6 and 7-seat configuration options give buyers more to choose from when deciding how they want their crossovers

UPDATE: Read the first local review of the Mazda CX-8 here!

SINGAPORE — Nine months after its initial showing at the 2020 Singapore Motor Show, the Mazda CX-8 is now available to interested parties here. 

The large crossover SUV is unique in that it can be ordered in six or seven-seat variants. Prices start from S$153,888 with COE for the seven-seat Elegance variant, and S$157,888 with COE for both the six-seat Elegance and seven-seat Luxury variant. 

The six-seat version of the CX-8 features two individual chairs in the second row and a two-seat third row bench, while the seven-seat version features a three-seat bench for the second row and two-seat bench in the third row.

All variants are powered by Mazda’s 2.5-litre, 194hp four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G petrol engine. The only difference between the Elegance and Luxury trims are the inclusion of a Bose audio entertainment system and blind spot monitoring system for the Luxury edition, so you’re not missing out much if you decide to go with the Elegance trim. 

It’s not just a car for driving lots of people around though, and the CX-8 is also fitted with many of Mazda’s driver-centric technologies. The G-Vectoring Control Plus system in particular works identically to yaw moment control systems found in many luxury performance cars, lightly applying braking forces to individual wheels when entering and exiting high speed corners. This has the direct effect of allowing the car to turn more quickly and straighten out as quickly too. 

The Lexus RX 350L is big on seating capacity too

Mazda Eurokars has noted that interest has been strong in the CX-8 since potential buyers first viewed it at the Motor Show, but is unable to give further customer preferences and trends since actual orders are open only from today. What will be interesting to see is which version will customers spring for. Will the spacious interior of the six-seater triumph, or the more practical seven-seater do so? 

The CX-8 is actually the mid-sized counterpoint to the smaller CX-30 and the CX-9, Mazda’s largest car available here. All three cars share similar profiles, though only the CX-8 and CX-9 can seat more than five occupants. Mazda’s current philosophy of retaining driver excitement and involvement in every car it manufactures means that there are simply no more real MPVs/mini-vans in its lineup. 

The company has stated that since its large crossovers can seat up to seven in comfort, there is no need to resort to building MPVs to dilute the driving experience. In fact, the last MPV built by Mazda, which was actually called the Mazda MPV, was phased out in Japan at the end of 2016. 

If you would still rather drive a boxy MPV… then how about a hybrid one?

You could argue that the Mazda CX-8 will provide a more engaging driver experience than something like the more expensive and less powerful Toyota Previa, which also features a two-seat middle row and can be found everywhere in the heartlands these days.  The CX-8 may not offer the lounge on wheels experience of the Nissan Elgrand, but it’s definitely a more engaging, spirited car to drive with space for more than five. 

Eurokars Mazda informed us that the prices listed are special launch prices, and will be valid only until 21st October after which there will be a price revision. So if you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on a new family car, now’s the time to do it. 

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