Mazda CX-8 2018 Review

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Mazda’s 2018 CX-8 line-up includes just three model variants and only two equipment grades – less than any other Mazda SUV – but all of them come fitted as standard with seven seats and a diesel engine.

The oiler in question is the latest 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel first seen in the upgraded 2018 CX-5, matched as standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

As Mazda announced two weeks ago, the CX-8 Sport FWD opens the range at $42,490 plus on-road costs, which is $2500 more than the cheapest CX-5 diesel.

However – despite its standard diesel engine, which normally attracts a price premium – it’s also $1400 cheaper than the entry-level CX-9 (from $43,890).

Given all CX-9s are powered exclusively by a 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four, that means the smaller CX-8 not only offers more torque than the CX-9 but also costs less.

The CX-8’s sub-$43K starting price also makes it about $2000 more affordable than Australia’s top-selling car-based large crossover SUV -- Toyota’s Kluger V6 (from $44,500).

Other seven-seat diesel SUV competitors include the Peugeot 5008 (from $45,490), Skoda Kodiaq AWD (from $48,990) and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace AWD (from $46,990).

The mid-range CX-8 Sport AWD costs $4000 more at $46,490 plus ORCs, while the CX-8 Asaki AWD tops the range at $61,490 plus ORCs -- $3300 less than the range-topping CX-9 Azami ($64,790).

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What do you get?

Base Sport versions come with almost all of the base CX-9 Sport’s standard equipment (except 18-inch wheels and smart key locking/starting) and all of Mazda’s latest i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies, including a new Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) system and Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA), which is not offered in Japan).

There’s also Smart City Brake Support Forward/Reverse autonomous emergency braking (SCBS F/R), Smart Brake Support (SBS), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDW), Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go (MRCC), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), High Beam Control (HBC), six airbags including side curtains and reversing camera.

Entry-grade CX-8s ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with Gun Metallic finish wearing 225/65 tyres and feature black cloth seat trim. Other standard features include Mazda’s 7.0-inch MZD Connect infotainment display, a windscreen mounted head-up display, automatic LED headlights, three-zone air-conditioning, six-speaker audio with DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth, satellite-navigation and rear parking sensors.

In addition, for a cool $15,000 price premium over the CX-8 Sport AWD, top-shelf Asaki models add a long list of extras including 19-inch alloy wheels with Bright Silver finish and 225/55 tyres, Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH), a 360-degree View Monitor, the choice of Dark Russet or Pure White nappa leather trim and premium Bose 273-Watt/10-speaker sound.

The flagship CX-8 Asaki also adds LED daytime running lamps, LED front foglights, remote-operated power tailgate, heated steering wheel, heated and powered (10-way drive/six-way passenger) front seats, heated rear seats, rear-side window blinds, real wood door and dash inserts, advanced keyless entry and front parking sensors.

But there is no sunroof and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring -- yet.

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Where does it come from?

Mazda says the CX-8 was based on the CX-9 and it rides on the same 2930mm wheelbase, but it’s also 175mm shorter at 4900mm, as well as 17mm lower (1730mm) and 129mm narrower at 1840mm.

That makes it the same width as the CX-5, which has a 2700mm wheelbase, and Mazda says noise suppression was improved over the CX-9 via extra sound deadening in the rear fender panels and tailgate.

The CX-8 offers 209 litres of cargo seats behind the rear seats, expanding to 242 litres including under-floor storage and 742 litres with the third row stowed – about 70 litres less than the CX-9.

Mazda says the individual third-row seats, which score cup-holders and child seat anchors but no ventilation outlets, are suitable for occupants up to 170cm. The middle row slides, reclines and is 40/60-split/folding, providing one-motion rear-seat access.

Outside, it wears slightly different lighting designs front and rear but its front structure is identical to the CX-5, with which it also shares its dashboard but is 200kg heavier at 1840kg (1957kg AWD) but also more rigid, claims Mazda.

While the base Sport FWD consumes just 5.7L/100km with the aid of idle-stop (much less than the CX-9’s 8.4L/100km) and hits 100km/h in a claimed 9.2 seconds, all AWD models consume 6.0L/100km and hit 100km/h in 9.6sec (claimed).

The CX-8 is available in seven exterior paint colours (three of which are metallic), service intervals are 10,000km or 12 months and Mazda Australia continues to offer an equally sub-standard three-year/unlimited-km warranty without roadside assist.

Mazda expects entry-level front-wheel drive Sport variants to comprise 60 per cent of sales, all-wheel drive Sport models to account for 10 per cent and the top-shelf Asaki AWD versions to comprise 30 per cent.

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How does it go?

Unsurprisingly, a lot like the CX-5. Which is a good thing, because Mazda’s mid-size crossover is Australia’s top-selling SUV for good reason and the CX-8 delivers the same level of comfort, dynamics and design, materials and build quality.

Yes, the dashboard is identical to the CX-5’s (and the CX-9’s, except for revised air-vents) but that’s no bad thing because it’s well presented, highly ergonomic, super-intuitive and, like the rest of the interior, equipped with tactile controls and covered in soft-touch surfaces.

The engine remains the loudest part of the CX-8, however, with a fair dose of diesel clatter evident from a cold start and when burying the right foot, and the low-profile 19-inch tyres on Asaki models are also pretty noisy on coarse-ship bitumen.

But the upside is engine performance, which is strong right from idle and quickly crescendos without much turbo lag thanks to a hefty 450Nm torque peak at just 2000rpm.

That means there’s always a healthy dose of effortless grunt on tap under foot, even when fully loaded, making it as well suited to the suburban school run as an undulating back-road or rapid overtaking on a long-distance freeway run.

Combined with Mazda’s smooth and effective six-speed torque converter auto, the CX-8 is rarely in the wrong gear -- even if it lacks the steering wheel shift paddles that would make it even more user-friendly.

Economy is just as impressive – and a real drawcard compared with the much thirstier CX-9 – although we never got close to the 6.0L/100km claim for AWD models. But on that basis the CX-8’s 72-litre fuel tank would make it good for a driving range of 1200km.

Ride quality is firm but never harsh and the well sorted suspension keeps body roll well in check. Complementing the solid road holding is steering that’s direct, precise, well-weighted and devoid of torque steer, bump steer and rack rattle, making the CX-8 one of the sportier sports utility vehicles.

But the real story here and the reason for the CX-8’s being is its interior packaging, which is well thought-out and executed.

Yes, the cabin is noticeably narrower than the CX-9’s and there’s less space behind the third-row seats, the head restraints of which -- like many of its 5+2-seat rivals – are pushed right back to the rear window, leaving room behind them for a couple of small soft bags (not suitcases).

But a handy 33-litre cubby below the cargo floor, made possible by the space-saver spare beneath it, makes up for that somewhat and, at 742 litres, total cargo volume behind the CX-8’s second row is still sizeable and not that much less than the CX-9’s.

But if you plan on carting lots of cargo around or regularly putting anyone of average height or more in the third row, then pay the small premium for the CX-9, because rear headroom it tight and the low seat height makes sitting up the back a knees-up affair.

If, on the other hand, you’re in the market for an efficient seven-seat diesel crossover and don’t require maximum cargo or adult carrying capacity, then Mazda now has one of the best in the business.

How much is the 2018 Mazda CX-8?
Price: From $42,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.7L/100km (6.0L/100km AWD)
Safety rating: TBC