There’s a strong possibility that Mazda’s upcoming CX-8 crossover won’t just be sold in Japan as originally expected, it could also make its way to Australia.
As its name implies, the CX-8 slots between the CX-7 and CX-9 and was shaping up to be the second Asia-exclusive Mazda SUV after the compact CX-4. However, Wheels Australia has learnt that it could be added to the company’s extremely popular range Down Under.
Mazda is the second best-selling automaker in Australia behind Toyota and speaking to the publication, local Mazda managing director Vinesh Bhindi indicated that an Aussie-specced CX-8 could be on the cards.
“If there was ever to be an ADR [Australian Design Rule] version of CX-8 offered to Mazda Australia we would evaluate this opportunity and consider its viability in this market and actually ask ‘how does it fit amongst the other SUV models we have on offer here?” he said.
Few details about the Japan-bound CX-8 are known but the crossover uses the same underpinnings as the CX-9 and retains a 2,930 mm (115.3 in) wheelbase. However, it is actually 115 mm (4.52 in) shorter, 129 mm (5.1 in) narrower and 17 mm (0.7 in) lower than the CX-9.
If the model does come to Australia, a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine is expected to be the only option.
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