Mazda is planning on releasing a brand-new model of their CX crossover series, the 2018 Mazda CX-8, that is being developed exclusively for the Japanese market. While the ever growing popularity of three-row crossover SUVs doesn’t seem to be subsiding any time soon and the mainstream representation for Mazda remains the CX-9, some markets are in need for a slightly smaller crossover option. So, that is why Mazda has decided to introduce a smaller and a more dynamically-styled SUV that will bear the CX-8 nameplate.
image credit: autoblog
Exterior
The biggest model from the CX lineup that is currently available in Japan is the CX-5. The new three-row CX-8 SUV will stand somewhere between the CX-5 and the CX-9 in the Mazda lineup. The new teaser that was just released suggests that the CX-8’s roof will now slope off more towards the back than the one on the CX-9. From the design standpoint, the new model will probably have more in common with the Chinese CX-4 than any other model in the CX lineup. Only, every feature will be on a slightly larger scale than on the miniscule CX-4 model.
image credit: motortrend
The 2018 Mazda CX-8 will be 193 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width and it will stand at 68 inches tall. This is approximately 6.9 inches shorter, 4.9 inches narrower and 0.7 inches less in height than its CX-9 predecessor. Although, the wheelbases of the two vehicles will be exactly the same at 115 inches. The model shown in the teaser is a six-seater, but it is our understanding that there will also be a seven-seat configuration available as an option.
Mazda CX-8 Teaser
image credit: motorauthority
Engine and Powertrain
The 2018 Mazda CX-8 will be powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-4 diesel engine. This new Mazda engine is capable of producing up to 173 horsepower and a rather impressive 310 pound-feet of torque. It was just confirmed to go on sale in the US market by the end of the year as well. While we don’t have any other details regarding the powertrain setup, it is very likely that the CX-8 will come with a standard front-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive should also be made available as an option. As for the transmission, the 6-speed automatic will probably be the only option.
Mazda CX-8 Teaser
image credit: motorauthority
2018 Mazda CX-8 Release Date and Price
The 2018 Mazda CX-8 has been confirmed only for the Japanese market, and right now they say that there are no plans to make the CX-8 available in other markets. The pricing is also yet to be revealed, but we expect it to be somewhere in the vicinity of 3,150,000 yen or $27.000.
