Mazda CX-8 – Mazda has most SUV bases covered with offerings in the small through to large categories. In the middle is the super popular CX-5 and the CX-8 which is essentially a scaled up CX-5 in six or seven seat configuration.
Driven was the entry level CX-8 Sport 2.5 front wheel drive that sells for a touch under $40 grand plus on roads.
It’s a lot of vehicle for the money with plenty of standard equipment like traffic sign recognition, satnav and 3-zone climate control.
In terms of 2WD SUVs this size there isn’t much competition save for the Isuzu MUX (RWD) and the Everest RWD.
The CX-8 Sport 2.5 makes a great family wagon offering comfort and safety in a good looking package with only a slight tendency to spin the front wheels if you try to accelerate too hard from a standstill in the wet.
It has a comfortable ride and is plenty big enough for a large family and some luggage.
The engine is good for 140kW and 252Nm output while using regular 91 RON petrol at the combined rate of 8.1-litres/100km.
It features Mazda’s i-stop engine stop/start system – the best in the business, and benefits from being Japan-made in terms of quality and engineering.
One more thing and that’s styling where Mazda is absolutely a front runner. The CX-8 is no exception being a handsome beast to look at from all angles particularly the front.
It’s probably all you need in a family wagon.
CX-8 Sport Exterior
That striking predatory bird front is a Mazda hallmark and is copied by plenty of other brands for good reason. Mazda started using so-called “Kodo design” years ago now and have refined it to the point where it’s become the corporate Mazda look.
It transfers across from tiddler-size cars like Mazda 2 right through to large models like CX-8 and 9 and even the BT50 ute.
There are sufficient angles along the nicely refined body flanks to keep it in touch with current angular trends and the rear end is pretty much a bubble back hatch that allows room for a third row and some luggage space.
The rear reflects the front in terms of tail light shape and clean lines. A chrome strip joins the tail lights and the small rear window is topped by a shroud with a black panel at the bottom spanning wide spaced exhaust tips.
It’s a long vehicle with big doors and a fair bit of rear overhang. The 17-inch alloys look too small exposing a lot of wheel arch.
I like the way Mazda uses minimal garnishing on their cars relying on purity of line rather than metres of chrome, air vents or a huge grille.
CX-8 Sport Interior
Inside is generic Mazda which means stylish and functional. As the base model ,CX-8 Sport has cloth upholstery, in this case, some sort of funky silky material to the squabs… in two tones.
The leather clad wheel is one of the best looking on a mainstream car and contains multiple controls but no paddle-shift this far down the food chain.
There are numerous soft touch surfaces and some highlight panels to the dash and console. Most tones are black or grey with some metallic highlights.
Like all Mazdas, MZD connect infotainment system is in Sport offering simple, quick selection of most car functions through a rolling menu and central rotary dial.
This CX-8 was a 7-seater with 2-3-2 seating. Access to the rear pews is through the large rear doors or tailgate if you fold one seat down at a time.
There’s a reasonable load space behind the rear row capable of taking a suitcase or two and some soft luggage.
Though the base model, the Sport has a decent 6-speaker audio and 3 zone climate control, a plus for rear seat passengers.
CX-8 Sport Features
CX-8 Sport has a surprisingly generous amount of standard equipment;
- Hard wired satnav
- Traffic sign recognition and voice warning
- LED head lights
- Radar cruise with stop and go
- Auto high beam
CX-8 Sport Drive and Engine
Though not as punchy as the turbo diesel version, the 2.5 petrol has plenty of get go from the four pot, direct injection engine that’s good for 140kW and 252Nm.
Using regular 91 unleaded, this engine consumes a combined 8.1-litres/100km but that drops when cruising on the highway at the legal limit.
It’s quiet and smooth aided by the slick shifting 6-speed auto that Mazda calibrates specifically for this engine.
Though no fan of engine stop/start, Mazda’s version is super effective because it relies on the fuel injection for starting and not the starter motor.
It has a comfortable, slightly sporty ride and can be pushed a tad through turns with confidence thanks to the strut front and multi-link rear. But with front wheel drive, wheel spin intrudes at low speed.
Brake vectoring, (selective application of each wheel’s brakes) helps cornering and stability.
The CX-8 Sport is an easy car to drive and to live with as it’s comfortable, competent and slightly smaller than the CX-9 but slightly bigger than the CX-5 too so it’s possibly a good compromise for a large family.
CX-8 Sport Safety
Five stars no probs, this time augmented with additional advanced driver assist technology like blind spot monitoring, blind spot monitor, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, radar cruise and rear cross traffic alert to name a few.
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CX-8 Sport Summary
Yes, I could see myself in one of these if there were kids around though I’d try and go the extra $7000 for the CX-8 Sport AWD diesel…. the cheapest way into a diesel CX-8.
It’s a good size and is highly functional especially if you don’t need to use the third row.
There are plenty of alternatives for the money but the CX-8 delivers good value in a safe, well made and handsome package.
Also Look At
Model |
Mazda CX-8 2.5 Sport 2021 |
| Model Price | From $39,990 MLP* |
| Engine | 2.5L 4 Cyl Petrol |
| Drivetrain | 6 speed Sports AT FWD |
| Power | 140kW at 6,000rpm |
| Torque | 252 Nm @ 4,000rpm |
| Safety | 5 Star ANCAP (Tested 2018) |
| CO2 Emissions | 187 g/km |
| 0-100kmh / top speed | N/A |
| Economy ADR / Tank | 8.1 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km over our test | 72L |
| Servicing | 12 months / 10,000 km | Set service costs |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options.