The Dawn of a New Era?

Mazda's new vehicle, theCX-8is a multi-purpose vehicle worthy of attention. The reason is its three-row seating package, which can accommodate up to seven people. At the same time, it offers an enjoyable driving experience. It's a car that makes you feel Mazda has entered a new era.

What are Mazda's characteristics? Of course, there are many. What I want to emphasize here is their product planning ability to skillfully fill market gaps, even with a limited range of models.

The CX-8, released in December 2017, is a prime example. It's a package that utilizes the suspension system of the popular large SUV in the US, the CX-9, but has been "downsized" to suit usability in Japan.

At 4.9 meters in length, it's not small, yet I'm impressed by how the interior comfortably accommodates three rows of seats, with enough space for adults to sit relatively comfortably even in the third row.

The drivetrain is a single option: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Two drive types are available: front-wheel drive (FF) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

Model variations are found in the second-row seats. One is a three-person bench seat (like the second row of a conventional passenger car), and the other is a pair of individual captain's seats.

In the "PROACTIVE" specification, the captain's seats feature a walk-through space between them for easier access to the third row.

The "L Package" has two captain's seats in the second row, with a console box equipped with USB power outlets placed between them. This is the top-tier model.

Ingenuity for a Natural Driving Feel

What's interesting about the CX-8 is how developers have put so much thought into eliminating various drawbacks. Take the engine noise, for example.

Diesel engines typically have a characteristic knocking sound, but Mazda's engineers explained that instead of completely blocking it, they focused on adjusting the combustion feel to create a "pleasant sound." That's how meticulous they were.

Indeed, you can hear the sound. However, while driving, you don't perceive it as unpleasant, just as the Mazda engineers intended. It's a skillful engagement with human senses.

The initial acceleration is surprisingly brisk. The engine is set to deliver its maximum torque of 450 Nm from 2,000 rpm, but it feels like the car is accelerating powerfully and smoothly from just before 2,000 rpm.

With only six gears, the transmission isn't as advanced as the multi-gear systems common today. Yet, the drivability is excellent, allowing you to effectively utilize the torque band.

The "handoff" to higher gears is also smooth. There's rarely a situation where the effective torque is insufficient when accelerating due to overly high gearing.

It's a bit extreme, but I recall a senior automotive journalist saying back when five-speed automatics were the norm (quite some time ago) that "three gears used well are perfectly sufficient."

The engineers who worked on the CX-8's drivetrain must have put considerable effort into its development, but the result feels natural and exceptionally well-executed.

Ride Comfort That Excels in Every Detail

Mazda is currently vigorously developing a new generation of chassis, engines, and suspension systems called SKYACTIV-X.

The prototype vehicles had ample power and surprisingly supple suspension, and the CX-8 seems to definitively reflect that philosophy.

The handling is also enjoyable. It makes you want to say, "This is what you'd expect from a company that makes the Roadster." Body roll is well-controlled, and the responsive steering provides a driving feel that's 180 degrees different from a minivan.

It also features Torque Vectoring by Braking. This system automatically adjusts the braking force on each wheel when cornering.

As a result, it achieves neutral cornering. Some drivers might be surprised by a handling feel that belies the vehicle's image.

Unlike some Mazda SUVs from a while back, you don't feel the need for longer suspension arms. The body feels well-supported, and the suspension moves precisely, absorbing vibrations effectively.

While not silent, the noise level during driving isn't bothersome. The fact that road noise and mechanical engine noise are more noticeable than wind noise might be unavoidable due to the spacious interior.

Expanded Ways to Enjoy Your Car

As an addendum, the optional BOSE sound system is excellent. It features tweeters embedded in the A-pillars and a bass box utilizing the spare tire well for deep bass.

It's a 10-speaker system. Its distinguishing feature is its responsiveness across all volume levels, from quiet to loud, and its design ensures clear reproduction across the entire frequency range.

CDs are a particularly good match for this audio system. While perhaps not modern media, listening to music in the car via CD is sure to be a great pleasure.

Convenient smart sources like mobile phones are useful, but they don't necessarily lead to a higher quality of life (as they can result in vague sound imaging), making one realize this anew.

Both leather and fabric seats are available, and neither disappoints. The leather seats have a moist texture that seems to be favored by women.

The fabric is also designed for smoothness. (It occurred to me that) for this multi-purpose vehicle that evokes a new worldview, a coarsely woven fabric might also be suitable. While a luxurious texture is good, a youthful atmosphere wouldn't hurt either.

The CX-8 has an option to tow trailers up to 750kg. This allows for enjoying hobbies in more distant locations, such as with a small boat or off-road motorcycles.

As a lifestyle vehicle with versatility, my evaluation is high. The mere three variations of seating greatly expand the range of users. It has taught me this once again. Prices range from 3,196,800 yen to 4,190,400 yen.

Mazda CX-8 | The Mazda CX-8
Body Size | Overall Length 4,900 × Overall Width 1,840 × Overall Height 1,730 mm
Wheelbase | 2,930 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,595 / 1,600 mm
Weight | 1,790-1,830 kg
Engine | 2,188cc Water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve Direct Injection Turbo
Bore × Stroke | 86.0 × 94.2 mm
Maximum Output | 140 kW (190 ps) / 4,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 450 Nm (45.9 kgm) / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT (6EC-AT)
Drive System | FF / AWD
Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / Multi-link
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Tires | (XD) 225/65R17 (XD PROACTIVE, XD L Package) 225/55R19
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 17.6 km/ℓ
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.8 meters
Minimum Ground Clearance | 200 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity | (2WD) 72 liters / (AWD) 74 liters
Price (2WD) | (XD) 3,196,800 yen (XD PROACTIVE) 3,537,000 yen (XD L Package) 3,958,200 yen
Price (AWD) | (XD) 3,429,000 yen (XD PROACTIVE) 3,769,200 yen (XD L Package) 4,190,400 yen