There’s a number of motion in Mazda’s SUV vary in the mean time, with the all-new CX-60 and CX-90 on their method, the CX-9 on its method out and the top-selling CX-5 has just lately been up to date.
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Asaki LE pictured
Now it’s the three-row Mazda CX-8’s flip for slightly little bit of consideration; because it scores a delicate replace that gives a number of enhancements to the styling, some variant tweaks, and a possible new choose of the vary for consumers after a extremely good worth three-row SUV with diesel energy and all-wheel drive.
Usually described because the CX-5 with a much bigger bum, the CX-8 really has much more area than that label offers it credit score for – it’s constructed on the identical wheelbase because the outgoing CX-9, and which means it has immense ranges of inside practicality, and heaps of child-seat fitment choices as well.
Have the modifications to the CX-8 been sufficient to maintain it aggressive within the six- and seven-seat SUV section? Learn on to search out out.
How a lot does the Mazda CX-8 value?
The up to date 2023 vary has seen numerous changes to the line-up, together with the addition of a Touring Energetic variant that your humble tester reckons is the choose of the pack within the up to date line-up for individuals who are watching their pennies.
2023 Mazda CX-8 pricing:
- Mazda CX-8 G25 Sport FWD: $42,060 (+$1870)
- Mazda CX-8 G25 Touring FWD: $48,960 (+$1870)
- Mazda CX-8 D35 Sport AWD: $49,060 (+$1870)
- Mazda CX-8 D35 Touring Energetic AWD: $56,910 (NEW)
- Mazda CX-8 GT SP G25 FWD: $58,560 (NEW)
- Mazda CX-8 Asaki G25 FWD: $61,810 (+$1400)
- Mazda CX-8 GT SP D35 AWD: $65,560 (NEW)
- Mazda CX-8 Asaki D35 AWD: $68,810 (+$1400)
- Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE D35 AWD: $71,410 (+$1400)
Costs exclude on-road prices
You’ll discover that a number of these costs are up, and there are a number of new variations on provide. The aforementioned Touring Energetic slots in the place the previous Touring diesel was, whereas the GT SP grade basically fills the footwear of the petrol and diesel Touring SP and GT fashions, which aren’t provided anymore.
The opposite new factor you may need seen is the alphanumeric assigned to the petrol (G25) and diesel (D35) variations of the CX-8, which is in line with the opposite up to date fashions within the Mazda line-up. The G25 is similar 2.5-litre atmo petrol as earlier than, whereas the D35 is the carryover 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel.
In the case of rivals, there are lots you may wish to take into account.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is fairly shut on worth, measurement and intent, with a spread of petrol V6 FWD and four-cylinder turbo-diesel AWD fashions, and there’s additionally a petrol-electric hybrid AWD model which isn’t an possibility within the CX-8 line-up. Costs vary from $46,050 to $69,550 earlier than on-roads.
One other South Korean possibility is the Kia Sorento, which is arguably a greater trying SUV than the others, and in addition has petrol FWD, diesel AWD, hybrid AWD and a plug-in hybrid AWD possibility. The costs are a bit increased, although, from $47,650 to $81,080.
There are different selections on the market, clearly, however these two are the closest and most closely fits on the subject of options. Or you possibly can get a CX-9 and you then’d have the ability to have it with the wonderful G35 turbo-petrol engine and all-wheel drive. Mmmmm.
What’s the Mazda CX-8 like on the within?
It may not seem like there are lots of modifications contained in the cabin of the CX-8, however Mazda says the entrance seats have been redesigned for “enhanced assist and luxury”, whereas there are new trim choices throughout the line-up.
The Touring Energetic mannequin will get probably the most fascinating end, known as Revera Stone Maztex with gray material – and it appears to be like stylish but additionally stands out from the opposite fashions, which have planer finishes.
This grade and GT SP additionally get a 10-way energy adjustable driver’s seat with reminiscence settings (two), plus second-row outboard seat heating for these grades as nicely.
That mentioned, the Nappa leather-based trim choices have modified, with the Asaki grade getting black colouring, whereas the Asaki LE will be had with black or Pure White.
All grades now get a 7.0-inch digital instrument show built-in into the cluster, and there’s a head-up show in all fashions, too.
The CX-8 retains the identical controls for local weather and media beneath the display screen, with beautiful tactility to the buttons and dials, that are a refreshing (albeit old-school) aspect to the cabin in a section that’s seemingly more and more turning into obsessive about touch-capacitive buttons or further screens for these features.
Each CX-8 now comes with the model’s 10.25-inch Mazda Join infotainment system, which is managed by a rotary dial and buttons, or through voice management. It doesn’t have contact functionality, and that’s the worst factor about it.
It implies that utilizing your smartphone features is dumbed down by the additional layers of interplay required, and that’s much more insulting because the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring is now able to wi-fi connectivity, too.
Retaining different gadgets charged is taken care of by a pair of USB-C ports up entrance, whereas all however the base mannequin get a pair of USB-A ports within the fold-down armrest within the second row, and high-spec fashions add an extra pair of ports for backseat bandits.
The storage on provide is sweet up entrance, with a pair of cupholders between the seats, a split-lid centre console bin, and there’s a wi-fi telephone charger in GT SP and above. The door pockets embrace bottle holders, too.
Second-row storage consists of the aforementioned flip-down armrest with cupholders, and dual-pocket seatback storage, plus there are bottle holders within the again doorways, too.
Again seat consolation facilities embrace directional air-vents, and all fashions include a 3rd local weather management zone with separate temperature adjustment. There’s a six-seat format within the Azami LE with captain’s chairs and a bigger console bin between the seats.
If you happen to select that grade you will have ISOFIX and top-tethers within the window seats, whereas the opposite variations have a further top-tether level for the center seat. The kid-seat fitment choices don’t cease there, with a further pair of top-tether factors within the third-row.
The second-row seats slide 60:40 to supply these within the again row more room if wanted, and I used to be in a position to place the center row to have sufficient area for my 182cm/6’0” body and nonetheless match within the very again – nicely, my legs match fantastic, anyway.
Admittedly, Mazda says that individuals as much as 170cm ought to have the ability to match, however as you’d count on, I struggled for headroom again there. Even so, it’s roomier than you’d assume, and there are cup holders on the sides of the area, too.
The third-row seats have straightforward fold-down levers which are so much less complicated and smarter than the pull-tab choices fitted to different seven-seaters, and in case you fold the again row seats down you get 775 litres of cargo capability.
Go away them up, and there’s 207 litres out there. Meaning you possibly can match a pram sitting upright, or a few faculty luggage or buying backs in there behind the again row.
There’s a additional 33 litres of cargo area below the boot ground, and additional beneath you can see a space-saver spare wheel fitted in each grade, too.
What’s below the bonnet?
As talked about above, you’ve received two selections.
G25 fashions include a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 140kW of energy (6000rpm) and 252Nm of torque (4000rpm). That’s not a complete lot of grunt for an SUV that suggestions the scales at round 1800kg with out anybody on board.
As such, it’s straightforward to see why the D35 is the standout engine possibility right here – and bear in mind, when the CX-8 first launched in Australia it was presupposed to be a barely totally different possibility for consumers who needed a giant seven-seater SUV however needed diesel, as a result of the CX-9 by no means provided that.
D35 fashions are powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine producing 140kW (4500rpm) and 450Nm (2000rpm).
Each engine selections come completely with a six-speed automated transmission. G25 fashions are front-wheel drive, whereas the D35 variations are all-wheel drive, and so they’ve seen the inclusion of a brand new Off-Highway mode that “intervenes to direct drive torque to the wheels that want drive torque and never others which may start to lose traction and spin”.
Towing capability for all grades is 750kg for unbraked trailers, whereas petrol fashions can tow a most braked load of 1800kg and diesel variations are rated for 2000kg braked towing capability. Observe: most towball obtain for all grades is 150kg.
How does the Mazda CX-8 drive?
The Mazda CX-8 has the model’s signature driving manners and traits, which suggests it will be interesting for consumers who desire a car that makes them really feel concerned within the drive.
That’s to say that the journey isn’t probably the most comfortable or smooth, particularly within the variations with bigger wheels and lower-profile tyres (the top-specs have 225/55 R19 tyres).
I had a fast spin within the base mannequin G25 Sport with 17s and chubby-sidewall rubber (225/65 R17), and it felt notably much less lumpy over repetitive bumps.
The steering additionally has that typical Mazda really feel to it, which is a little more feelsome and even a contact twitchy at occasions, particularly in case you encounter some bumps in the course of a nook – you may really feel the steering wheel jostle in your fingers in that scenario.
The great factor is that it’s comparatively straightforward to park even with the keen steering really feel, although I believe Mazda actually ought to have a surround-view digital camera as normal on a automotive of this measurement – it’s greater than 4.9 metres lengthy, and Mazda has among the worst aspect mirror imaginative and prescient on provide, which suggests it may be fairly onerous to see out of.
The tech is on the market, as a result of it’s fitted to the costly fashions, however it might be good to see that kind of factor fitted to all grades within the vary, given it is a household SUV and we’ve all seen these tales about driveway accidents.
Now, on the subject of engines, as I’ve alluded to, the diesel is the higher of the 2.
The D35 engine affords considerably extra torque, which simply makes the onerous work simpler on the subject of transferring this massive, heavy SUV round. It feels extra relaxed in the best way it builds pace, and it’s quieter in doing so, too.
The G25 isn’t horrible, but it surely does really feel prefer it has to work onerous. The engine is noisy, particularly whenever you’re up it, and you’ll have to be up it a good bit – as a result of over our take a look at drive there was loads of undulating territory and the six-speed auto was stored busy to try to assist the automotive keep tempo.
That mentioned, not everybody drives on nation roads and goals to stay proper on the pace restrict like motoring journalists do, and my quick drive within the base mannequin concerned extra ‘life like’ slower pace driving that you just may sometimes do on the town or for the college drop-off. And in these conditions, the G25 did the job anticipated of it.
What do you get?
CX-8 Sport highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Computerized LED headlights
- Heated electrical wing mirrors with auto-folding
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Head-up show
- Push-button begin
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (NEW)
- USB-C cost ports (x2)
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wi-fi)
- DAB+ digital radio
- 6-speaker sound system
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
CX-8 Touring provides:
- LED fog lights
- Entrance parking sensors
- Keyless entry
- Black leather-based seat trim
- Heated entrance seats
- 8-way energy driver’s seat
- 6-way energy passenger’s seat
- USB ports for second row centre arm relaxation
- Paddle shifters
CX-8 Touring Energetic provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels in black metallic with machined face
- LED daytime operating lights
- Adaptive entrance lighting system
- Black exterior mirror caps
- Revera Stone Maztex and gray material inside
- 10-way energy adjustment for driver’s seat
- Second-row outboard seat heating
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Asaki LE -
CX-8 GT SP provides:
- 19-inch wheels in black metallic
- Gloss black grille
- Cruising and Visitors Assist
- Black or Burgundy leather-based seat trim
- Rear door window shades
- Energy tailgate (electrical boot) with distant opening
- Sunroof
- 10-speaker Bose sound system
- Third-row USB-A cost ports
CX-8 Asaki provides:
- 19-inch wheels in vibrant silver
- Vivid metallic grille
- Physique-coloured mirror caps
- Physique-coloured decrease cladding
- Black Nappa leather-based seat trim with sample stitching
- Cooled entrance seats (ventilated)
- 360-degree digital camera system
CX-8 Asaki LE provides:
- Black or Pure White Nappa leather-based seat trim with quilting
- 6-seat inside with second-row captain’s chairs
- Second-row energy seat adjustment
- Cooled second-row seats (ventilated)
- Centre console and USB charging (second row)
Is the Mazda CX-8 secure?
The Mazda CX-8 scored a five-star ANCAP security ranking in 2018.
It scored 96 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent in baby occupant safety, 72 per cent in weak street person safety, and 73 per cent in security help.
Customary security tools consists of:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- AEB with Pedestrian detection (entrance)
- AEB evers
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep help
- Driver consideration alert
- Visitors signal recognition
- Clever Pace Help
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Auto high-beam
Increased-end fashions have entrance parking sensors (Touring and above) and adaptive entrance lighting (Touring Energetic and GT SP), whereas the Asaki and Asaki LE fashions have adaptive LED headlights.
In order for you a 360-degree surround-view digital camera, Mazda asks you to spend as much as the Asaki grade at the very least, which is disappointing contemplating the scale and visibility on provide on this giant SUV.
On this author’s opinion, that know-how ought to be fitted as normal, as a result of these kinds of automobiles are purchased by the very folks you examine in these horror tales about driveway back-over accidents, and never everybody can afford greater than $60k for his or her SUV.
How a lot does the Mazda CX-8 value to run?
Mazda affords a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee for its mannequin line-up in Australia, and there’s 5 years of roadside help included, too.
Capped-price servicing is obtainable, although there’s a distinction in worth and repair intervals for the petrol and diesel fashions.
G25 variations have intervals set at 12 months/15,000km, whereas the D35 requires upkeep extra usually, with intervals pegged at 12 months/10,000km. That’s not solely inconvenient, it additionally means you’ll find yourself paying a complete lot extra simply to maintain your diesel CX-8 on the street.
As an example, the servicing prices for the primary 5 upkeep visits for the petrol common out to $433 per go to, whereas the diesel is pricier, averaging out to $488 per go – and bear in mind, that’s just for 50,000km, not 75,000km as within the petrol.
G25 fashions quote an official mixed cycle gasoline use determine of 8.1L/100km, whereas D35 fashions quote 6.0L/100km.
The launch drive for the CX-8 replace consisted primarily of nation roads in rural Victoria, after which the journey laptop of the G25 was studying 10.7L/100km, even with solely two occupants on board. The D35 diesel’s engine made it for simpler work, and a decrease 8.4L/100km readout for related driving.
Purchase the petrol and also you get a 72-litre gasoline tank (suitable with 91 RON common unleaded), whereas the diesel has a barely bigger 74L tank.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-8
The Mazda CX-8 stays a strong possibility for consumers searching for a correctly sensible six- or seven-seat SUV with a number of family-friendly options.
The diesel makes it a neater automotive to reside with, and the D35 Touring Energetic ticks a number of containers when it comes to options.
However in case you’re on a extremely tight finances, the bottom G25 Sport might be a shock particular, given it will get the smaller alloys and a smoother journey in consequence.
Click on the pictures for the complete gallery
MORE: Every part Mazda CX-8