Prices for the all-new Mazda CX-8 SUV have been announced for the Australian market, ahead of its showroom arrival next month.
As revealed earlier this year, the new CX-8 will slot into the market in between the CX-5 medium-size SUV and the CX-9 large SUV. It features a seven-seat cabin, like the CX-9, but uses Mazda’s beaut new 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine (not available in the CX-9).
Why has Mazda gone with a diesel-only powertrain? We’re not entirely sure as demand for the diesel option in the CX-5 isn’t as strong as the petrol units. Nonetheless, the diesel is a fantastic engine. In its latest tune it produces a healthy 140kW and a meaty 450Nm. In the CX-5 diesel, we clocked 0-100km/h in a very respectable 7.88 seconds.
Mazda Australia is offering two variants of the CX-8, including the Sport which is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive guise, as well as the flagship Asaki which is all-wheel drive only. Fuel economy figures haven’t been mentioned, but as a guide the CX-5 diesel, which is AWD only, offers a combined cycle rating of 5.7L/100km. The CX-8 FWD should present similar figures.
The CX-8 is based on the CX-9, featuring a narrower and shorter set of dimensions, as well as a sloping roofline toward the rear for a sporty profile. Some styling revisions are made to distinguish the new model, particularly around the rear pillars, with a similar front end to the CX-9.
Mazda is obviously aiming to soak up a larger chunk of the market with the new model, as prices for the CX-8 span very wide. Kicking off from $42,490 and stretching to $61,490 means it does overlap with the CX-5 at both ends. Given the CX-5 is and has been the best-selling SUV in the country for many years, the CX-8 should quite easily enjoy a slice of the success. Mazda Australia MD Vinesh Bhind said:
“Brand-new Mazda CX-8 shares the uncompromising quality, style, comfort and safety features that customers know and expect of a Mazda. This, paired with the efficiency and economy of the most advanced SkyActiv diesel engine on offer, makes the Mazda CX-8 an enticing proposition for Australians needing an added level of versatility.”
The new model will officially go on sale from July this year. Prices start from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2018 Mazda CX-8 Sport FWD – $42,490
2018 Mazda CX-8 Sport AWD – $46,490
2018 Mazda CX-8 Asaki AWD – $61,490
