Mazda announces new CX-8

Mazda has confirmed it is developing a new addition to its family of SUVs, the CX-8.

The Japanese car maker announced the six- or seven-seat soft roader will go on-sale in Japan later this year.

The bad news is it has been created specifically for the domestic market as the larger CX-9 is too big for Japanese roads. The good news is that position could change down the track with Mazda Australia interested in a seven-seat version of the CX-5 to take on the likes of the Nissan X-Trail and upcoming Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq.

Details on the new car are limited with Mazda only revealing its size, engine and a single image.

The photograph shows the interior will accommodate six, with an armrest in the centre of the second row between two stand-alone seats, however the brand also admitted it would be available with seven occupant spaces.

The exterior will follow the same Kodo design language as the rest of the range but the proportions will be dramatically different to either the CX-5 on which it is based. The dimensions revealed by Mazda indicate the CX-8 will be significantly longer than the CX-5, measuring 350mm more in overall length and riding on a wheelbase that has been extended by 230mm to create a more spacious interior. However, the CX-8 will only be 1840mm wide which is the exact same width as the CX-5.

"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 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."

The CX-8 will be powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, likely to be the same 129kW/420Nm version as the CX-5.

While the car may only be for Japan at present the popularity of SUVs in Australia, coupled with Mazda Australia's strong position locally, makes it highly probable that the CX-8 will eventually be offered alongside the CX-5 and CX-9 in Australian showrooms.

"We're interested in it and we'll look at it if it becomes available," said a Mazda Australia spokeswoman.

The CX-8 will go on sale in Japan before the end of 2017.

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