Mazda CX-8 priced from $42,490 in Australia

Ahead of its local launch in July, Mazda Australia have announced pricing and grade levels for their new CX-8 seven-seat SUV. Priced from $42,490 plus on-road costs, the Mazda CX-8 will launch in two main grades with front- and all-wheel drive available on the entry level Sport, whilst the top grade Asaki will be all-wheel drive only. A CX-9 Sport costs $2,400 more.

Based on the same platform as the smaller CX-5, though employing a longer wheelbase and extra rear end length from the larger CX-9 to input two extra seats in the boot, the CX-8 will be only available with Mazda’s 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel – that in itself providing a reason for many buyers to consider it over the petrol-only CX-9.

Managing Director of Mazda Australia, Vinesh Bhindi, said the Brand-New Mazda CX-8 Diesel is a compelling offering for customers looking to upsize into an SUV.

“Brand-New Mazda CX-8 shares the uncompromising quality, style, comfort and safety features that customers know and expect of a Mazda,” he said.

“This, paired with the efficiency and economy of the most advanced SKYACTIV diesel engine on offer, makes the Mazda CX-8 an enticing proposition for Australians needing an added level of versatility.”

Initially revealed almost a year ago and sold exclusively in Japan until now, the CX-8 is the halfway point between the CX-5 and CX-9 – both figuratively and dimensionally as well. All CX-8 models are powered by Mazda’s 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, with front-wheel drive on the Sport, and all-wheel drive on both the Sport and Asaki.

Mazda Australia is yet to announce equipment levels, but based on recent Mazda product launches, it’s bound to be well equipped. We expect a high level of equipment on the entry level Sport, including autonomous emergency braking in forward and reverse, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, DAB+ digital radio, inbuilt satellite navigation, roof rails (a first for a Mazda SUV in Australia), tri-zone climate control and cloth upholstery

The high-end Asaki will get larger alloy wheels, Nappa leather upholstery with electric front seats, heated front and middle row seating, a Bose sound system, a power tailgate and a 360-degree parking camera. All CX-8 models will compete with the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008, as well as seven-seat variants of the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail and the incoming Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

Mazda CX-8 pricing (plus on-road costs):
Sport FWD: $42,490
Sport AWD: $46,490
Asaki AWD: $61,490

The Mazda CX-8 goes on sale in Australia in July, with equipment and other details due to be announced before then. Chasing Cars will be in attendance at the CX-8’s local launch, so stay tuned for our first drive review.