Mazda CX-80 revealed

VIDEO: Watch the global reveal of the First-Ever Mazda CX-80

Mazda launches a fourth luxury SUV hybrid

MAZDA has unveiled its fourth luxury SUV model in Europe with plans for its sale in Australia before the end of this year.

The CX-80 will sit above the CX-60 in size and price and feature three seat rows.

It is almost five metres long and has a wheelbase of over three metres and comes with the option of six or seven seats, thanks to two centre-row seat configurations.

It has a conventional three-seats or can have a pair or captain’s seats with centre console. The rear seats can fold flat for additional storage.

The CX-80 is based on the platform of the smaller CX-60 but is longer and higher. It shares the 1890mm body width. By comparison, the CX-90 and upcoming CX-70 (also due in Australia towards the end of this year) have a body width of 1994mm.

Mazda said that the CX-80 is the latest evolution of its Kodo design that also features advanced technology to suit the brand’s commitment to Mazda Premium.

This includes the catalogue of Mazda Connected Services and a new ‘trailer hitch view’ which uses the centre display and graphics to help position the vehicle relative to a caravan or trailer.

The CX-80 will be available with a choice of three all-hybrid powertrains at launch (the same as available in the CX-60), topped by the e-Skyactiv PHEV which has a total system output of 241kW and 500Nm.

The combination of this 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor offers engaging performance, as well as excellent environmental credentials.

Alternatively, there are the in-line six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D diesel unit (187kW/550Nm) and e-Skyactiv G petrol powerplant – both featuring Mazda’s M Hybrid Boost 48V mild hybrid system – available which are claimed to both deliver prodigious performance and outstanding efficiency.

All three engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system.

Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) also offers a choice of four drive modes (plus EV mode for the PHEV) as already introduced in the Mazda CX-60.

The CX-80’s platform features double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension to maximise ride comfort, a stable posture and smooth body control.

Its rear-biased, permanent all-wheel drive system combines the stability and traction of AWD with the neutral cornering characteristics of a rear-wheel drive set-up.

The SUV also has a comprehensive range of advanced i-Activsense driver assistance systems include ‘cruising & traffic support’ (CTS) with new ‘unresponsive driver support’ (a feature also available on the forthcoming CX-70), smart brake support (SBS) with new head-on collision mitigation, and emergency lane keeping (ELK) with new head-on traffic avoidance assist.

Mazda has yet to release pricing but expect the premium SUV to have a range of $65,000 through to $95,000 depending on drivetrain and equipment.

For a great deal on financing your new purchase, contact Australia's best reviewed finance broker on 1300 Credit (1300 273 348) today or visit CreditOne.com.au