The face of the CX-5, rear-end design of the CX-9, platform and suspension from the larger of the two models, and an interior with enough seats for seven occupants. That’s the 2018 Mazda CX-8 for you, and it’s going on sale in Japan at the start of December.
Exclusive to the automaker’s domestic market – where the CX-9 isn’t sold – the CX-8 would make sense in Europe if Mazda can make a business case to extend the availability of the all-new model. As far as the Japan-spec CX-8 is concerned, the order books start from 3,196,800 yen for the XD trim level with the six-speed automatic transmission and the 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D.
That’s $28,875 when converted to U.S. dollars at today’s exchange rates, which is significantly less than the CX-9 ($31,520 before destination). A six-seat configuration and i-Activ all-wheel-drive are also available, with the range-topping XD L Package AWD being priced at 4,190,400 yen ($37,845).
Equipped with G-Vectoring Control, the CX-8 has 190 PS (188 hp; 140 kW) to brag about. The engine, which is confirmed for the U.S.-spec CX-5, develops 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. When it comes to practicality, the third-row seats can accommodate adults who measure 1.7 meters (5.6 feet).
Trunk capacity is also respectable, with 239 liters (8.4 cu.ft.) available with the third-row seats up. Folded down, you’re looking at 572 liters (20.2 cu.ft) including the 65-liter (2.3 cu.ft.) sub-trunk compartment. As for the design of the cabin, it’s business as usual for Mazda in the CX-8. Adequate plastic quality, nice materials, minimalist styling, everything is just right.
At the present moment, Mazda hopes to sell 1,200 units of the CX-8 per month. That works out to 14,400 examples per year, which doesn’t make sense from the point of view of manufacturing capacity. It is highly likely the CX-8 will set foot in Europe next year, but the U.S. won’t get it considering the CX-9 fairs ok, posting new sales records every now and then.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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