2018 Mazda CX-8 exterior revealed

Mazda has revealed the exterior of its upcoming CX-8 crossover that could be coming to Australia despite initial denials by the company.

The CX-8 will be Mazda’s flagship SUV in Japan where the larger CX-9 isn’t sold. It bridges the gap between the CX-9 and Mazda CX-5 in terms of size but has the same 1840mm width as the CX-5.

At 4900mm it is 175mm shorter than the CX-9 but shares its 2930mm wheelbase which allows for a third row. It will primarily be a six-seater with two captain chairs in the middle row, though more traditional bench seat accommodating a child in the middle will be available for a seven-seat option. Mazda reckons the third row will accommodate two adults comfortably.

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The CX-8 will be powered by the company’s 2.2-litre SkyActive D turbo diesel engine found in the Mazda 6 and CX-5 coupled with the customary six-speed automatic transmission.

While Mazda has stressed the CX-8 will Be built for the Japanese market, Wheels magazine reports that Mazda Australia is confident it will join its strong SUV line-up here.

At a recent media gathering Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi maintained it was a Japan-only model but didn’t rule out the prospect of it making its way Down Under.

“If there was ever to be an ADR [Australian Design Rule] version of CX-8 offered to Mazda Australia we would evaluate this opportunity and consider its viability in the market and actually ask ‘how does it fit amongst the other SUV models we have on offer here?” Bhindi said.

The continued interest is in sharp contrast to the emphatic way which Mazda Australia executives earlier ruled out the China-only CX-4 making its way here despite their strong interest in that model.

Mazda CX-8 specifications

• Length: 4900mm
• Wheelbase: 2930mm
• Width: 1840mm
• Height 1730mm
• Seating: 6/7
• Engine: SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel
• Transmission: SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-Speed automatic