Mazda CX-8 Asaki 2018 review: snapshot

The CX-8 Asaki forms the top-of-the-range for the new segment-busting seven-seater SUV, sitting above the two- and all-wheel drive Sport variants.

The CX-8 offers buyers a smaller option than the CX-9 while still retaining seven seats, or something bigger than the CX-5 without going for the full-scale CX-9.

The CX-8 Asaki is only available with all-wheel drive, and its $61,490 list price sits a significant $15,000 above the all-wheel drive CX-8 Sport, or a full $19,000 more than the two-wheel drive version.

Explore the 2018 Mazda CX-8 Range

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It’s also priced $12,300 more than the top-spec CX-5 Akera, but $3300 less than the top-spec CX-9 Azami.

The CX-8 Sport comes with most mod cons, including all the important safety gear which you can read all about in the full review, but the Asaki adds things like leather seat trim with 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, and the best way to pick it on the outside is its bigger 19-inch alloys. Does that sound like an extra $15,000 worth? I’m not sure.

All CX-8s come with the recently revised 2.2-litre twin-turbo-diesel engine and six-speed torque converter auto, with no plans for a petrol version at this point. The Asaki is only available with all-wheel drive.

This means outputs of 140kW/450Nm and an impressive official combined fuel figure of 6.0L/100km.