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i saw this the other day but didnt post it because the photographer is a lame idiot. what photographer doesn't walk around the side and get the profile? and the article keeps calling it "photographs" plural when it's clear there is only one pic that is cropped in multiple ways.
Strong rumour (again) that this Right Hand Drive JDM only CX-8 2.2 Diesel will come to Australia provided MMC makes it with ADR Compliance.
Mazda Australia apparently definitely wants it as the 7 seater slotting just under the CX-9, but obviously with a Diesel engine.
As it is the same width as CX-5 at about 192mm narrower, but is the same length inside as the CX-9.
We will see..
I'm confident we'll see a CX-5 diesel here soon and the 6 would be a logical next step.
as for the CX-8, I'm not sure that fits our market very well which is probably why it's currently only slated for Asia and potentially down under.
The Mazda CX-4 is essentially a more style-centric variant of the Mazda CX-5.
But you can’t have it. The Mazda CX-4 is for China alone.
The upcoming Mazda CX-8, meanwhile, straddles the middle ground between the CX-5 and CX-9: smaller than a CX-9, but still roomy enough to squeeze in a third row of seats, unlike the CX-5.
Our interest in the CX-8 was piqued when the right-hand-drive Mazda was seen parked on Chicago streets two months ago. But Mazda wouldn’t budge: this was no sign that the CX-8 was bound for America. Instead, the CX-8 is intended only to serve a purpose as Mazda’s large vehicle in Japan, where the CX-9 is too big.
It seems, however, that the Mazda CX-8 is destined for the export market after all.
Just as in the United States, where Mazda’s blossoming crossover lineup would do well to be expanded — Mazda USA now produces 54 percent of its sales via the CX-3, CX-5, and CX-9 — Mazda’s Australia outpost would also like to get its hands on more utility vehicles.
The key difference: Mazda is a bit player in the United States, claiming less than 2 percent of the market through 2017’s first six months. Mazda Australia, on the other hand, is a powerhouse by comparison. More than 10 percent of the new vehicles sold in Australia so far this year were Mazdas. Only Toyota sells more new vehicles.
The Mazda 3 is Australia’s fourth-best-selling vehicle; the second-best-selling car. Mazda’s CX-5 is Australia’s top-selling SUV/crossover; the CX-3 ranks fifth.
If Mazda Australia garners this kind of success with a limited lineup, how much more damage might be done with a fourth utility vehicle?
Wheels reports that the CX-8’s inclusion in Mazda’s 2018 lineup Down Under is not yet finalized, but, “Mazda Australia is confident the CX-8 will form a part of the growing model line-up.”
Of course, the respective success of Mazda in the U.S. and Australia is not the only key distinction. The CX-8 was intended to be a JDM vehicle only. JDM equals right-hand drive. Likewise, Australia is a right-hand-drive market.
Thus, don’t hold your breath for the CX-8 to arrive in America just because Mazda seems willing to adjust product plans for the Aussies. The 2018 Mazda CX-8 debuts in production form in Tokyo in October 2017.
As I see it provided Mazda Australia does not 'price gouge' the all new CX-8 2.2 Diesel it should sell well, but IMO it wont be massive as it is only offered with a Diesel, Aussie diesel market is about 7%. But definitely worth a go as Mazda will want to hold onto #2 sales spot as end of 2017 marks the end of all new car production here, Toyota Australia and GM Holden closes all plants, making us a car import destination only...there goes almost a century of new car production here.
as for the CX-8, I'm not sure that fits our market very well which is probably why it's currently only slated for Asia and potentially down under.
I'll say it again for the record. There are alot of mpv(generic mpv- smallish van with a sometimes 3rd row but most of the time it's down so you have a ton of space) style vehicle owners including a ton of Mazda 5 owners, in the states. Their current choices for new vehicles do not include any mpvs. There are larger vans like the Odyssey and then either two row crossovers(too small generally) or 3 row crossovers(too big generally)
They/We want a replacement for what we have - a NEW Mazda 5 vehicle or in this case a CX-8 is closest. Ok it doesnt have sliders on both sides (which really are just better in parking lots) but it's the size we like/need with the occasional 3rd row for the kids' friends or when the grandparents are coming along. Grandparents go in the middle and the kids go in the "way back" usually through the back door.
and while we're at it can we get a panoramic roof on a Mazda please?
HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation has revealed the exterior of its upcoming crossover SUV, Mazda CX-8. The company's first new-generation model in Japan to feature three rows of seating is scheduled to go on sale before the end of the year.
Mazda's latest new-generation model, the CX-8 will serve as the flagship of the brand's SUV lineup in Japan. It's a new kind of crossover SUV for people who both appreciate quality and need to seat more than five. It has the looks, performance and high-end feel customers expect from a Mazda, yet even adults can sit comfortably in the third row. Mazda designers worked to add a new dimension of maturity to the KODO-Soul of Motion design theme, aiming for an enduring edgy look that will continue to excite customers for many years to come. As the flagship SUV in the Japanese market, the focus was on creating a look of class and quality, and every interior part was chosen in careful consideration of color and material.
Aiming to become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection, Mazda will continue advancing its lineup to offer all customers both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.
Key specifications for Mazda CX-8
External dimensions
(Overall length x width x height) 4,900mm x 1,840mm x 1,730mm
Wheelbase 2,930mm
Engine SKYACTIV-D 2.2 new-generation clean diesel engine
Transmission SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-Speed automatic transmission
Seating capacity 6/7
Note: Dimensions were measured in-house.
Pre-orders for the Mazda CX-8 DIESEL starts today in Japan.
PLUS it appears that the right hand drive only CX-8 7 seater will be coming down under as the vehicle was homologated for ADR during design/construction in case the green light was given to supply Australia. I say it is a 80/20 proposition.
narrower than regular CX-9 due constraints in parking spaces in Japan.
I absolutely doubts that will arrive even in Europe.
Hey Matt,
yes CX-8 is only made in right hand drive JDM.
I wonder why new TC CX-9 has not yet made it to Europe as last TB V6 CX-9 was sold in some EU/UK countries....maybe capacity for Mazda as today's demand exceeds supply and CX-9 is only made in Japan....?
Looks really nice. Damn, that Machine Gray is sexy.
Ash, what are the specs on that motor? HP /torque? Wonder what that extra weight will do for fuel mileage.
"In fact, the CX-8 is powered exclusively by a 2.2-liter diesel generating 188 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Suspension parts carry over from the CX-9, but Mazda says “damping and other parameters have been tuned especially for the CX-8.”2018 Mazda CX-8 cabin - Image: MazdaA six-passenger layout, rather than the seven-passenger format, is available. Mazda says there is 8.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row or 20.2 with the third row folded. That’s down 42 percent and 47 percent, respectively, from the 14.4 cubic feet and 38.2 cubic feet offered in the CX-9, which isn’t sold in Japan. On the WLTC cycle, the 2018 Mazda CX-8 AWD is rated at 36 miles per gallon combined."
Looks like this CX-8 will be coming to Australia and New Zealand, assessments are over, from what I can tell green light now all depends on scheduling a launch date and supplies/allocation which depends on demand and success in it's first market of JDM (Japan).
If sales are slow then MMC will look at other markets, right now Skyactiv Diesels strongest market is Japan and then Australia in that order.
CX-8 for now is only made in Right Hand Drive, BUT as I see it making for Left hand Drive is not that costly as the CX-8 is basically a long version of CX-5, so parts are already made and ready for a LHD market.
What will prevent US launch will be just a few things..
1. SA-D's are still not sold in North America, seriously what is the hold up now?, was it not to be this fall, like now?
2. Capacity to make enough for North America.?
Also talking about SALES the USA/North American MAZDA market continues to slide down.
MNAO has released a plan for 2% market share in May, Really!...this without discounting the product at all....this year is already down 5.4% in US, the worse performing continent for Mazda Motors.
With the new Japan boss in USA it is not getting any better, in fact way worse, I think share is running now at 1.3%, just where is Mazda in USA going to find 0.7% increase in sales?, seriously these guys are delusional.
MAZDA HAS TO STOP LISTENING TO BEAN COUNTERS IN JAPAN AND LISTEN TO THEIR ******* DEALERS IN THE US, THE DEALERS ARE SAYING THEY NEED CARS WITH MORE POWER AND PERFORMANCE, FULL STOP AND END OF STORY.
1. No RE is going to do that....will always be a small niche market.
2. Where are the Diesels, but that market is so nervous (new car buyers) thanks to VW, that any introduction in US will be a short term sales gain which will flatten out.
MAZDA, listen to your dealers the ones that sell your product, you need a V6, you need a few PERFORMANCE Models.
From an european POV ,Mazda here needs more RWD and more performing cars, and obviously SUV,CUV of all the sizes (but Mazda is doing pretty well in this segment already)
Is not about to sell "more" cars, but to sell more expensive cars, with more margins.
Mazda6 is a good product but nailed in a segment where lowest price and fleets leads.
05-20-2017, 07:37 PM
