BUSINESS-CLASS SEATS
Mazda’s attractive family SUV sacrifices a little practicality to provide a premium experience for second-row passengers
MAZDA HAS A LOT OF SUVS
High-riding vehicles have been the default choice for the majority of new-car buyers for some time, and Mazda has a lot of bases covered with its comprehensive range.
The CX-8 is the second-largest in a family of six crossovers, positioned between the midsized CX-5 and full-sized CX-9. Originally conceived as a seven-seater for folks who don’t want to deal with the CX-9’s bulk (or thirsty petrol engine) the diesel CX-8 is now available with an interesting six-seat layout.
THIS IS A FANCY MAZDA
The range starts at about $43,490 drive-away. The new Asaki LE tested here is a fair wedge dearer at about $72,500 drive-away. In many ways you get more than a standard CX-8 – allwheel-drive traction, a huge sunroof, premium leather trim in a choice of chroma brown or pure white colours, a 10-speaker Bose stereo and seats that are both heated and cooled. There’s more equipment than you will find in a luxury car at this price.
But you also get less than regular models in one important regard, as this Mazda only has six seats.
LESS IS MORE
The six-seat layout is part of the Azami LE’s appeal. There are two conventional chairs up front, the same two in the boot that you find in cheaper models and two stand-alone seats in lieu of a bench in the middle. Dubbed “captain’s chairs” by the brand, the middle seats are heated and cooled, as well as electrically adjusted. There are also individual climate controls. The seat layout feels more premium and the seats are comfortable on long trips. The catch is that the treatment adds about $3000 to the bill and its electric folding function is rather slow, making rapid access to the third-row frustratingly slow.
IT’S THE RIGHT SIZE
Mazda’s decision to offer third-row seating in a more compact platform than the big CX-9 pays dividends in urban environments. Tight shopping centre carparks, inner-city street parking and compact lanes are easier to handle in this wagon, which benefits from handy tech such as a 360-degree camera. As is usually the case, Mazda’s safety tech is first-rate, with front and rear auto braking, radar cruise control, lane keeping assistance and rear cross-traffic alert all included as standard. This isn’t the most dynamic model in the Mazda range – the CX-5 and CX-9 both feel better sorted on the open road – but it is easy to get on with, thanks in part to a punchy turbo diesel engine mated to a sixspeed automatic with all-wheel-drive.
THERE ISN’T MUCH LIKE IT
The range-topping CX-8 is beautifully finished and has lots of toys to justify its $70,000-plus asking price. There are few cars like it. You can find more expensive models with similar layouts, such as the Hyundai Palisade or rangetopping Mazda CX-9, but their much larger exterior dimensions might make them a handful in town. European luxury cars either won’t match its standard features list or will cost much more than the CX-8. This isn’t a car for everyone, but it will be exactly what some families need.