine maintenance. European brands charge $600 to $900 for similar work. Over five years, that difference adds up to $1,500 to $2,000 in savings. Edwardstown Mazda provides loan cars during service, which beats sitting in a waiting room for three hours.
