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New Mazda CX-8 diesel now available

Mazda has expanded their lineup of award-winning SUVs, with the new CX-8 diesel officially on sale from July 1 2018. As Mazda’s naming convention might suggest, the CX-8 is a sort of middle child to the larger Mazda CX-9, and smaller CX-5 – with the idea being to provide an SUV which can still seat seven, while offering slightly smaller exterior dimensions and better fuel economy. The end result is a body which is shorter than the CX-9, and a width identical to the smaller CX-5.

The CX-8 Diesel will be available in two model grades, Sport and Asaki, across two drivetrains, FWD and AWD. An entry-level Sport FWD will set you back $42,490, while the Asaki will start at $61,490. Both grades will be available in seven colours, including Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Titanium Flash Mica, Sonic Silver Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, Snowflake White Pearl and Machine Grey Metallic.

The new Mazda CX-8 diesel will be powered exclusively by a 2.2L twin-turbo diesel engine, though I guess the name sort of gave that away. It will deliver 140kW of power at 4,500rpm and a huge 450Nm of torque at 2,000rpm.

Incorporating Mazda’s latest ‘SKYACTIV’ technologies, the engine will deliver best-in-class combined fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km for the Sport FWD variant, and 6.0L/100km for the Sport and Asaki AWD variants. Mazda says they were able to achieve this thanks to a high combustion ratio of 14.5:1, a new variable geometry turbocharger, ultra-high response Piezo injectors and a stepped ‘egg-profile’ combustion chamber.

As we mentioned above, despite being smaller than the Mazda CX-9, the new CX-8 matches it for seating – seven in total – although the third row is only recommended for passengers up to 170cm tall. The rear doors are wider and can open up to 80 degrees from the body to help get people in and out, while a high-mounted lever on the second-row seats allows you to fold the backrest and slide the seat forward to allow easier access to the third row.

Mazda has smartly included plenty of cabin storage around the place, with 209 litres of boot space when all three rows are in use. Storage increases to 742 litres with the third row folded down, and you’ll have a massive 1,727 litres to play with if you fold the second row flat too. There’s also a sneaky sub-boot which houses an additional 33 litres of underfloor storage.

Sticking with the inside, the Mazda CX-8 interior features piano black garnishes and chrome-plated mouldings, while a new colour palette with deep red tones will be featured on the Asaki – along with soft Nappa leather on the seats. Those opting for the Sport will receive black cloth seats, although the same dark red hues are woven into the material. Asaki is also offered with Pure White Nappa leather and adds real wood trim to the instrument and door panels for added warmth and elegance, befitting of a top spec model.

Asaki adds a host of special features and creature comforts and new technologies, including rear-door window blinds for sun protection and privacy, plus a 10-speaker Bose Sound System. In a first for Mazda, Asaki also introduces an integrated heated steering wheel that quickly warms the rim’s hand grip for safer, more comfortable operation on cold days.

As you might expect, the CX-8 features a comprehensive list of safety features as standard, include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), High Beam Control (HBC), Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Smart City Brake Support [Forward/Reverse] (SCBS F/R), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), reverse camera and rear parking sensors. Asaki adds even more safety equipment, including Mazda’s new 360° View Monitor, front parking sensors, Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH) and advanced keyless entry.

A number of designed-in, passive safety features further strengthen Brand-New Mazda CX-8 Diesel’s credentials, including a high-strength SKYACTIV-Body, which effectively absorbs and disperses impact forces from the front, sides and rear to suppress cabin deformation in the event of an accident.

Damping in the body and the SKYACTIV-Chassis also promote reassuring handling and a defined sense of stability for drivers and passengers alike, with significant NVH measures in place to reduce unwanted noise and maximise conversation clarity.

Managing Director of Mazda Australia, Vinesh Bhindi, said the Brand-New Mazda CX-8 Diesel is a compelling proposition for families needing space and economy, but wanting style and quality.

“In our belief that the car is more than a mass of metal, Brand-New Mazda CX-8 Diesel packages the functional elements that families are looking for, with the style and quality that they aspire to,” said Mr Bhindi.

The Brand-New Mazda CX-8 Diesel will go on sale from July 1 2018. For more information or to find your closest dealer, visit www.mazda.com.au.

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