Mazda announces CX-8

Mazda has announced an all-new, three-row SUV model dubbed the CX-8 and due on sale in Japan by the end of this year, and it's firmly on Mazda Australia's wishlist.

Details are scarce and so far only this low-res interior image has been released, revealing the CX-8 will be available with both six and seven seats.

However, motoring.com.au understands the all-new five-door crossover wagon is essentially a long-wheelbase, three-row version of the new CX-5, rather than another version of the new CX-9, which is not sold in Japan.

Indeed, according to basic specifications released by Mazda, the CX-8 shares its 2930mm wheelbase with the CX-9 (rather than the CX-5's 2700mm wheelbase), but at 4900mm long is much lengthier than the CX-5 (4550mm) and almost as long as the CX-9 (5075mm).

The CX-8 is also the same width as the CX-5 (1840mm, making it narrower than the 1969mm CX-9), but at 1730mm it's taller than the CX-5 (1675mm) and almost as high as the CX-9 (1747mm).

We revealed the potential of a seven-seat version of the CX-5 as long ago as 2015 and since then reports from Japan and insiders at the launch of the new CX-5 have confirmed its existence.

Furthermore, Mazda Australia says that if there's any change to the CX-8's Japan-only status, which also applies to the CX-4, it is keen to offer the model to SUV-hungry Aussies.

"The new Mazda CX-8 has been announced in Japan today," said Mazda Australia public relations senior manager, Karla Leach.

"It is currently planned for production and launch in Japan only.

"We currently have CX-5 and CX-9 that offer both five- and seven-seat SUV options in Australia, which are both enjoying great popularity with Australian consumers.

"If plans evolve and it is offered globally, Mazda Australia would be keen to assess it viability in this market."

Mazda's global president and CEO Masamichi Kogai said the CX-8 will be the Japanese brand's flagship SUV in its domestic market.

"Our latest offering, the CX-8 is a new crossover SUV for people who appreciate quality and need a car that seats more than five," he said.

"It has the looks, performance and high-end feel customers expect from a Mazda, and even adults can sit comfortably in the third row.

"Mazda aims to create a strong emotional connection with customers, and we will achieve this by continually advancing our line-up to offer all customers our unique combination of driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance."

So far the only engine confirmed for the CX-8 is the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel seen in CX-5, but also expect a range of four-cylinder petrol engines including the CX-5's 2.5-litre and, perhaps, the CX-9's 2.5-litre turbo engine.