Mazda is continuing its push into the large premium SUV space with the release of the six- or seven-seat CX-80, scheduled for local launch before the end of this year and effectively replacing the CX-8.
As per the closely related CX-60, the CX-80 is offered with a choice of three powertrains, the newcomer also riding on Mazdaās āLarge Architectureā platform (as does the smaller CX-60).
All engines drive all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, the hero powerplant being the (241kW/500Nm) 2.5-litre, four-cylinder āe-Skyactivā petrol-electric PHEV.
Unveiled in Europe, the CX-80 is also available with 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel (187kW/550Nm) and petrol (209kW/450Nm) power both combined with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
At close to 5.0m long with a wheelbase in excess of 3.0 metres the three-row CX-80 is appreciably longer than its two-row CX-60 stablemate (4.7m long, 2.9m wheelbase).
The CX-80 features two second row configurations. A 2-2-2 set-up with a pair of captain seats and broad console in the centre for six-seat capacity or a more conventional 2-3-2 seven-seat arrangement. In both cases third row seats fold flat to enhance available cargo space.
āMazda Connected Servicesā is on-board and accessible through the āMyMazdaā app while, as the name implies, a new āTrailer Hitch Viewā helps with positioning the vehicle while preparing for towing.
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Suspension is by double wishbones at the front and multilinks at the rear with the permanent all-wheel drive system biased towards the rear axle for a default RWD driving feel.
Like the CX-60, the CX-80 is equipped with āMazda Intelligent Drive Selectā offering multiple drive modes (including a pure āEVā setting in the PHEV).
Crash-avoidance safety tech includes active cruise control with a new āUnresponsive Driver Supportā feature, AEB with new āHead-on collision mitigationā and lane-keeping assist with the addition of āHead-on traffic avoidance assistā.
Mazda Australia says exact model grades, final specification and pricing will be confirmed closer to the carās local launch in the second half of the year.Ā
For reference, the closely related CX-60 ranges from $60,550, before on-road costs, for the entry-grade Evolve Petrol to $86,800 for the flagship Azami PHEV. So weāre estimating a price spread from the high $60K bracket to just over $90K for the top-spec CX-80.