Mazda has just begun production of the all-new CX-50 crossover, but it's not the only new model we can look forward to in the coming months and years. We recently discovered that Mazda appears to be working on a coupe, but whether this arrives or not, the SUV onslaught will continue with a host of new models. Among them is the CX-80, a more premium version of the existing CX-8. It's unclear if the new SUV will be offered in the US, but we do know that it is destined for Europe. As a huge seven-seater with premium aspirations, we see no reason why it shouldn't be offered in our market

According to Japanese scoop website Spyder7 - the sister company of which has provided the above render of what the CX-80 might look like - it appears that the CX-80 will be much like other Mazda SUVs, but with a clear focus on increased luxury and style. The report also claims that the new SUV will ride on Mazda's large vehicle platform and will be offered with a variety of 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines. These will be both gasoline and diesel-powered and each type will come with the option of mild-hybrid technology for improved fuel economy. Unfortunately, power figures and more have not yet been leaked or announced

If the CX-80 does follow the Mazda CX-50's design in a larger format, it should be pretty attractive, but it may need to boast unique features to set itself apart, especially since Mazda intends to launch CX-60, CX-70, and CX-90 SUVs. We look forward to seeing just how different these new models will be, but we may have some time to wait yet. The CX-80 is only expected to launch in Japan in 2023, with other markets to follow thereafter. We wouldn't bet on seeing it arrive in the States though; even Honda's latest seven-seater won't be coming to America

The all-new Mazda CX-80 is a new flagship model for Mazda, created to challenge the established premium brands in the European market.

Mazda is committed to a multi-solution approach to sustainable mobility and the principal of the right solution at the right time. To that end, the company has developed three distinct product lines: a Small Product Group, based on its transverse layout Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture; a Large Product Group, featuring its longitudinal layout Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture; and its EV Models, underpinned by Mazda's Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture.

Following the launch of the CX-60, the all-new Mazda CX-80 is the second of two new models for Europe from the company's Large Product Group. Featuring three-row seating, it is the most spacious car in Mazda's European line-up.

Comfortable, versatile and Crafted in Japan, the all-new Mazda CX-80 combines progressive design anchored in Japanese aesthetics with outstanding on-board accommodation flexibility, superior technology and features common to premium SUVs in this segment, and the signature driving performance delivered by every Mazda.

DESIGN

In its latest evolution, Mazda's unique Kodo - Soul of Motion - design retains its vitality, but now targets greater styling prestige through the elegance and purity of a minimalist Japanese aesthetic which removes all unnecessary elements.

Inspired by the purest traditions of Japanese art, the beauty of space between objects and the artistic manipulation of light, the foundation of Mazda elegance relies on the uniquely hands-on approach of the company's designers and craftsmen.

Combining entirely human-centric design and engineering with the dedication and precision that is the hallmark of master craftsmanship, their goal is to produce cars that could only have been Crafted in Japan.

The all-new Mazda CX-80 is a three-row SUV with a premium presence, expressing richness and elegance in a durable SUV that reflects its 'Graceful Toughness' design concept. The body size was designed out of consideration for easy manoeuvring in daily driving and parking situations.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

Whilst the exterior of the two-row CX-60 expresses the toughness and ruggedness of a midsized SUV as well as the intelligence and elegance of KODO design, the Mazda CX-80 aims higher. The design approach, which could be described as architectural, expresses calmness and richness, clearly emphasising the premium quality space of the three-row seating layout whilst maintaining the elegance typical of any Mazda SUV.

The CX-80's imposing face and long nose highlight the front-engine, rear-wheel drive architecture of the new SUV, its dynamic and imposing grille and headlamp design instantly identifying it as the latest flagship of the Mazda model range.

To the side, an expression of elegance has been refined by taking full advantage of the length of the nose and cabin, by trimming away any extraneous elements and focusing on the side glazing. Entirely surrounding the glazing, the chrome mouldings of the extended side windows are thicker and straighter at the D pillar, emphasising the presence of a third seating tier. The variation of this chrome trim's shape creates a jewel-like, three-dimensional effect that looks as though it has been milled from solid metal.

The addition of seamlessly integrated roof rails further reinforces the length of the three-tier cabin. In addition, the grey metallic paint colour of the 20-inch machined alloy wheels softens the contrast between the paint and machined metal surfaces for a refined, dignified appearance.

From the rear, the width of Mazda CX-80 is reinforced by the absence of an exhaust garnish - the exhaust pipe hidden behind the bumper for a cleaner, more elegant appearance.

As with the CX-60, the rear lighting signature adopts an L-shaped design to match that of the front lamp clusters. The widely spread consecutive horizontal styling creating a lighting signature appropriate to a premium class vehicle.

Artisan Red and new Melting Copper signature body colours have been added to CX-80's range of exterior colour choices. Artisan Red - an example of Mazda's Takuminuri painting technology - evokes even deeper refinement than Soul Red Crystal, whilst Melting Copper suggests light sandblasting to the surface of copper than has been melted and hardened again.

In all, a choice of nine body colours are available: Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Platinum Quartz, Arctic White, Rhodium White, Machine Grey, Soul Red Crystal, Artisan Red and Melting Copper.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Similar to that of the CX-60, the wide instrument panel and side air vents that feed into the door trim reinforce the width and spaciousness of the interior.

The extra-thick console has a powerful shape that runs front to back through the space, expressing both structural strength and the presence of the powertrain layout beneath, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a longitudinally mounted engine ahead of it.

The rear of the console is equipped with USB ports and heater controls to enhance rear seat comfort. The rear seat console has evolved into a more integrated shape, while adding metallic trim that matches the front console and door trim to create a unified space.

As an expression of Japanese premium quality, the interior adopts two uniquely Japanese design concepts: Kaicho, or 'harmony', which combines a mix of premium materials such as real maple wood, Nappa leather and chrome detailing to create points of contrast that are in perfect harmony; and Hacho, or 'broken rhythm', here exemplified by sophisticated Musubu stitching which - inspired by the centuries old art of Japanese knot tying - highlights the refined beauty of craftsmanship and adds visual depth to the interior.

By weaving the dynamism of light and a sense of life in nature intro the orderly, high quality space, the entire cabin expresses the Japanese aesthetic of 'beauty of tone'. White ambient lighting on the front and rear door trim brings out the best of the colour and texture of the interior finishes.

THREE-TIER SEATING

The all-new Mazda CX-80 may be equipped with a choice of three second row seating configurations: a three-person bench seat - giving a seven-seat capacity, two captain's seats separated by a walk through space - for a total of six seats, and two captain's seats with a middle console - again offering a six-seat layout.

Unlike that of the CX-60 (which has a fixed base and a choice of either 24 or 28 degrees seat back recline angle), the CX-80's second row bench has both a sliding range of 120 mm and a fully variable seat recline range of between 15-33 degrees.

Second row shoulder room is now 1,476 mm (35 mm more than the CX-60), and the second row headroom is 996 mm (12 mm more than the CX-60). The third row seating has been designed to accommodate occupants up to 1,700 mm in height.

Access to the third row seating is made comfortable by a large door opening height, a second row one-touch walk-in function, a wide, flat step floor and a large hand grip built into the side trim recess.

LOADSPACE

With the third row seats in place, loadspace capacity including under-floor storage is 258 litres. This rises to 687 litres with the third row folded flat, 1,221 litres with the second row folded flat, and 1,971 litres to the ceiling. The height difference between loadspace floor and the tailgate sill has been minimised for easier loading, and irregularities in the walls have been removed to offer a cleaner cargo bay shape.

The all-new Mazda CX-80 may also be equipped with an optional, hands-free powered tailgate. Activated by a sensor under the rear bumper, the tailgate can be both opened and closed by users even when both hands are full.

DRIVING POSITION

Several design features make it easy for CX-80 drivers to achieve their preferred driving environment. The seats are designed to greatly reduce unpleasant swaying and stabilize occupants' heads. The steering wheel offers a 45mm rake and 70mm reach adjustment range. The steering wheel and pedal layout allows the driver to operate the car with minimal muscle force and less straining. Clear visibility reduces the vehicle's invisible area, making it easier for drivers to get a feel for the size and position of their car. And the Driver Personalisation System makes automatic adjustments to set and restore the ideal position for each driver.

DRIVER PERSONALISATION SYSTEM

First featured in the CX-60, the Mazda CX-80's Driver Personalisation System comprises three functions; an automatic driving position guide; automatic setting restoration; and ingress/egress assistance.

The automatic driving position guide uses a camera to detect the position of the driver's eyes and input of the driver's height to estimate their physique, then automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, Active Driving Display (head-up display) and door mirrors to match the driver's eye position.

Automatic setting restoration uses facial recognition and data on various adjustments and settings stored in the vehicle to automatically restore the settings for each driver. The system can store settings for up to six people, plus guests.

In addition, the ingress/egress assistance function makes it easier for the driver to get in and out of the car by sliding the steering wheel and seat out of the way.

AUDIO SYSTEMS

The all-new Mazda CX-80 features an enhanced version of the Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio system first seen in the CX-60. The size of the front cowl side woofers has been increased from 3 litres to 4.8 litres to deliver a greater bass dynamic range and higher quality sound reproduction.

The high quality system amplifier is located under the Mazda CX-80's right front seat. It features multiple, high-end audio technologies including a stable power supply, the use of a custom-made capacitor that's unique to Mazda, and phoneme tuning that reproduces subtle and delicate sounds to playback as much audio information as possible.

Audio quality is further enhanced by the use of MSR NR (Master Sound Revive Noise Reduction) technology, which removes shot noise included in digital audio sources such as CDs - a first ever on genuine car audio.

The Mazda CX-80 may also be equipped with a Bose premium sound system. The 12-speaker system adds a centre speaker and subwoofer. The BassMatch cowl-side enclosures utilise perfect 'drive points' to deliver tighter, more powerful bass while reducing 'door buzz'. Combined with the rear bass enclosure and tuning, the overall dynamic range, clarity and image width of the sound system is enhanced.

GRADE STRUCTURE

The all-new Mazda CX-80 is available in a choice of five model grades: Exclusive-line, Homura, Takumi, Homura Plus and Takumi Plus.

All model grades are available with a seven-seat interior layout which includes a three-seat second row bench. The Homura and Homura Plus grade interiors may also be equipped with a six-seat format including two second row captain's seats with a walk through space. And the Takumi Plus grade can additionally be ordered with a six-seat format featuring two second row captain's seats separated by a centre console.

A comprehensive standard equipment list includes features such as an 8-way adjustable driver's seat and 6-way adjustable front passenger seat, a steering wheel heater, heated front seats, three zone-air-conditioning, a 12.3-inch colour TFT central touch screen and HMI Command controller, Alexa in-car voice control, DAB radio with 8 speakers, Bluetooth, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, hybrid navigation, an Active Driving Display and cruise control.

In addition, four different option packs are available: Comfort for Exclusive-line, Driver Assistance for Exclusive-line, Convenience & Sound and Panoramic sunroof.

The Comfort for Exclusive-line package adds black leather seats, front seats with 10-way power adjustment, front seat ventilation, second row seat heating, second row footwell lighting, a second row one-touch walk-in function, the Driver Personalization System and auto tilt-down outside mirror function for reversing.

The Driver Assistance for Exclusive-line package ensures greater safety with adaptive LED head lights, Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), and an inner and door mirror auto-dimming function.

The Convenience & Sound package features a power tailgate with hands-free function, rear privacy glass, a 360 degree monitor incorporating See-Through View and Trailer Connection Support View, 150W AC socket, a rear console box light, Wireless phone charging and a Bose sound system. PHEV models are also equipped with a 1500W AC socket in the loadspace.

Homura and Takumi grades are fitted, as standard, with Comfort for Exclusive-line and Driver Assistance for Exclusive-line packs. Homura Plus and Takumi Plus grades benefit from Convenience & Sound and Panoramic sunroof packs as standard.

Exclusive-line features a piano Black grille and glazing surrounds, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The optional Black leather interior (cloth upholstery standard) features a dashboard finished in cordovan-look vinyl with titanium piping and stitching, and titanium coloured seat centre panel trim and stitching.

Takumi features an exclusive front bumper design, a piano Black grille, bright metal front wing and side signatures and glazing surrounds, and 20-inch, Grey with machined accent alloy wheels. The White Nappa leather upholstered interior combines maple wood trim with Japanese 'hanging stitching' seams which create spaces between the trim fabrics revealing a glimpse of the material beneath.

Homura features a uniform exterior body colour and an exclusive front bumper design. The exterior trim combines a piano Black honeycomb grille with jet Black wing and side signature plating, and all-Black door mirrors, and aerodynamic 20-inch alloy wheels.

Upgraded from that of the CX-60 Homura, the Black interior with black Nappa leather upholstery creates a more driving-focused environment. The dashboard mid-panel is finished in Black Cordovan-like vinyl leather with stitching and piping. Various key panels such as the centre console are trimmed in a hair-line Gun Metal finish. The cabin ceiling is trimmed in Black cloth, and the D pillar and grab rail are also finished in Black.

POWERTRAINS

The choice of powertrains for the all-new Mazda CX-80 exemplifies Mazda's 'Multi-Solution Approach'. The company's strategy is to offer different products and technologies - including a wide range of electrified powertrains - that best suit the local market and society's demand for sustainability.

The all-new Mazda CX-80 adopts Mazda's Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture for its longitudinal power units.

This longitudinal powertrain format offers many advantages, including the ability to mount motors and batteries of different sizes in the same layout for both the Mazda M Hybrid Boost vehicles and PHEV versions, and the facility to place the motor on the same axis as the engine and transmission.

There are two engines in the Mazda CX-80 powertrain line-up: a PHEV featuring a 2.5 litre, four-cylinder e-Skyactiv G petrol unit with electrification technology, and a straight-six 3.3 litre e-Skyactiv D diesel unit incorporating M Hybrid Boost, Mazda's 48V mild hybrid system.

Both powerplants are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offers a choice of four drive modes (plus EV mode for the PHEV).

2.5 LITRE E-SKYACTIV PHEV

Mazda's PHEV powertrain combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5, four-cylinder direct injection petrol engine with a large, 129 kW electric motor and a 355V, 17.8 kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery.

The petrol engine develops a maximum power output of 141 kW at 6000 rpm and 261 Nm of torque. The electric motor delivers 129 kW of power and 270Nm of torque from zero rpm.

With intake tuning to improve torque at the most frequently used mid- to low-speed ranges - 1,500 to 3,000 rpm, this combination of engine and motor delivers a total system output of 327 PS/241 kW and abundant torque of 500 Nm.

The Mazda CX-80 e-Skyactiv PHEV will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and on to a limited maximum speed of 195 km/h.

Most notably when running on electric motor power alone, the PHEV displays outstanding environmental credentials. WLTP combined fuel consumption is just 1.6 l/100 km, and WLTP combined CO2 emissions only 36 g/km. The Mazda CX-80 e-Skyactiv PHEV offers 60 km of electric motor-powered driving.

Charge Mode

Charge mode prioritizes charging the battery to a level set by the user - the preferred State of Charge, or SoC - and is useful in situations such as prior to using EV mode or when planning to use the car to power appliances and devices at a campsite later.

When the SoC falls below the level set by the user, the car will activate the engine and use it to charge the battery. If the SoC is above the level set by the user, the car will operate in standard hybrid drive mode until the battery drops to the specified level. It will then control the generator to maintain this SoC.

Selecting Charge mode has minimal effect on driving performance and drivers will still be able to select any Mi-Drive mode other than EV mode while Charge mode is switched on.

3.3 LITRE E-SKYACTIV D

Developed using the 'right sizing' concept which calls for optimised displacement to improve both fuel and power efficiency, the 3,283 cc, common rail electric direct injection inline-six-cylinder 254 PS e-Skyactiv D unit is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Featuring M Hybrid Boost - Mazda's 48V Mild Hybrid System - the diesel engine combines high output with excellent fuel economy. The highly innovative, advanced, clean combustion technology - DCPCI (Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition) - further improves engine efficiency, emissions and fuel economy, achieving a thermal efficiency of over 40% in a wide operational range.

These two technologies contribute significantly to the CX-80's outstanding driving range, powerful driving feel, and low fuel consumption and emissions. The e-Skyactiv D delivers 0-100 km/h in only 8.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 219 km/h, whilst returning a WLTP average fuel consumption of just 5.7-5.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of only 148-151 g/km.

The in-line six-cylinder format produces less vibration due to it's characteristic 'perfect balance', for a smooth and quiet ride, whilst delivering a clean, engaging engine sound. Moreover, due to its simple structure, the engine weight is similar to that of a four-cylinder diesel, thus minimising the difference in handling balance.

M HYBRID BOOST (48V MILD HYBRID SYSTEM)

Mazda's M Hybrid Boost technology is fitted to the CX-80's straight-six diesel engine. It offers even better fuel economy and improved environmental performance by using the electric motor to support the engine in the light load (idle to low speed) range where internal combustion engines are not very efficient.

The support provided by the motor when pulling away from a standing start can be felt the instant the driver applies the throttle, contributing to the evolution of the Jinba-Ittai driving experience.

DRIVING DYNAMICS

While placing high value on the comfort and ease of handling demanded of a family SUV with three rows of seats in daily use, the CX-80 is also engineered to offer the pure driving pleasure of Mazda's signature Jinba-ittai experience, whether on highways, winding roads or in use in a variety of outdoor activities. The all-new Mazda CX-80 has an impressive towing capacity of 2,500 kg.

All three rows of seats are designed with priority on comfort and quietness, and to provide occupants with a smooth, reassuring ride no matter where they are seated. Every passenger can enjoy travelling in comfort, even on long drives.