Mazda’s all-new crossover is ready for the official debut, but it will be introduced home in Japan first. The there-row high-riding vehicle will be named the 2018 Mazda CX-8 and will offer six- and seven-seat configuration.
The 2018 CX-8 will share the platform with the CX-9 SUV, but it’s essentially different from Mazda’s current flagship SUV. Aside it sports a bit smaller dimensions, the new crossover will also look more dynamic and more handsome. In a way, this will be Mazda’s model for the fast-growing coupe-looking SUV segment.
We have to admit that we saw the crossover from the outside, but the single teaser photo of the interior tells everything. As you may notice, the roof slopes off similar as the CX-4’s, so we think that the 2018 Mazda CX-8 should look pretty much the same as the carmaker’s small coupe-like crossover bandwagon.
According to our sources, the 2018 Mazda CX-8 will have the identical wheelbase as the CX-9 (115 inches), but the rest of the body is a bit smaller (193 inches long, 72.4 inches wide and 68 inches tall). However, the proportions are more than good for a three-row seating arrangement.
Performance wise, the Japanese version of the 2018 Mazda CX-8 will be sold exclusively with a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that’s capable of delivering around 173 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission only, while the drivers should be able to choose between the front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive setup.
Although the car manufacturer claim that is just is a Japan-only vehicle, we are pretty sure it’s going to be introduced worldwide pretty soon. After all, the 2018 Mazda CX-8 seems to be a perfect SUV for the US driver’s taste, especially the awesome-looking six-seat model.
