Mazda officially confirms CX-8 pricing

BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 14th Jun 2018

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-wheel-drive 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 respectively. 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 ($44,850 to $57,090), Kia Sorento ($45,490 to $58,990) and Skoda Kodiaq ($48,990 to $52,990).

According to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, the CX-8 is an enticing prospect for SUV buyers that 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 four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140kW of power at 4500rpm and 450Nm at 2000rpm. This unit is also found in diesel variants of the recently-updated 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, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and roof rails.

Inside, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, three-zone climate control, second-row USB connectivity, a head-up 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 power-adjustable 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 6.0L/100km.

Built in Japan, the CX-8 measures 4900mm long, 1840mm wide and 1730mm tall, while the CX-9 is 175mm longer, 129mm wider and 17mm taller. Both models have a 2930mm wheelbase.

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 per cent 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) and Kluger (5795), and Subaru Outback (4538) but ahead of Isuzu MU-X (3329) and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (2754), among others.

2018 Mazda CX-8 pricing*