For those who think SUVs are boring, Mazda hopes to turn things around and bring out the sportiness in sport utility vehicles. According to a scoop by Japanese automotive media, Best Car Web, Mazda is currently developing a brand-new SUV architecture with recipes that make enthusiasts salivate.
The newly-developed platform would see a straight-six engine placed up front and sending power to the rear. A front-engined, rear-wheel-drive (FR) SUV really does sound like the boost needed in one of the world’s most popular and also divisive segment.
Aside from the supposed next-gen CX-5/CX-50, this platform could also be placed on the next-gen CX-8. The scoop mentioned that the platform would be utilised on an SUV with 3-row seating arrangement, pointing directly at the CX-8.
Other than that, Mazda is also mulling on an SUV-coupe variant of the next-gen CX-8 too.
The SUV-coupe has certainly seen a boom as of late with the latest Toyota Harrier sporting a coupe-like style. Perhaps this might be Mazda’s answer against one of Toyota’sbest-selling vehicles in Japan.
In terms of powertrains, aside from the unnamed straight-six, the next-gen CX-8 could also be available with the SkyActiv-X engine. This engine could be paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system (MHEV).
All these info is certainly exciting and would give the CX-8 a much-needed youthful boost. The 7-seater SUV has been on sale since 2017 and was given a very slight update in Japan in late-2020.
Closer to home, we enjoyed the CX-8 for its wafty and comfortable drive but it lacks the pizzazz that we’re accustomed to from Mazda. Could this catered-for-enthusiasts replacement bring out the bite in the CX-8?
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
