Mazda continues its lineup expansion with an entirely new model: the CX-80. The crossover is due next week, as the Japanese automaker has just announced, and, unfortunately, it won't apply for a U.S. visa. Instead, it will only be available to customers in Europe, in Australia, and in some parts of Asia.
The Japanese automaker says the unveiling date has been set for next Thursday. The first-ever Mazda CX-80 will debut on April 18, 2024, at 20:00 AEST (6:00 AM EST/12:00 PM CET) and will be exported to its selected markets straight from Japan, where it will be assembled.
But what exactly is the CX-80? Well, it is the successor to the CX-8 and a slightly bigger version of the popular CX-60. The car manufacturer based in the Land of the Rising Sun says it is longer and taller than the latter and features more inches between the axles, too.
As a result, it will offer superior space on the inside, with Mazda stating that it will be available with various seating configurations. There will be a third row of seats in place, yet those who don't care about it can order it with two individual captain's chairs instead, separated by a large center console.
Photo: Baldauf
Mazda says the CX-80 utilizes the Large Architecture platform, and that's no surprise, given that it is also the foundation stone of the CX-60 and CX-90. It should launch with several powertrain options, including mild hybrids and probably at least one self-charging assembly. The CX-80 is also expected to feature at least one diesel in Europe. An eight-speed automatic transmission should be the sole option, and the all-wheel drive system might be standard.
Its size and shape will put it in the same class as the Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, Nissan X-Trail, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, and other mid-size crossovers in the Old Continent. Thus, it will have to be very good if it wants to steal some sales from its rivals. Nevertheless, knowing how Mazda operates, chances are the first-ever CX-80 will be a choice in the class and probably one of the best-looking high-riders.
We will find out everything about it exactly one week from today, which is when the Japanese auto marque will pull the cover off its body. The model is expected to go on sale in selected markets in the coming months, and pricing and specifications will obviously vary from one country to the other.
As we already mentioned, Mazda will keep the CX-80 away from North America, where interested parties will have to settle for the slightly larger CX-90. This model comes from $37,845, and the plug-in hybrid variant carries an MSRP of $49,945, plus destination and dealer fees.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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