After winning Wheels Car of the Year in Melbourne last night, the Brand-New Mazda CX-9 has also been announced as a top 10 finalist in the 2017 World Car of the Year awards.

This accolade follows on from the Mazda MX-5's wins in the 2016 World Car of the Year and 2016 World Car Design of the Year - the first time a single manufacturer has won both of these internationally recognised awards.

With the overall winner to be announced at the New York International Auto Show on 13 April, 75 renowned automotive journalists selected the Mazda CX-9 - along with nine other finalists - by secret ballot having driven the vehicle over the last several months.

A recipient of many global awards since its launch in July last year, the Brand-New Mazda CX-9 has been praised for its design, stylish interior, its long list of i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies, quiet drive and the all-new 2.5 litre turbo-charged petrol engine.

As a finalist, the Brand-New Mazda CX-9 is also eligible for the 2017 World Car Design of the Year.

Further voting will be undertaken through February with the top three finalists confirmed at the Geneva International Motor Show on 7 March.