Mazda plans to discontinue the “MAZDA6” and “CX-8” in 2024 and consider the future of adding the “CX-80” to its lineup.

Mazda ended production of the CX-8 , a three-row crossover SUV, in late December 2023. Furthermore , production of the domestic model of its flagship model, the MAZDA6 (sedan and wagon), will end in mid-April 2024. Mazda is ending production of its Japanese domestic models in quick succession. It has also announced that a new large-size SUV, the CX-80, will be added to its lineup in fiscal 2024.

What will happen if Mazda discontinues the MAZDA6 and CX-8 in 2024 and adds the CX-80 to its lineup?

The CX-8 is a three-row crossover SUV, and the CX-80 is planned as a successor to the Mazda6, which is available as a sedan and station wagon, but will not have a successor.

Mazda’s current lineup consists of the MAZDA2, MAZDA3, CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-60, CX-80, and Roadster (MX-5) , most of which are crossover SUVs. Under Mazda’s slogan, “Be a driver,” the company aims to help customers discover the joy of driving and realize an exciting car life, with the MAZDA3 and Roadster having sporty elements. The MAZDA2 caters to the demand for compact cars, while the CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-60, and CX-80 are crossover SUVs. This lineup may indeed be suited to the modern era.

However, I think that it has been quite some time since the full model changes for the Mazda2, CX-3, and CX-5, so I am curious about their future development. Is there even an option to not develop them?

The overseas model lineup will see the release of the CX-70, followed by the CX80 around May 2024.

Mazda CX-8 production ends, CX-80 replaces it, but concerns remain: What will happen to the three-row SUV market?

Body size comparison between “CX-8” and “CX-80”

It is wider and lower than the CX-5, with a length increase of 200mm, a width increase of 50mm, a height decrease of 15mm, and a wheelbase increase of 170mm. Compared to the CX-8, it is slightly smaller in all but width, with a length decrease of 155mm, a width increase of 50mm, a height decrease of 55mm, and a wheelbase decrease of 60mm, making it a car that is just mid-size. Because the CX-60 is rear-wheel drive, its minimum turning radius is 0.1m smaller than the CX-5.

The CX-80 is a slightly larger model overall, with a longer overall length than the CX-8, and it is thought to have a spacious interior.

About the new CX-80 interior

The interior, like the CX-60 , uses high-quality materials such as maple wood, nappa leather, woven Japanese fabrics, and chrome details to differentiate it from its rivals. It also uses “MUSUBU,” a textile-binding technique that inspired the stitching around the instrument panel .

The meter panel has been converted to LCD, and Mazda Connect is equipped with the latest ” NEW MAZDA CONNECT ” infotainment system with a TFT 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch center display. It is compatible with “Android Auto” and “Apple CarPlay.” “NEW MAZDA CONNECT” does not have a touch panel as it is considered dangerous to operate it while driving, and all operations are performed using the commander control. An in-car communication device is standard . Connected services can be linked with the smartphone app ” MyMazda .”

All new CX-80 models feature i-ACTIVSENSE, the next-generation advanced safety technology, as standard equipment

“i-ACTIVSENSE” technology is standard equipment. It is equipped with “Driver Monitoring” that detects drowsiness and warns, as well as the following driving function and steering assist function “Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS)”. The Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) has been added with night-time pedestrian detection function. It also features the latest functions such as TJA (Traffic Jam Assist), FCTA (Front Cross Traffic Alert), DM (Driver Monitoring), and TSR (Traffic Sign Recognition System).

About the new CX-80 powertrain

The company has already announced that a PHEV model will be available for the lower-class CX-60, and it seems likely that it will also be offered in the three-row CX-80. The CX-80 PHEV features a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system, the e-SKYACTIV PHEV, and a performance-optimized electric motor with a maximum output of 100kW and a high-capacity 17.8kWh battery. This powertrain delivers a total maximum output of 241kW (327hp) and a maximum torque of 500Nm, demonstrating exceptional performance. The e-SKYACTIV D inline-six diesel engine, combined with M HYBRID BOOST (48V mild hybrid) electrification technology, delivers an evolved, one-with-the-car driving experience that can be felt from the moment you step on the accelerator, while also improving fuel economy. The SKYACTIV -D 3.3 inline-six diesel engine offers both higher power output and cleaner emissions thanks to its increased displacement . These engines are combined with a newly developed torque converter-less 8-speed automatic transmission, which offers excellent directness and transmission efficiency, in pursuit of both excellent environmental performance and driving performance that meets customer expectations.In addition, these power units, which combine high output and environmental performance, are combined with a longitudinally positioned platform.

Is there a three-row SUV model like the CX-80?

There are very few large three-row SUV models, including the Nissan X-Trail , Toyota Land Cruiser 250 , Toyota Land Cruiser 300 , Lexus LX600 , Mercedes-Benz EQS , Jeep Grand Cherokee L , and Peugeot 5008. Mazda’s CX-8 and CX-80 are highly versatile, offering a wide range of options for the second row, including bench seats, center consoles, and captain seats . Another reason they are recommended is their reasonable price.

summary

The CX-80 is the second in the large-size product line following the CX-60. It features a three-row, seven-passenger configuration, which is popular in the Japanese market, and as one of the few available, it’s garnering significant market attention. Furthermore, because it’s already more luxurious and advanced than the CX-8, existing CX-8 owners and those driving other manufacturers looking for a seven-passenger vehicle are likely to seek out the CX-80. However, the price is undoubtedly higher than the CX -8, so those who purchased the CX-8 for the value will likely find the CX-80 expensive. Furthermore, the biggest concern is the larger body size, particularly the 1890mm width, which is quite large for a Japanese car. For these reasons, it may be a good idea to purchase the CX-8 before the successor model is released. If you’re looking for the latest model, why not consider the CX-80?