New Mazda CX-80 revealed: flagship SUV confirmed for SA!
The new Mazda CX-80 has been revealed, positioned above the CX-60, offering 3 rows of seating and available with the brand’s 3.3-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel motor. And it’s been confirmed for SA…
Meet the new Mazda CX-80, the Japanese brand’s fresh-faced flagship SUV. This new 3-row contender – which will be offered in Europe in both 6- and 7-seater guise – has already been pencilled in for South Africa, where it will slot in above the CX-60.
However, Mazda Southern Africa told Cars.co.za that though the CX-80 in indeed destined for Mzansi, there is not yet a confirmed introduction date, adding that the local launch “will not take place in the next year”.
While the CX-80 is clearly very closely related to the CX-60 (and rides on the same rear-wheel-drive-biased platform), its wheelbase is 250 mm longer, taking the space between its axles to a considerable 3 120 mm. This, of course, allows the CX-80 to adopt a 3rd row of seats.
On the Old Continent, the new SUV will be available with a choice of 3 middle-row configurations: a 3-person bench; 2 captain’s seats with a walk-through space; or a pair of captain’s chairs with a fixed centre console. Furthermore, the CX-80 stands 26 mm taller than the CX-60 (ostensibly offering more headroom), though its width is identical.
Although Mazda has yet to reveal detailed specifications, it does promise that the new flagship SUV’s luggage compartment will be capable of accommodating a full set of golf clubs or a baby stroller, even when the 3rd-row seats are in use. Of course, the 2nd- and 3rd-row pews will furthermore be able to fold down, freeing up yet more utility room.
What about powertrains? Well, the CX-80 is likely to be offered with the same engines at its sibling. In South Africa, that means either a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine or a 3.3-litre, straight-6 turbodiesel mild-hybrid motor.
Europe also receives a plug-in hybrid derivative based on the aforementioned 2.5-litre petrol mill, but with the addition of a 129 kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery pack. This PHEV powertrain could also be on the cards for Mzansi.
As a reminder, in the SA-spec CX-60 range, the 4-cylinder petrol engine generates 141 kW and 261 Nm, while the lightly electrified inline-6 oil-burner makes 187 kW and 550 Nm. Both employ an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, with the higher-spec models featuring all-wheel drive.
In Europe, Mazda says the new flagship will allow it to “challenge the established premium brands”. As such, expect the CX-80 to be pitched against the likes of the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7, as the latest evidence of Mazda’s push upmarket…
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