Today, writing a Mazda review is incredibly easy. First, drive the wheels away from the car. Secondly, plunge into an unforgettable experience. Smoke a cigarette if you have one, but not in the car or in public places. Scratch it - have a cup of tea instead. Third, being poetic about it in a stormy review, using terms like "Kodo" , "human-centered" and "Jinba Ittai" . Feel free to refer to our recent CX-5 and CX-9 reviews. Ninety-nine percent of what we say applies to the CX-8.
But where both crossovers were built from the ground up to fit their niches, the CX-8 is a little different. The CX-8 is a CX-5 modified to fill the role of the CX-9 in the Japanese market, a market closed to the CX-9 because it's too big. But is this CX-5+2 as good as the big boy CX-9? Does a 1% difference really matter? Let's find out.
Laying
Like all Mazdas, the CX-8 features impeccable styling, with gem-like light clusters and discreet flashy trim to let the light-bending curved surface shine and incredible coloration. The front fog lamps take this minimalism to the extreme in ornamentation, being nothing more than dotted dots on the lower fascia. The case, however,in that other than the slatted grille, there is little here that differentiates this model from the CX-5 . The extra length only becomes apparent from the side, but moving backwards, the smooth lines hide the extra bulk well.
The only stylistic nuance, really, is that the rear may seem a bit unstylized compared to the CX-9, but compared to any other seven-seat midsize car, this one looks attractive. Bonus: The standard 19-inch split-spoke alloy wheels fit it much better than the CX-9.
Interior
The interior of the CX-8 is very similar to the CX-5 from the front, no surprises. It's a bit dark, mostly black leather, with a black textured finish and some brushed steel, piano finishes and dark wood accents. Ergonomics are generally good, with supportive seats that wrap around you like you would in a sports car. In the second row, everything starts to diverge, the CX-8 hasdouble captain's chairs, separated by a large armrest/console. The third row offers slightly better legroom than the CX-9, but a shorter roofline and narrower beam limits seating to shorter, slenderer passengers.
With the third row folded down, the luggage compartment is cavernous and flat. And it will probably stay folded up most of the time as car sharing is still not what most people enjoy about this pandemic.
Engine performance
Familiar2.5 liter SkyActiv petrol engine Under the hood, the CX-8 is still one of the best naturally aspirated engines on the market. Thanks to Mazda's high-compression SkyActiv technology, the throttle response is almost instantaneous, and when you step on the pedal to overtake, it makes surprisingly loud noises.Six-speed automatic Withquick gear change delivers great performance, but the extra weight and drag of the longer bodywork starts to take its toll at higher speeds. From zero to 100 km / h accelerates a few tenths less than 11 seconds. Not terrible compared to most seven-seat diesels, but far from a turbocharged CX-9 or diesel CX-5. Can't help but feel that the lighter front wheel drive option would be a few steps faster.
with throttledamper and CX-8 light foot controldevelops a speed of 14–16 km / l at a speed of 80 km / h . Much less in traffic but6-9 km/l in mixed flow it wasn't so bad these days. This is partly due to the i-Stop system, which turns off the engine at a traffic light. Unnoticeable until it's time to restart as the A/C stays cold for a while even with the engine off. The transmission provided consistent performance, and while it didn't shift smoothly like some other traditional automatics, we appreciated its telepathic response and uncanny ability to shift into the correct gear frequently. There is a manual mode, but we never felt compelled to use it. This is a sign of a good machine!
Ride and handling
The CX-8 is similar in many ways to the CX-5 it is based on. You really feel that the extra 200 kg are thrown back 30 centimeters, but the difference is only in degrees. The responsive front end and telepathic steering are a pleasure, and the level-headed, subdued feel that Mazdas typically experience is always a revelation after jumping from other "sporty" SUVs. While other automakers equate "sportiness" with heavy steering and stiff suspension, Mazda lets its cars float on the road.
The CX-8, despite minimal body roll, hasrelatively flexible and absorbent stroke . Any harsh bumps that the Toyo Proxes 225/55 R19 low-profile tires overcome are absorbed by the clever padding of the bucket seats, which are felt only by the arms and legs, not the back. Sure, the car can feel a little wobbly on big climbs at three-figure speeds, but that flexibility pays dividends in terms of rear-seat comfort, as the third row doesn't tend to wobble around the rear axle like it usually does. softer cars and it doesn't behave like it does on harder cars.
Around town, the CX-8 isn't all that scary for three-row driving thanks to its Japan-friendly width. The length and height do create problems when parking, butassistance cameras when parking on360 degrees prove to be very helpful in this regard. Part of a set of driver assistants that make driving a large car much easier for novice drivers.
Additional features
Aside from the 360-degree camera system, our CX-8 AWD tester comes with Mazda's full suite of safety features, including radar-assisted adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, brake assist, and driver attention monitoring, the latter of which is quite useful on long journeys. . As with all Mazdas, these assists deliver tiny jolts to keep you in lane or out of trouble, instead of honking horns straight into your brain after four hours of a five-hour drive. The standard FWD CX-8 doesn't have a front radar built into the grille, so there's no adaptive cruise or brake assist, but it still retains many other safety features, including six airbags and multiple Isofix mounts.
The line also comes standard withrear climate control system, a plusventilated seats on our AWD unit, all that beautiful nappa leather, the familiar Mazda infotainment system with excellentsound systembose With10 speakers , Bluetooth, multiple USB ports and Apple CarPlay. and Android Auto... which allows me to spend my favorite mobile data - a combination of Waze-Spotify navigation and music.
Verdict
But looking beyond the brand, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything more luxurious, comfortable and dynamic than the CX-8 at this price point. Or even a few points higher.In fact, it's hard to imagine why you'd spend money on cramped European "luxury" subcompacts with badges larger than their trunk lids when you could drive something as sublime as this instead.
Here the difference of 1% does not matter.
SPECIFICATIONS: Mazda CX-8 AWD 2021 Exclusive
Price: P2 450 000
Engine: 2.5 liter petrol I4
Power: 187 HP at 6000 rpm
Torque: 252 Nm at 4000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
drive: four-wheel drive
Number of seats: 6
Grade: 19/20
