Bermaz has announced that in addition to the CX-60, the larger Mazda CX-80 will also be showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) this week. Together, the five- and seven-seater SUVs – part of Hiroshima’s Large Product group – will mount a two-pronged assault on the premium segment, pitting them against rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE respectively.
The CX-80’s slated appearance at the show is unexpected but not surprising, given that it mirrors a growing interest in the executive SUV segment, with fellow mass-market brand Volkswagen also present with the Touareg. Unlike that car, the Mazda is set to be offered with three rows of seats, making it one of the few seven-seater options on the market.
Measuring 4,995 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,710 mm tall, the CX-80 is 250 mm longer and 24 mm taller than the CX-60, while its 3,120 mm wheelbase is 250 mm longer. Next to the also-three-row GLE, the Japanese car is 71 mm longer, 120 mm narrower and 87 mm lower, and it has a massive 125 mm longer wheelbase.
That sizeable wheelbase stretch gives the car a very lanky look, exaggerating the cab-rearward proportions granted by the car’s front-engined, rear-wheel-drive platform. Much of the design is shared with the CX-60, including the L-shaped lighting signatures in the head- and taillights, a huge chrome-ringed grille and front fender appliqués that highlight the car’s generous dash-to-axle ratio. Larger rear quarter windows aid outward visibility for those in the third row.
The interior has also been largely carried over from the CX-60, sporting the same wing-shaped dashboard, exceedingly wide centre console and plenty of stitched soft-touch materials everywhere you look. You also get the typical Mazda array of tech, such as a digital instrument display, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Mazda Connect system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display and an optional 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Also part of the options list is a six-seater layout with second-row captain’s chairs, rear side window sunshades and a panoramic glass sunroof. Mazda claims up to 687 litres of boot space with the third-row seats folded (258 litres with them up) and up to 1,971 litres with both rear rows stowed. The i-Activsense suite of driver assists, including front and rear autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring assist, is available as well.
Globally, the CX-60 is offered with a choice of four powertrain options, including a 284 PS/450 Nm 3.3 litre mild hybrid turbocharged straight-six petrol engine and a 231 PS/500 Nm 3.3 litre six-pot turbodiesel in regular and 254 PS/550 Nm mild hybrid forms. All come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and either rear- or all-wheel drive.
There is also a plug-in hybrid variant that utilises a 192 PS/261 Nm 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill and a 175 PS/270 Nm electric motor for a total system output of 328 PS and 500 Nm of torque, plus a 17.8 kWh battery that enables an all-electric range of up to 60 km. The PHEV model is a shoo-in for our market given it was mentioned in the press release, and it also will help reduce road tax compared to the pricey 3.3 litre engines.
Aside from the CX-60, Bermaz will be showcasing a CX-5 MS Limited Edition, the “MS” likely referring to Mazdaspeed – even though it’s likely there won’t be any actual Mazdaspeed parts. The company promises aesthetic enhancements to the exterior (read: a bodykit) and interior, along with “improved driving dynamics.” As reported previously, the Kia Sportage will also make its public debut at the show.
GALLERY: Mazda CX-80
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