Mazda Motor Coporation has unveiled a three-row crossover SUV, the new Mazda CX-8, as their new flagship model that’s only available in Japan. Basically it’s their version of our CX-9.
Power comes from a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre diesel variable-geometry turbo engine producing 187 hp and 450Nm of torque. Brute power aside, the diesel engine also comes with Rapid Multi-Stage Combustion technology which injects small amounts of high-pressure and extremely fine fuel spray into the cylinder for improved combustion and reduced engine noise.
The new CX-8 comes with the SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission on the side of G-Vectoring Control and options are available between a front-wheel drive or the i-ACTIV AWD system. It’s suspension is structurally similar to the larger CX-9’s outside of Japan.
Length wise, its the same wheelbase with the CX-9 so cabin space is rest assured to be abundant. Mazda claims the third row seats will easily accommodate adults up to 170cm tall. With all three rows erected, the luggage compartment offers 239-litres of space which isnt’t too shabby but when the third row seats are collapsed, you get a respectable 572-litres.
Other highlights of the nappa-leather clad cabin with real wood trim includes sound absorbing materials on the top of your head and around the D-pillar, parting seal around the upper section of the liftgate and aerodynamic roof fails designed to not interrupt air flow. Wow. It’s dynamic front dampers and damping materials in the rear wheel fender also help reduce road noise. Four interior packages are available, two featuring genuine leather and two featuring fabric.
New to the CX-8 is the 360-degree View Monitor2 that displays vision from cameras mounted on the front, back and sides of the car on the center display. Apart from that, the new CX-8 retains all the safety systems from the i-ACTIVSENSE inventory. Prices start from RM 121k to RM 159k for the new CX-8 in Japan.
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