Mazda confirms CX-8 pricing
Mazda Australia has officially confirmed pricing for its second seven-seat large SUV, the CX-8, following the leak of dealer documents in March this year and ahead of the diesel-powered model’s launch next month.
The CX-8 line-up opens with the Sport grade in front and all-wheeldrive forms, priced from $42,490 and $46,490 before on-road costs respectively, while the all-wheel-drive Asaki flagship starts at $61,490.
Entry-level and range-topping variants from the petrol-powered CX-9 line-up are $1400 and $3300 dearer. However, the CX-8 is not offered with the CX-9’S mid-spec Touring and GT grades.
When it hits Australian showrooms, the CX-8 will go toe to toe with diesel variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq.
According to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, the CX-8 is an enticing prospect for SUV buyers who want seven-seat practicality with diesel performance.
“The brand-new Mazda CX-8 shares the uncompromising quality, style, comfort and safety features that customers know and expect of a Mazda,” he said.
“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 CX-8 is exclusively motivated by a 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged fourcylinder diesel engine that produces 140kw of power at 4500rpm and 450Nm at 2000rpm. This unit is also found in diesel variants of the recentlyupdated mid-size CX-5 SUV and Mazda6 sedan and wagon.
Alternatively, the CX-9 employs a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 170kw at 5000rpm and 420Nm at 2000rpm.
Both seven seaters are mated to a six-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission.
As previously reported, the leaked dealer documents suggest standard equipment in all CX-8S includes dusk-sensing LED headlights, powerfolding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and roof rails.
Inside, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, three-zone climate control, second-row USB connectivity, a headup display, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, digital radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity feature.
Advanced driver-assist safety technologies are expected to extend to forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane departure warning, steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
The Sport also picks up 17-inch alloy wheels, black cloth upholstery and a six-speaker sound system.
Meanwhile, the Asaki further adds 19-inch alloy wheels, brown or white Nappa leather upholstery, a 249W 10-speaker Bose sound system, adaptive headlights, LED foglights, a power tailgate, a heated steering wheel, second-row sunshades, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory functionality, a six-way poweradjustable passenger seat, first and second-row heated seats, wood trim, keyless entry, front parking sensors and 360-degree cameras.
Optional metallic and mica paintwork allegedly attracts a $300 premium.
While Mazda Australia is yet to detail fuel consumption figures for the CX-8, the Sport FWD is expected to drink 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, while the two AWD variants should sip 6.0L100km.
Sales of the CX-9 have taken a small hit this year, with 3436 examples sold to the end of May, representing a 7.7 percent decrease over the 3723 deliveries made during the same period in 2017.
This effort places Mazda fourth in the sub-$70,000 large-suv segment this year, trailing the Toyota Prado, 7580 units, Kluger, 5795, and Subaru Outback, 4538, but ahead of Isuzu MU-X, 3329, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, 2754, among others.