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Mazda CX-8 2018 review

EXPERT RATING
8.1
Remember Mr McGreg from The Simpsons who copped the brunt of Dr Nick Riviera? "With a leg for an arm and an arm for a leg." You might perceive the new Mazda CX-8 as a similar jumble of existing Mazda SUV building blocks, but you're wrong. Very wrong. It may have the long wheelbase and seven-seat layout of a CX-9 but

Remember Mr McGreg from The Simpsons who copped the brunt of Dr Nick Riviera? "With a leg for an arm and an arm for a leg."

You might perceive the new Mazda CX-8 as a similar jumble of existing Mazda SUV building blocks, but you're wrong. Very wrong.

It may have the long wheelbase and seven-seat layout of a CX-9 but the narrower width of a CX-5, and the headlights from the latter and tail-lights from the former, but it's all for good reasons, and plonks the new model right between the two in Mazda's very appealing SUV line-up.

This is indeed a foot in both the mid-size and large SUV camps, but also gives Mazda an answer to the emerging range of seven-seat mid-sizers like the CR-V, Kodiaq, 5008, X-Trail, Outlander, and upcoming Tiguan Allspace.

Its journey to Australia has not been an easy one, being classified as a Japan-only model when it was revealed late last year and arriving with a relatively limited model line-up and no petrol drivetrain option.

With the coat-tails of CX-5's five-year run as Australia's favourite SUV to ride on, combined with the CX-9's credentials forming the other half of its gene pool, there's a very good chance a lot of Australians will be glad it made the trip.

We were among the first to drive the CX-8 at its Australian launch this week.

Mazda CX-8 2018: Asaki (awd) (5YR)
Safety rating
Engine Type2.2L turbo
Fuel TypeDiesel
Fuel Efficiency6L/100km
Seating7 seats
Price from$44,220

Is there anything interesting about its design?   8/10

Rather than a smaller CX-9, it's fairest to describe the CX-8 as a long-wheelbase CX-5 given it shares all panelwork from the B-pillar forward with the latter. Everything rearward is unique aside from its tail-lights, however.

CX-8 development boss Hideki Matsuoka explains his team started with the CX-9 though, with the seven seat layout a core element of the project. Rear legroom was another key criteria, which is why it uses the CX-9's 2930mm wheelbase to match the large SUV.

  • You might perceive the new Mazda CX-8 as a similar jumble of existing Mazda SUV building blocks, but you're wrong. Very wrong. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) You might perceive the new Mazda CX-8 as a similar jumble of existing Mazda SUV building blocks, but you're wrong. Very wrong. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)
  • Rather than a smaller CX-9, it's fairest to describe the CX-8 as a long-wheelbase CX-5. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) Rather than a smaller CX-9, it's fairest to describe the CX-8 as a long-wheelbase CX-5. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)
  • The Sport comes with 17-inch alloys. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) The Sport comes with 17-inch alloys. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)
  • In isolation it's yet another fine Kodo-era SUV design. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) In isolation it's yet another fine Kodo-era SUV design. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)

The rear doors have been extended accordingly to optimise rear seat access, following a formula only used by the Kodiaq, 5008 and Tiguan Allspace to date.

Retaining the CX-5's 1840mm width was also important for easier manoeuvrability, but it's worth noting that the CX-8's 11.6m turning circle is closer to the CX-9's 11.8 than the CX-5's 11.0.

The 129mm narrower body, shorter front and rear overhangs and 175mm shorter overall length than the CX-9 are certain to be beneficial when parking though.

  • What has seven seats, the legs of a CX-9 and the face of a CX-5? Mazda's new CX-8 mid-large SUV. (CX-8 Sport pictured) What has seven seats, the legs of a CX-9 and the face of a CX-5? Mazda's new CX-8 mid-large SUV. (CX-8 Sport pictured)
  • Retaining the CX-5's 1840mm width was important for easier maneuverability. (CX-8 Sport pictured) Retaining the CX-5's 1840mm width was important for easier maneuverability. (CX-8 Sport pictured)

The net result can look like an elongated CX-5 from the front three-quarter view – surprise, surprise – but in isolation it's yet another fine Kodo-era SUV design.

The interior is a similar package, with the dash and door trims from the CX-5 blending with the split-lidded centre console from the CX-9. Everything rearward is also unique, and the top-spec Asaki's presentation nudges premium brands with actual wood trim on the dash and nappa leather on the seats, particularly in the optional and CX-8-specific 'Dark Russet' colour.

How practical is the space inside?   9/10

Mazda defines the life stage of a typical CX-8 owner as having two kids under their belt and considering a third, with the need to often bring their friends along for the ride.

This sits above the CX-3's 'young people or young couple' profile and the CX-5's 'couple thinking about kids or have a kid', but beneath the CX-9 as the go-to for large families.

  • The CX-8 still manages to have a useful 209 litres (VDA) of space in the boot with the third row upright. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) The CX-8 still manages to have a useful 209 litres (VDA) of space in the boot with the third row upright. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)
  • This expands to 742 litres VDA, or a much bigger space than the CX-5 with the third row folded. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) This expands to 742 litres VDA, or a much bigger space than the CX-5 with the third row folded. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)
  • Both rear rows fold flat to reveal  1727 litres (VDA) in total, and there’s a further 33 litres of underfloor storage. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) Both rear rows fold flat to reveal 1727 litres (VDA) in total, and there’s a further 33 litres of underfloor storage. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)

The key element of the CX-8's remit is clearly the third row of seats, which has been designed to suit heights up to 170cm, which essentially means taller kids. This 172cm tester found it quite cosy, but possible, so you wouldn't want to push it much further. Legroom is officially within 5mm of the CX-9, but the limiting factor is headroom.

Access to the third row is as easy as you could hope for thanks to those long doors opening 80 degrees, with the second row sliding forward from either side with a single action. The third row also folds flat with a simple single action for either pew.

The CX-8 retains all the important practicality elements. (CX-8 Sport pictured) The CX-8 retains all the important practicality elements. (CX-8 Sport pictured)

The second row is really just a narrower version of the CX-9's with the same legroom and ample headroom for this tester. It won't swallow three adults or child seats as comfortably as a CX-9, and you'd need to choose your child seat carefully if attempting the latter.

The sliding second row seat is likely to make for much more comfortable front seating with a rearward facing child seat fitted, too.

On that note, the CX-8 has the same child seat anchorage layout as the CX-9, with ISOFIX mounts for the outward second row seats, and top tether points for all five rear seats.

Despite having a shorter rear overhang than the CX-9, the CX-8 still manages to have a useful 209 litres (VDA) of space in the boot (loaded to the roof) with the third row upright, which expands to 742 litres VDA (loaded to the roof), or a much bigger space than the CX-5 with the third row folded.

Mazda defines the life stage of a typical CX-8 owner as having two kids under their belt and considering a third. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) Mazda defines the life stage of a typical CX-8 owner as having two kids under their belt and considering a third. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)

Both rear rows fold flat to reveal  1727 litres (VDA) in total, and there's a further 33 litres of underfloor storage.

The CX-8 retains all the other important practicality elements, including bottle holders and cupholders for all three rows, 12-volt and USB points, and there's tri-zone climate control that gives second row passengers an extra zone, but like the CX-9 there's no individual ventilation for the third row.

If you're looking to tow with the CX-8, it carries the same 2000kg braked tow rating as the CX-9, which is 200kg ahead of the figure applied to all CX-5s.

Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?   7/10

Unlike the broad variant spectrum available with other Mazdas, the CX-8 is limited to just two trim levels; Sport and Asaki.

The Sport is available in two- and all-wheel drive configurations, which carry list prices of $42,490 and $46,490 respectively and sit a significant margin beneath the $61,490 Asaki.

The CX-8 Sport slightly undercuts the petrol-only CX-9 Sport by $1400 in either two- or all-wheel drive (AWD) forms.

The top-spec Asaki’s presentation nudges premium brands with actual wood trim on the dash and nappa leather on the seats. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) The top-spec Asaki’s presentation nudges premium brands with actual wood trim on the dash and nappa leather on the seats. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)

The nearest diesel CX-5 would be the GT diesel at $46,590, but remember that every diesel CX-5 comes with AWD.

The CX-8 Asaki is only available with AWD, and priced $12,300 more than the top-spec CX-5 Akera, but $3300 less than the top-spec CX-9 Azami. In a nutshell, it's a bit cheaper than the CX-9 at either end of the range.

The Sport's standard feature list includes all the important safety gear, which you can read about in detail below, plus cloth seat trim but leather steering wheel, three-zone climate control, 7.0-inch multimedia screen with sat nav and digital radio, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto until it becomes optional later this year

Sports also come with a head-up display, active cruise control, LED auto headlights, auto wipers, heated and power folding door mirrors, plus auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and can be best identified on the outside by their 17-inch alloys.

The Sport comes with 17-inch alloys. (CX-8 Sport pictured) The Sport comes with 17-inch alloys. (CX-8 Sport pictured)

Over the Sport, the Asaki adds things like nappa leather seat trim with power adjustable front seats,  seat heaters for the first two rows, a heated steering wheel, Bose stereo, real wood trim, rear window blinds, a power tailgate, proximity keys, a 360 degree camera system, front parking sensors, adaptive headlights, plus LED daytime running lights and fog lights.

Does that sound like an extra $15,000 worth? I'm not sure, particularly given the best way to pick the Asaki on the outside is by its bigger 19-inch alloys.

Mazda expects the two-wheel drive (2WD) Sport to represent 60 per cent of CX-8 sales, with the AWD version just 10 per cent, and the top Asaki making up the remaining 30 per cent.

What are the key stats for the engine and transmission?   8/10

Yes, the CX-8 is diesel only, in a similar way to the CX-9's petrol-only status. The CX-8 was designed exclusively for diesel-loving Japan, which doesn't get the bigger CX-9 which was largely developed to suit petrol-loving US tastes.

Australia's proven love for Mazdas – currently the number two brand in our market - got the local business case across the line, which also included New Zealand. Fun fact: This leaves the Antipodean markets as the only two in the world to retail both CX-8 and CX-9.

The 2.2-litre twin-turbo-diesel is the same revised 140kW/450Nm unit fitted recently to the CX-5 and Mazda6. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) The 2.2-litre twin-turbo-diesel is the same revised 140kW/450Nm unit fitted recently to the CX-5 and Mazda6. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)

The CX-5's relative breadth of drivetrain options comes down to the mid-size SUV's global appeal.

The 2.2-litre twin-turbo-diesel is the same revised 140kW/450Nm unit fitted recently to the CX-5 and Mazda6. Maximum torque is available from just 2000rpm, which helps mask the six-speed torque converter auto's relatively low ratio count.

AWD versions come with the clever 'i-ACTIV' drive system, which embraces numerous sensors to predict surface changes before the tyre encounters them and react accordingly.

How much fuel does it consume?   9/10

The 2WD CX-8 Sport carries an impressive 5.7L/100km official combined fuel consumption figure, and the two AWD variants are only 0.3L behind at 6.0L/100km.

The 2WD CX-8 figure matches diesel CX-5s, which are AWD, and compares with the 8.4 and 8.8 figures applied to 2WD and AWD versions of the CX-9 respectively.

With the 72 litre fuel tank from the 2WD CX-9, this suggests a very impressive theoretical range of 1263km for the 2WD CX-8, or 1200km from the AWDs.

What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating?   9/10

The CX-8 is yet to be tested by ANCAP to see if it's worthy of the maximum five star ratings applied to the CX-5 and CX-9, but an announcement is expected in the near future.

Mazda expects it will get top marks, so our safety score is a tentative on that basis. Do check before signing on the dotted line.

Like the rest of Mazda's hatch, sedan and SUV line-up, all CX-8's come with all the most important safety gear as standard.

Both trim levels come with airbags covering all three rows, front and rear AEB, reversing camera, rear parking sensors with cross traffic alerts, traffic sign recognition, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane guidance and lane departure warning.

The Asaki adds rear parking sensors, proximity keys and active headlights.

One feature Japanese CX-8s miss out on, which Australian versions don't, is 'Intelligent Speed Assistance'.

This coordinates the active cruise control with the traffic sign recognition to automatically adjust your speed as you pass through different speed zones. This is likely to be particularly popular with Victorian CX-8 owners...

Warranty & Safety Rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited km warranty

ANCAP Safety Rating

ANCAP logo

What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered?   7/10

The CX-8 is covered by Mazda's regular three year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is starting to look a bit brief among the many five year and beyond periods on offer from other manufacturers.

The 'Mazda Service Select' capped price servicing plan applies, if 12 month/10,000km intervals are adhered to. Base scheduled maintenance for the first three services will set you back $318, $458 and $318 respectively.

What's it like to drive?   8/10

My first impression behind the wheel is very diesel CX-5, which is of course a good thing.

If you've been following Mazda's recent efforts with refinement in the updated 6 and CX-5, you'll be pleased to know the same formula has been applied to the CX-8. These cars are achieving their goal of troubling the established premium brands for comfort.

You can certainly feel the extra length over the CX-5, and for the most part this means better ride comfort over bumps as there's less pitching forward and backwards.

My first impression behind the wheel is very diesel CX-5, which is of course a good thing. (CX-8 Asaki pictured) My first impression behind the wheel is very diesel CX-5, which is of course a good thing. (CX-8 Asaki pictured)

It also feels longer when chucking a U-turn or parking – don't forget that extra 60cm of turning circle.

As always, the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel makes for relaxed cruising, but you can feel the effect of the extra 200 kilos of weight over the CX-5. It's not quite as spritely, but still more than enough for highway overtaking, and it's still more nimble around corners than a proper large SUV.

The CX-8 would probably be a better package with the CX-9's turbo-petrol, but the diesel's economy will probably win over a lot of buyers, particularly with that huge theoretical range between fills.

Verdict

Mazda has taken a little of Column A and a little of Column B to bridge the gap between CX-5 and CX-9 quite nicely. It could only be better with the CX-9s petrol engine and perhaps a few more trim levels, but it's a good thing. Having said that, the sweet spot is definitely the two-wheel drive Sport, because it comes with what I consider to be all the important features, and represents the best value.

Will the CX-8 tempt you up from a CX-5 or down from a CX-9? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Pricing guides

$33,990
Based on 57 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$26,990
Highest Price
$42,888

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Asaki (awd) (5YR) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $44,220 – 51,480 2018 Mazda CX-8 2018 Asaki (awd) (5YR) Pricing and Specs
Sport (fwd) (5YR) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $33,440 – 39,820 2018 Mazda CX-8 2018 Sport (fwd) (5YR) Pricing and Specs
Sport (awd) (5YR) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $36,630 – 43,560 2018 Mazda CX-8 2018 Sport (awd) (5YR) Pricing and Specs
Sport (awd) 2.2L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $35,090 – 41,800 2018 Mazda CX-8 2018 Sport (awd) Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8.1
Design8
Practicality9
Price and features7
Under the bonnet8
Efficiency9
Safety9
Ownership7
Driving8
Malcolm Flynn
Editor

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