Mazda is teasing us with some internal glimpse of their upcoming CX-8 crossover SUV which will be launch in Japan later this year. It is a new model and a new generation lineup in Japan and it will have three rows of seating. Mazda aims to start sales before the end of 2017.
It won’t totally be completely new as Mazda says that it will follow the KODO-Soul of Motion design which can be seen in the current models and they will continue using their SKYACTIV suite of technologies to power the SUV.
“Our latest offering, the CX-8 is a new crossover SUV for people who appreciate quality and need a car that seats more than five,” said Masamichi Kogai, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO. “It has the looks, performance and high-end feel customers expect from a Mazda, and even adults can sit comfortably in the third row. Mazda aims to create a strong emotional connection with customers, and we will achieve this by continually advancing our lineup to offer all customers our unique combination of driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.”
We can only assume it might be a coupe-like design for the CX-8, since the CX-9 is a large SUV.
Here are some key specs which Mazda has shared.
| 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: External dimensions and wheelbase were measured in-house and are subject to change.
