Seven-seat Mazda CX-8 offered in three grades

Mazda has officially launched the all-new CX-8 mid-size seven-seat SUV in Australia.

Sitting between the CX-5 and the CX-9 on the sizing scale, the middle kid offers seven-seat option in a more compact package. The three-tier CX-8 range is exclusively powered by a 2.2L SKYACTIV-D twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 140kW of power at 4,500rpm and 450Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the line-up while both front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants are available.

Rated fuel consumption is 5.7L/100km for the Sport FWD variant, and 6.0L/100km for the Sport and Asaki AWD variants.

With a smaller stature than the traditional seven-seat SUV, the CX-8 promises nimble handling and manoeuvrability, without compromising on cabin space or comfort for occupants in all three rows.

The easy-to-handle body is shorter and narrower than the full-size CX-9, with which it shares its wheelbase, and is the same width as the mid-size CX-5.

The CX-8 continues Mazda’s premium KODO design philosophy with a sculpted front signature wing. bold grille and coupe-like silhouette. Inside, the CX-8’s interior is predominantly shared with the CX-5.

Mazda says a concerted effort was made to achieve natural seating posture for all occupants. It’s claimed that a person of any size could find an ideal driving position, be comfortable in the passenger seat and enjoy roomy comfort in the second row, while passengers up to 170cm tall would be able to find a relaxed seating position in the third row.

According to Mazda, convenience of entry, exit, loading and unloading is essential for large SUV buyers, and was a major consideration in the CX-8’s development.

The SUV offers wide rear doors that open out to an impressive 80 degrees from the body, and with a simple pull of a high-mounted lever on the second row, the back rest folds and the seat slides forward to allow extra space for easy access in and out of the third row.

Cabin storage is plentiful for all three rows, and luggage storage in the back is a generous 209 litres when all three rows are in use. With the third row down, storage increases to 742 litres and to an enormous 1,727 litres when the second row is laid flat. There is also a sub-boot with an additional 33 litres of underfloor storage.

Mazda has applied a comprehensive list of i-ACTIVESENSE safety features as standard to the CX-8. Standard features include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), High Beam Control (HBC), Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Smart City Brake Support [Forward/Reverse] (SCBS F/R), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), reverse camera and rear parking sensors.

Asaki adds even more safety equipment, including Mazda’s new 360° View Monitor, front parking sensors, Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH) and advanced keyless entry.

Dark Russet nappa leather is standard on the Asaki, while Sport offers black cloth with the same dark red hues weaved into the material.

Asaki is also offered with Pure White nappa leather and adds real wood trim to the instrument and door panels for added warmth and elegance, befitting of a top spec model.

Further emphasising its refinement, Asaki adds a host of comfort features and technologies, including rear-door window blinds and a 10-speaker Bose Sound System. In a first for Mazda, Asaki also introduces an integrated heated steering wheel that quickly warms the rim’s hand grip for more comfortable operation on cold days.

Brand-New Mazda CX-8 Diesel is offered in seven contemporary colours, including Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, Snowflake White Pearl and Machine Grey Metallic.

2019 Mazda CX-8 Pricing (excluding on-roads)