Mazda CX-8 Skyactiv-G Luxury 2020 Drive Review : Size Matters

Honey, I’ve lengthened the CX-5…  

... by 23mm to be exact. With that, the renamed CX-8 now has room for three rows of seats inside, with an option of 6- or 7-seat configurations. Choose the former and you get a 2+2+2 configuration with individual middle row chairs equipped with armrests for that towkay experience.

Move further back and you’ll find rear seats roomy enough for 6-footers. Overall, it’s a spacious, pleasant, classy-enough cabin to be in, whether as a driver or a passenger. The cabin isn’t mind-blowing, but there’s little to complain about it either.

How does it drive?  

Pretty well, actually. The 194bhp, naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder unit is a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by smaller capacity, turbo-charged engines. Linear and responsive, the CX-8 accelerates eagerly without any noticeable lag despite weighing almost 1.8 tonnes.

Throw in decent steering and a taut suspension setup and you have a car that enjoys the bends more than it should. Granted, this may make for a firmer than usual ride on the school run but loading up the car will probably fix that.

That was why you bought a car like this anyway right? Oh, and it’s surprisingly efficient too. The car averaged a respectable 8.4l/100km during my time with it. In mostly city traffic too, I must add.

Anything else?

Yes. The CX-8 is equipped up to the nines in terms of tech and safety features: Lane assist, 360⁰ view monitor, blind spot monitoring, cruise control, pedestrian brake, heads up display, keyless entry, Smart City Brake support, adaptive LED headlights, driver attention alert.

Name it and the CX-8’s probably got it as standard. All in all, it’s hard not to like the CX-8. If its handsomeness, interior space, drive and generous equipment level isn’t enough to entice you, its competitive price tag of S$158,888 with COE might just make you take the plunge.

STORY/PHOTOS Kevin Chin

MAZDA CX-8 SKYACTIV-G 2.5 LUXURY

Engine 2488cc, inline4, nat-asp
Power/rpm 194hp/6000rpm
Torque/rpm 258Nm/4000rpm
Transmission 6spd auto
0-100km/h 10.7secs
Top Speed 196km/h
Fuel Consumption 8.1l/100km
CO2 183g/km