Mazda is making a comeback in the seven-seater market with the introduction of the CX-80, a luxurious flagship SUV. This marks Mazda’s return to the three-row vehicle segment in Europe since the 5 MPV, and it is the second model to utilize Mazda’s Large Product Group platform.
Compared to its sibling, the CX-60, the CX-80 boasts a longer wheelbase by 250mm and a taller rear roofline by 24mm. It measures 4995mm long, 1890mm wide, and 1710mm tall, making it similar in size to the Volvo XC90 and Hyundai Santa Fe. In fact, it is the largest car Mazda has ever launched in Europe.
The CX-80 offers ample cargo space, with 258 liters of boot space when all seven seats are in place. Folding away the back row increases the boot space to 687 liters, and stowing both rear rows provides a massive 1221 liters of luggage room. For added comfort and flexibility, customers can choose to have a pair of captain’s chairs instead of the three-seat bench in the middle row, which can even recline up to 33 degrees.
Powering the CX-80 will be the same range of engines as the CX-60. Customers can opt for a mild-hybrid 3.3-liter straight-six diesel engine that produces 250bhp and 406lb ft of torque. This engine allows for a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. Alternatively, there’s a plug-in hybrid option available, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a 17.8kWh battery and an electric motor. This setup delivers 323bhp and 369lb ft of torque, reducing the 0-62mph time by 1.6 seconds compared to the diesel variant. The plug-in hybrid also offers an electric-only range of 32 miles and emits just 36g/km of CO2, placing it in the 12% benefit-in-kind tax bracket.
Mazda’s decision to offer a pure-diesel option instead of an electric version for the CX-80 stems from their desire to understand customer preferences and ensure they offer the most suitable technology. Christian Schultze, Mazda’s Europe R&D boss, explained that while they are developing electric vehicles, they want to ensure they have perfected the technology before launching it. Schultze also highlighted that Mazda opted for a three-row SUV rather than an MPV because customers prefer the personal touch and find MPVs to be more like semi-commercial vehicles.
In terms of driving dynamics, Mazda has focused on stability and comfort, particularly in high-g situations. The CX-80 benefits from Mazda’s kinematic posture control system, which helps reduce body roll by braking the inside rear wheel during fast corners. Additionally, the underfloor battery of the plug-in hybrid contributes to a low center of gravity, further enhancing stability.
The CX-80 also offers impressive towing capabilities, with a capacity of 2500kg, surpassing the XC90 and matching the Santa Fe. Mazda has even introduced a new trailer hitch view feature that uses a camera to assist in connecting a caravan or trailer, making towing easier for CX-80 owners.
Trim levels for the CX-80 mirror those of the CX-60, ranging from entry-level Exclusive Line to top-rung Homura Plus cars. Prices are expected to start at £50,000 for the base model and go up to around £56,000 for the highest trim level. Standard features across all models include tri-zone air conditioning, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone mirroring, Amazon Alexa voice control, and a memory function that uses facial recognition to restore settings for individual drivers.
Overall, the Mazda CX-80 provides an enticing option for customers in the seven-seater SUV market, combining luxury, practicality, and advanced technology. With its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and thoughtful design features, the CX-80 aims to meet the needs of families and individuals seeking a versatile and comfortable vehicle.
