Mazda CX-8 SUV 2018 revealed with diesel power

Mazda’s just-revealed seven-seat CX-8 crossover has been made available to the brand’s local arm, but a decision on whether to import the swoopy-styled SUV sandwiched between the popular CX-5 and CX-9 is still undecided.

With a 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine under the bonnet, the CX-8 is expected to attract buyers of large SUVs who want an oil-burner instead of the petrol-only CX-9.

To be built in Japan on the same platform as the US-made CX-9, the shorter CX-8 is designed specifically for the Japanese market to suit the country’s road and parking restrictions.

The new SUV, open for orders in Japan this week with December deliveries, is 175mm shorter than the CX-9 and 350mm longer than the CX-5.

Compared with the CX-9, it is lower (by 17mm) and narrower by 129mm. It shares the 2930mm wheelbase.

Luggage space is 239 litres (three seats up) and 572 litres (third seat down) compared with the CX-9 at 230L/810 litres.

Also shared with the CX-9 is the suspension and steering – including G-Vectoring Control – but, for the Japanese market at least, there is only one diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission.

In Japan it will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, in six and seven-seat configurations, and three grades from XD (Mazda’s common name for its upmarket level), XD Proactive and XD L Package.\

The new SUV is also more luxuriously equipped and reflects Mazda’s global push to match its cars with European prestige brands.

The CX-8 will offer Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, substantial increases in sound deadening materials and more flexible seat arrangements than in previous Mazda vehicles.

Safety equipment includes 360-degree cameras, blind-spot and active lane-changing monitors, and a pedestrian safety “pop-up” bonnet.

The concept of the more coupe-like style of the CX-8 compared with the CX-9 is similar to the relationship between the BMW X3 and the X4, as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLC Coupe.

Mazda said the CX-8’s style “brings new depth and maturity” to its long-standing ‘Kodo’ design language that began with a 2011 concept and found showroom distinction first with the Mazda 2’s open-mouth grille, replacing the previous smiley-face look.

“As the flagship model in the SUV line-up for Japan, the focus was on creating a look of class and quality, and every interior part was chosen in careful consideration of its colour and material,” it said.

Mazda Australia has confirmed its Japanese parent has given permission to import and sell the CX-8, however the local division is currently still reviewing the business case.

With factors such as pricing, specification and launch date to consider, Mazda Australia is expected to make an official announcement on the matter in the next few months.

Australia pricing could come in at around $48,000 before on-road costs, up to about $60,000 – placing the CX-8 right in between its CX-5 and CX-9 SUV siblings.

Does a diesel-powered Mazda SUV appeal to you more than the petrol CX-9 and smaller-sized CX-5? Tell us what you think in the comments below.