Permeating through the saturated SUV market is the latest sharp-styled CX-8 from Mazda Japan. The balanced design is classy for an SUV, and inside there is loads of room, the latest technology and plenty of nice looking materials and trims. Being a 2.2-litre turbo diesel, there is a very good blend of power and economy, and the new CX-8 is very nice to drive with its 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic standard across the range.
Far from apathetic, the turbo—diesel spins freely, powerfully and instantly from low revs. The 2.2-litre diesel engine now has multiple injections of fuel in quick succession to increase power, while a two-stage turbo charger increases boost efficiency. A willing flow of performance is at the ready for any everyday passing manoeuvre at any road speeds. Producing a peak power of 140 kW and 450 Nm of lusty torque means that you’ve got really good reserves of power when required. For the best part, the new 2018 Mazda CX-8 wafts along gracefully with a nice quiet ride and supple suspension.
Committed to creating another SUV in their line-up, Mazda has made a great decision because the CX-8 is a true seven-seater with oodles of style. The low-slung roof line and sweet looking front nose treatment that we all are loving from the Mazda design team on all of their current models is un-mistakenly Mazda design trait that not only looks great for the onlookers but is hugely distinctive. There are so many SUV vehicles on our roads, and the new Mazda CX-8 sits at the top of the tree for nice styling.
The CX-8 is a genuine seven seater, although Mazda calls the CX-8 a five-plus-two seater. The third row lies flat in the large boot or you can engage the two extra seats by pulling on a handle. The third row is easily accessed from the rear passenger doors via a lever of the second row seats that folds the seat back and slides the seat forward. Keep the third row seats flat and you’ve got some seriously big load carrying ability (742 litres third row seats down, 209 litres third row seats up). Rather a romantic SUV with looks that will impress the ladies and gents alike, and it’s a vehicle which boasts vanity mirrors with illumination for both the driver and front passenger while also getting heaps of room to carry kids to school, head away on an extended family weekend away, as well as heralding all the best safety equipment that gives it a maximum five-star safety rating.
Certainly a well-equipped vehicle, the Mazda CX-8 high-end models boast lovely Nappa leather seats and excellent LED head lighting. All models get three-zone air-conditioning, MZD Connect infotainment, a reversing camera, Mazda Radar cruise control, and a fuel-saving stop-go function. Sport CX-8 models get crisp cloth seating upholstery that is smart and yet will prove hard wearing and easy enough to clean over time. Other standard features on the Sport CX-8 models is a nice clear six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth hands-free phone, satellite navigation, push button start, Blind Spot monitoring, Forward Obstruction Warning, High Beam control, Hill Launch Assist, Lane Keep Assist, rear parking sensors, roll stability control, traction control, smart city brake assist and an active driver display. The infotainment touchscreen is superbly clear and easy to use.
Asaki CX-8 models get the full Monty with Nappa leather throughout the interior, classy trims and heated seats for front and second rows. The driver and passenger seats are also fully power adjustable and offer full memory functions. The audio unit in the Asaki is an awesome 10-speaker BOSE affair, and you also get a powered tail gate for added practicality.
Out on the road, the Mazda CX-8 SUV is very comfortable and surefooted. You can, of course, opt for the AWD version and enjoy the extra traction that this provides. Those who choose the FWD Sport still get very good handling with copious levels of grip and Mazda claim that the FWD version can manage an average fuel consumption of less than 6 litres/100 km. AWD models return around 6 litres/100 km – so not that much more thirsty than FWD models. Purchase prices for the FWD CX-8 Sport is obviously less than that of the AWD versions – which is expected.
The new CX-8 is the flagship model for Mazda in Japan – as the CX-9 has a weight control limitation over there. So, you can definitely expect a class act from the new CX-8 – which is what you get. Mazda’s new CX-8 is a premium model that competes with the best from Europe, while looking top notch and offering loads of practicality.
The 2018 Mazda CX-8 SUV model series includes the:
For any more information on the 2018 Mazda CX-8 SUV or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!