Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE 2021 Review

The 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE continues the extension of this large SUV range.

Back when the CX-8 first launched in Australia in 2018 there were just three models. Now there are 11!

The Asaki LE is the new flagship of the range. It’s got all the bells and whistles available to the CX-8 and comes with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, a six-speed automatic (with new-for-2021 flappy paddles) and i-Activ on-demand all-wheel drive.

It is also the only model in the range to swap from a bench seat in the second row to powered captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity from seven to six and also impacting functionality because the middle row no longer folds flat.

There’s plenty of obvious competition for the CX-8, including the Mazda CX-9, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2020 carsales Car of the Year, the Kia Sorento. The Sorento was also recently named Best Family SUV 2021.

The 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE will set you back $69,920 plus on-road costs, which is a hefty slug for what is essentially an all-wheel drive people-mover with altitude.

Apart from the new second-row seats and accompanying centre console with cup holders and two USB outlets, the Asaki also gets chrome brown or pure white Nappa leather trim with quilting.

Otherwise it aligns with the previous flagship, the Asaki, including appealing features like 19-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights and a heated steering wheel.

Equipment shared with lesser CX-8 models includes tri-zone climate control, a powered sunroof, an auto tailgate (new for 2021), a 10.25-inch non-touch infotainment screen (also new for 2021) with embedded sat-nav, a wireless charger (ditto re 2021), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connection, Bose 10-speaker audio and powered front seats.

Safety features includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with night-time pedestrian detection, front, front-side and curtain airbags (that include row three), a 360-degree monitor, a head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert.

Intelligent Speed Assist reads roadside speed signs to help the driver avoid exceeding the posted limit, LED headlights adapt to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers, adaptive cruise control works with the AEB, and tyre pressure monitoring and a temporary spare wheel offer a puncture warning and solution.

The CX-8 comes with a 2018 five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Mazda protects the CX-8 with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. The CX-8 also comes with a short 10,000km/12-month service schedule, which means on average mileage you’ll be seeing your Mazda dealer on average about once every nine months.

Essentially a stretched version of the Mazda CX-5 mid-size SUV, the 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE lives up to the Japanese brand’s well-established reputation for delivering well-built and decent-driving vehicles to its showrooms.

The drivetrain is thoroughly refined and quite efficient, only lagging a tiny bit sometimes at low revs.

The fuel consumption average will head into the high 8.0L/100km and low 9.0L/100km range once the Asaki LE’s loaded up and being stressed. There are no drive mode choices, just the ability to change gear manually. But that’s enough.

For such a big (almost 5.0 metres long) and heavy (1977kg) wagon, the CX-8 is easy to manoeuvre at low speed, steers crisply and handles with confidence on the open road.

On bumpy corners there is a little bit of steering kickback. On gravel, the AWD system hooks up cleanly.

As is typical of Mazda, the Asaki LE’s ride is a little sharp without being uncomfortable and ensures less sway and body roll. And as has also become more common of late, the CX-8 is a Mazda with an acceptably quiet cabin.

The biggest argument against the Asaki LE is those captain’s seats. They’re very comfortable, give a great view out and are fully powered.

But they slide and tilt forward at a glacial pace, slowing the whole entry and exit process for the kids in row three (and only kids will fit back there, owing to limited legroom).

I came to wish the centre console in the second row was removable, granting a walk-through function.

Nor do the two middle-row buckets fold flat like the bench in cheaper CX-8 models. That means the ability to swallow big and awkward amounts of luggage (such as mountain bikes) is compromised, or simply becomes impossible.

Again, floor space between the second-row seats would help.

Considering the limitations imposed by the captain’s chairs, the 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE lends itself more to a commercial role than a big family’s people-mover.

With its upmarket (albeit hardly ostentatious) interior and comfy seating, it would make a logical buy as prestige yet sensible transport for a hire company or hotel.

Private buyers? Well, for this money there are a lot of other choices you should be considering.

Like many top-end flagship models, the 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE makes a great advert for the entire range, but will really appeal only to a small percentage of potential buyers who wander into a showroom.

You can pay up to $30,000 less for a Mazda CX-8 – the front-wheel drive 2.5-litre petrol Sport, to be specific – and to be frank, it’s a more practical vehicle simply because of its bench seat. It also drives much like the Asaki LE.

So, sure, wander into your Mazda showroom, admire the Asaki LE and take it for a test drive.

But then drive some other Mazda CX-8 models too. You’ll probably end up opting for a cheaper, more sensible version.

How much does the 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE Diesel AWD cost?
Price: $69,920 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 158g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2018)