We drive the Mazda CX-8 Asaki seven seat SUV 2023 |

Mazda CX-8 Asaki – Last week I drove the Mazda CX-8 Asaki. This is a front wheel drive urban style family SUV.

Like all Mazda’s its beautifully made and comfortable with a luxury interior. There is a reason why Mazda’s are so popular.

The CX-8 was upgraded earlier this year and now has a larger 10.25-inch central screen along with wireless smart phone connectivity.

The new screen has excellent clarity, but no touch screen functionality. That’s annoying as its controlled by a dial on the centre console. This means that Apple CarPlay use is complicated rather than easy.

In front of the driver is a larger 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a head up display.

Seats are comfortable, and, as always, I appreciated the heating and ventilation and used them both in the one week. The middle row seats are better for two people and the third row are for the occasional passenger.

The 2.5L petrol engine and six speed transmission provide enough performance but is a little thirsty.

Overall, the Mazda CX-8 is an ideal urban family SUV. The Asaki petrol version is priced from $61,810 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA CX-8 ASAKI RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Some more thoughts about the Mazda CX-8 Asaki

It’s not a bad looking SUV.
Good overall size outside and inside
Build quality is excellent.
Front seats are comfortable with heating and ventilation.
There are soft touch points everywhere your elbows go.
The drivers’ instruments are clear and easy to read.
Central screen also has particularly good clarity.
However, the dial controls are old school now and dated.
It makes the user interface more complicated than it needs to be.
This is made more frustrating as it now has wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Little things like the audio, adaptive headlights, 360 degree camera all add to the quality feel.
Middle row seats have plenty of room for taller passengers.
Third row seats are like most in this segment, best for occasional trips for teens.
Boot space as a five seat SUV is good, not so much as a seven seat.
Middle seats don’t fold flat.
Engine is ok for everyday driving, but not engaging and it’s a little thirsty.
Its good in suburban carparks, fits nicely.

Mazda CX-8 Asaki specific features

19-inch wheels in bright silver
Bright metallic grille
Body-coloured mirror caps
Body-coloured lower cladding
Black Nappa leather seat trim with pattern stitching
Cooled front seats (ventilated)
360-degree camera system

What is good?

Overall feeling of space inside
Build quality.
Ideal urban runabout with room and practicality

What is not so good?

Infotainment and connectivity technology is dated.
Would prefer the AWD diesel version.
No Hybrid version

Some other Mazda CX-8 articles

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The CX-8 Asaki sits in possibly the most crowded and competitive segment in the market. The list of alternatives is long.

So let’s look at some of the better ones.

Buyers could look towards Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Peugeot 508 GT, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Kluger, Mitsubishi Outlander.

Mazda CX-8 Asaki final thoughts

Mazda CX- 8 has been around for a while now. The Asaki is the top spec, other than captains chairs in the middle row.

The overall feel is spacious, comfortable, and easy to live with. Its practical and functional.

It’s also a mixture on new technology and dated. The dial infotainment controls need updating quickly.

If I was buying one I would go for the AWD diesel version, mainly for better economy and for snow trips with the family.

But it definitely should be on your list for a test drive.

Mazda CX-8
Model	CX-8 Asaki
Model Price	$62,410 MLP*
Engine	2.5L 4 Cyl petrol Euro 5
Drivetrain	6Sp AT FWD
Battery Capacity / type	N/A
Power	140kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque	252Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel ADR	8.1L/100km
Fuel on Test	10.5L/100km
Fuel capacity	72L
Range (WLTP) / efficiency	889km Ave
Fast Charge / Home (240V)	N/A
Safety	Five-star ANCAP (Dec 2018)
CO2 Emissions	187g/km
0-100kmh/Top Speed	TBA
Servicing	12 Mth / 15,000km – Capped Price
Warranty	5yr/ Unlimited km with
Roadside Assist	5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Overall Rating	80/100
Behind the Wheel	9
Comfort	9
Equipment	8
Performance	7
Ride and Handling	8
Practicality	8
Fit for Purpose	8
Style and Appeal	8
Technology/connectivity	7
Value for Money	8

Dimensions
Overall Length	4925mm
Wheelbase	2930mm
Width	1845mm
Height	1725mm
Wheels	19×7.0 Alloy
Tyres	225/55 R19
Max ground clearance	200mm
Wading Depth	N/A
Approach	N/A
Rampover	N/A
Departure angle	N/A
Turning Circle KTK	11.6m
Boot Capacity Min	209L
Boot capacity Max	775L
Battery Weight	N/A
Kerb Weight	1827kg
Payload (kg)	554kg
GVM (kg)	2381kg
GCM	4381kg
Towing Capacity	2000kg
Tow Ball rating	150kg

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Overall Rating

8/10

Summary