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. 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.
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 wheelbase. However, it is actually 115 mm shorter, 129 mm 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.
