Mazda has announced the largest model in its European range, with the CX-80 debuting as the Japanese company’s new flagship SUV.
The latest vehicle from Mazda’s aptly named Large Product Group, the CX-80 is longer and more spacious than the already sizeable CX-60.
With the promise of a versatile interior and efficient engines, the CX-80 should prove a worthy contender in the hard-fought family SUV market.
Direct rivals for the Mazda will include the Volvo XC90 and new Hyundai Santa Fe.
Room for the whole family
At almost five metres in length, the key selling point for the Mazda CX-80 is its three rows of seats. Depending on the version, customers can choose between six- and seven-seat configurations.
Mazda expects the standard seven-seat version to be the biggest seller in the UK.
Accommodating the extra chairs accounts for the extra 250mm in wheelbase versus the CX-60. Mazda says this is the most spacious SUV it has offered in Europe, although North American customers get access to the even larger CX-90.
The CX-60 and CX-80 do share the same width, and front-end styling is virtually identical between the two SUVs.
Diesel or plug-in hybrid
Unsurprisingly, engine options for the Mazda CX-80 have been lifted directly from the CX-60. This means either a 3.3-litre six-cylinder diesel with 254hp, or a petrol plug-in hybrid with a combined total of 327hp.
For the UK market, all versions of the CX-80 will come with all-wheel drive, which works together with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Along with classic Mazda paint colours such as Soul Red Crystal, the CX-80 will introduce two fresh hues for the UK market. Artisan Red and Melting Copper are the new options, available alongside seven traditional colours.
Amazon Alexa inside
Mazda will release full spec details for the CX-80 nearer its launch date, but has confirmed there will be five trim levels: Exclusive-Line, Homura, Takumi, Homura Plus and Takumi Plus.
The CX-80 will feature the company’s first use of integrated Amazon Alexa. This allows for voice commands inside the car, used to control music, navigation and the climate control settings.
Sales of the CX-80 are expected to start in the autumn, with prices at £3,500 more than an equivalent Mazda CX-60. The cheapest model should therefore cost from £48,920.
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