The 2019 Mazda CX-8 is a seven-seater SUV that sits between the CX-5 and the CX-9. As the CX-8 is uniquely sized and featured, and along with its premium price, the SUV is hard-pressed to find a close rival to compete with. The CX-8 features 3 rows of seats, comes equipped with DSC, TCS, EBA, Lane Departure, Lane Keep assist, and 2 engine options to offer. (In Brief: Mazda CX-8 - Is it worth buying this RM 200k SUV?)

Design 

Like all current-generation Mazda cars, the CX-8 also bears a great resemblance of modern luxury thanks to the Kodo Design Language. The sharp lines are complemented with smaller grilles so it is not an overwhelming effect. Instead of sporty like the CX-5, the CX-8 has a more sophisticated effect.

Dimension 

The Mazda CX-8 measures in at 4,900 x 1,840 x 1,730 x 2,930 mm in length, width, height, and wheelbase.

Lighting

All variants of the CX-8 are fitted with LED headlights and taillights. The only difference between the variants is the daytime running lights, while the rest of the variants gets LED DRLs, the lowest spec 2WD MID uses bulb DRL.

Wheels

The CX-8 rolls on 19-inch wheels.

Dashboard 

Like the exterior, the CX-8 has a sophisticated interior with tasteful wood trimmings and classic upholstery colours. As expected with Mazda, the CX-8's dashboard is well put together with no signs of rattling.

Instrument Cluster 

Instead of the sportier LED screen in its Mazda sibling, the CX-8 has a very classic back-lit cluster to match the classic interior ambience.

Space and Practicality 

Though the CX-8 is a large car, the need to distribute space between 3 rows of seats has greatly diminished legroom for the third row. But cubby spaces are well distributed, especially the 2.5-litre 2WD High and 2.2-litre AWD Diesel variant, as the second-row seats are separated by a large centre console that matches the one between the driver and passenger seat.

Boot 

Although legroom is not great for the third-row passengers, the CX-8 still boasts a rather large boot space that would fit most items though not a 28-inch luggage bag.

Safety Features 

The CX-8 is one of the most well-equipped Mazdas in terms of safety systems. The car comes complete with 6 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Emergency Brake Assist, along with active safety systems like Blind-spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist System.

Comfort Features 

Depending on which variant, the CX-8 either offers 7 seats or 6 seats. The base 2WD Mid has a bench-type second row that allows for more passengers, while the Mid Plus gets captain seats that allow easier ingress and egress for the third-row seats. The top-spec 2.5-litre 2WD High and 2.2-litre AWD diesel's second-row seats are separated by a centre console allowing for more comfortable seating and storage space. The Mid and Mid Plus variants get fabric trim seats while the High and AWD diesel is wrapped in smooth leather upholstery while all variants get the comforts that GVC has to offer.

Infotainment

All variants get a 7-inch touchscreen that houses MZD connect with Voice Command, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto function.

Engine 

There are 2 engines on offer for the Mazda CX-8; a Skyactiv-G 2.5-l petrol engine that dispenses 195 PS and 258 Nm and a Skyactive-D 2.2-litre diesel engine that outputs 191 PS and 450 Nm.

Transmission

Both engines are mated to a Skyactiv Drive 6-speed conventional automatic gearbox.

Chassis 

The CX-8's steering rack is assisted by Electronic Power Assist steering. Mazda has also installed organ type accelerator pedal for an added touch of sportiness.

Drivetrain 

The petrol engine variants are driven by their front wheels only while the diesel engine variant is the only CX-8 with all-wheel-drive capabilities.

Engine Performance 

With the turbodiesel and 450 Nm on tap, the CX-8 is a sprightly car to drive. A tap on the throttle will have the car shoving forward with a passion. Both engines of the CX-8 are tuned to give the smoothest acceleration but still can offer the now popular Mazda driving experience.

Transmission Performance 

The 6-speed automatic transmission is one perfected through years of use in many other Mazdas that came before the CX-8. So its is no surprise at all that the CX-8's gearbox has a seamless gear experience.

Steering and Handling 

The CX-8 is still has a responsive and sharp steering feel. Despite the length of the car, the CX-8 is still a corner happy SUV much like its smaller CX-5 sibling.

Sounds Proofing 

The CX-8 has very thick linings and insulation allowing for a very silent interior.

Passenger Comfort 

With the help of Mazda's innovative GVC system eliminating most body roll giving passengers a much more comfortable ride. The suspensions are also supple so while it still allows the car to corner like a sport-car.

Mazda claims the CX-8 easily returns 7.9-litre / 100 km based on the UN R101 fuel test method.

The Mazda CX-8 sits in a class of its own. It doesn't fit the size of fellow 7-seater SUVs but is also much more premium compared to those closer in size. The CX-8 is also very well equipped as it came with safety equipment that will give a premium SUV a run for its money. (All-new 2019 Mazda CX-8 is expensive, but what are the alternatives?)