MAZDA CX-80 DIESEL ESTATE 3.3d Homura Plus 5dr Auto AWD [Conv/DAP/Pan]

Mazda campaigns in the larger section of the mid-sized SUV segment with this very premium-feeling CX-80. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Mazda's CX-80 is essentially a lengthened version of the brand's existing CX-60 model with an extra row of seats. But that's enough to make it a pretty desirable large family SUV, with a premium feel but quite a mainstream price.

Background

It's been close to a decade since Mazda last offered a seven-seat model in Europe. So this CX-80, the largest car the brand has ever sold on our continent and the second to use the company's 'Large Product Group' platform, is very significant. The first model to use this architecture was the car this three-seating-row model shares almost everything with except its size, the Mazda CX-60 launched back in 2022. The CX-80 is a bigger version of that already quite sizeable SUV, positioned in price and dimensions just above cars like the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen's Tayron; and just below larger seven-seat SUVs like the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7. It's a space in the market that the Koreans have lately moved into, with latest versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorrento, but the CX-80 aims to provide a bit more premium polish than that pairing. So is this a fitting flagship for the Mazda line-up? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

It seems curious that Mazda should launch a car in this class without a full-EV variant and featuring a diesel power option - but the brand has always delighted in being different. The Hiroshima company says it's waiting for EV tech to become more mature before offering it in this segment, but the truth is that it doesn't yet have an EV drivetrain with the kind of range a car of this kind needs. You can though, get a version of this CX-80 able to be plugged in; the petrol PHEV powertrain that so many customers choose in the smaller CX-60 (which donates all its engines to this larger model). We'd hoped that Mazda might have updated this Plug-in Hybrid set-up for this new installation: principally to give it the larger battery that would facilitate the 50+ mile EV driving range that luxury PHEVs in this segment are now regularly offering. But it's still the same set-up, combining a 2.5-litre four cylinder unit with an electric motor energised by a 17.8kWh battery offering an EV drive range of 38 miles. Total output is 323bhp, with 62mph dispatched in 6.8s. In theory, that's 1.6s quicker than the alternative 250bhp 3.3-litre diesel, but that straight six unit's greater pulling power will give it a more flexible feel. Both engines send power via an 8-speed auto gearbox to both axles with a bias towards the rear. And there's Mazda's Kinematic Posture Control system, which brakes the inside rear wheel in quick turns to reduce body roll. Extra bracing allows the CX-80 to improve the CX-60's towing capacity figure; here, it's up to 2,500kg (better than a Volvo XC90 and the same as Kia and Hyundai rivals). Plus a useful 'Trailer Hitch View' feature's been added, which directs a camera at the tow bar to make it easier to hitch up a trailer. If you are tugging things along, you'll want to select the car's provided 'Towing' mode: other drive settings include an 'Off-road' mode that optimises traction on rough terrain.

Design and Build

At first glance, you might easily mistake this CX-80 for its smaller CX-60 showroom counterpart; from the front, the two cars look almost identical, sharing the same so-called 'Kodo' design philosophy, apparently embellished in this case around the concept of 'graceful toughness'. Move to the side and the CX-80 looks more distinct, with 250mm of extra body length over its showroom sibling that enables it to accommodate a third seating row. The side windows have been stretched to lighten the cabin. And, as with the CX-60, there's a long bonnet to denote the rear-biased drive layout and the longitudinal engines. Size-wise (it's 4995mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,710mm tall), it's about the same size as a large segment SUV like Volvo's XC90. Inside at the wheel, it's just as in CX-60, which means a relaxing, inviting cabin with a stitched fabric dashboard and a sporty-looking three-spoke wheel. The tall, wide centre console makes the driver's seat feel commanding and you view a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The central infotainment screen is the same size and, as usual with Mazda monitors, ignores touchscreen tech in favour of a lower rotary wheel. In the second row, there's a choice of either the usual bench or two luxurious 'captain's chairs', depending on your selection between seven or six-seater models. Huge doors allow easy access to the third row, which isn't as cramped as it usually is with seven-seat SUVs of this kind. There's 258-litres of luggage room with all three rows in place, growing to 687-litres with the second row folded and 1,221-litres with everything flat - or 1,971-litres if you load to the ceiling.

Market and Model

CX-80 prices from launch started from around £49,000 (around £3,600 above the five-seat CX-60) and as with that smaller car, customers are offered various highly specified trim grades, starting with 'Exclusive-Line', then 'Homura', 'Takumi', 'Homura Plus' and 'Takumi Plus' (prices range up to around £56,000). All variants come with features like a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen, wireless smartphone mirroring, Amazon Alexa voice control and tri-zone air conditioning. In addition, there's a memory function that uses facial recognition to restore drive settings to your personal preference. And heat for the front chairs, along with an 8-way adjustable driver seat and a head-up display. For this CX-80, Mazda has also added some extra camera safety features, including head-on collision mitigation, which functions as part of an upgraded 'Smart Brake Support' system. There's also 'Cruising & Traffic Support' that can intervene if the driver becomes unresponsive. Other standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, cruise control, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert. Many customers will want the 360-degree camera, which features a 'Trailer Hitch View' and a 'See-Through View' to help with manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Cost of Ownership

Mazda expects most CX-80 customers from launch to opt for the Plug-in Hybrid version, primarily because thanks to its EV range of up to 37 miles, it's rated at 35g/km of CO2, putting it in the 12% Benefit-in-Kind tax bracket. The official combined cycle fuel figure for the PHEV variant is 176.6mpg. Fully charging the Plug-in Hybrid battery using a typical 7kW garage wallbox will take around two and a half hours. Mazda hasn't provided any DC public rapid charging capability (like you'd get in PHEV versions of the Skoda Kodiaq for example). There's an EV drive mode, which restricts the car to battery power: and a 'Charge' mode that allows it to retain battery charge until later in your journey. If you'd prefer the non-plug-in 'E-Skyactiv D' diesel version, you'll benefit from clever technology Mazda calls 'DCPCI' (which stands for 'Distribution Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition'). Here, an unusual egg-shaped combustion chamber delivers cleaner fuel combustion. Also incorporated into this diesel engine is a 48V mild hybrid system. The resulting combined cycle fuel return is up to 49.6mpg. With a CO2 reading of up to 148g/km. We should additionally mention the warranty, the usual unremarkable Mazda three year / 60,000 mile package. You can manage maintenance with a useful 'My Mazda App', which can give you reminders about servicing and through which you can book your car in at your local dealership and access a digitally-stored record of your model's service history.

Summary

When it comes right down to it, the CX-80 is merely a stretched CX-60. But Mazda's taken its time and done the job carefully, creating a resulting package that feels much more complete than its smaller stablemate. You can't help thinking though, that the 'Large Group Platform' this car sits on should have been engineered to allow for a full-EV variant. But Mazda doesn't have to worry about the oncoming EV zeitgeist quite as much as some of its larger volume rivals. And what the Hiroshima company's produced here is a very complete large family SUV that feels notably more premium than most of its mainstream competitors. A rare choice perhaps, but a potentially very satisfying one.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Front wiper de-icer

Electric front/rear windows with one touch auto up/down

Rain sensing front wipers with adjustable sensitivity and speed

Brakes

Traction control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electronic parking brake with auto disengage function and auto hold function

Front smart city brake support

Hill decent control

Communication

E-call with GPS

Integrated bluetooth

Wireless apple car play/android Auto

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Front and rear parking sensors

Emergency stop signalling system

Blind spot assist

Adjustable speed limiter

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert

Intelligent speed assist

Distance alert system

Driver attention alert system

Lane keep assist system (LAS) with Lane departure warning system (LDWS)

Exit warning function

Power start/stop button

Kinematic posture control

Traffic sign recognition enhanced with mandated excessive speed warning

Driver Convenience

Power lift gate with handsfree function

Driver Information

Trip computer

Mazda Navigation System with european mapping

Multimedia Commander

Speed alert

12.3" TFT Colour display

Emergency lane keeping with blind spot assist

Driver Monitoring with personal identification

Mazda Driver Personalisation System

Ingress / Egress support and automatic driver position guide

Low washer fluid warning light

Windscreen projected colour active driving display

12.3" Colour entertainment centre display with mazda connect infotainment

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming driver's door mirror

Gloss black door mirrors

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable, heated auto power folding door mirrors with memory

Embellishment Trims

Mesh metal film centre console panel

Dashboard panel - Cordovan-like vinyl leather

Entertainment

AM/FM and DAB radio

Steering wheel mounted audio/bluetooth controls

Bose surround sound system with 12 Speaker, Bose center point, Bass match and audio pilot technology

USB-C inputs (x2 front and x2 rear)

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof spoiler

Body coloured bumpers

Electric panoramic sunroof

B-pillar and C-pillar garnishes in piano black finish

Rear side wing doors

Dark plating finish signature wing in front grille

Dark plating front side garnish

Silver decoration panel

Body coloured wheel arch and side mouldings

Differentiated front bumper design to accentuate the intake

Piano black honeycomb style front grille

Exterior Lights

Headlight washers

Automatic headlight levelling

Coming/leaving home lighting function

Signature LED daytime running lights

Dusk sensing headlights

LED rear signature combination lamps

High beam control

Front kodo turn signal

LED 3rd brake light

Dark plated headlight lense

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Three zone climate control air conditioning with rear air vents for 2nd and 3rd row

Interior Features

Roof mounted sunglasses holder

Cargo net

Nappa leather upholstery

Leather wrapped gear shift knob

Black roof lining

12v power outlet - front

12V socket in boot

Driver, front passenger and two rear door pockets

Driver and front passenger two rear grab handles with rear coat hooks

Electric telescopic and tilt adjustment steering wheel

Paddle shift

Heated leather wrapped steering wheel

Practical and spacious front centre armrest storage

Front centre storage with illumination and two cupholders

3 seat bench featuring folding centre armrest equipped with two cup holders 2nd row

Door panel trim - Cordovan-like Vinyl leather with matt black hairline film inlay

Interior Lights

Glovebox illumination

Ambient lighting

LED illumination luggage compartment

Front down lamp with front and rear foot lamps

Packs

Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack - CX-80

Safety

Manual rear child locks

Front side airbags

Front and rear curtain airbags

Drivers knee airbag

Active bonnet

Front passenger airbag cut-off switch

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Seatbelt reminder for driver/front passenger and rear seats

3 point ELR front seat belts x2 with pretensioners

3 point ELR rear seat belts

Front dual stage driver and single stage front passenger airbags

Seats

Front headrests

3 height adjustable rear headrests

Driver/passenger front seatback pockets

2 seat bench in 3rd row

3 seat bench in 2nd row

ISOFIX child seat anchorage points attached on outer rear seats

Heated front seats with 3 stage setting

Single front passenger seat

Remote fold down rear seats

Driver seat electric tilt, slide, recline, height and lumbar adjustment

Heated outer rear seats with 3-stage setting

Front seat ventilation with 3-stage setting

60/40 split folding 2nd row rear seats

Front passengers seat electric slide, recline, height and lumbar adjustment

Rear seat recline function for rear passenger comfort

50/50 split folding 3rd row rear seats

Security

Smart keyless entry

Thatcham accredited alarm and immobiliser

Remote central locking with deadlocking and automatic door lock when driving

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger visors with covered vanity mirror and driver ticket holder

Wheels - Alloy

20" Black metallic alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Emergency tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 148

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 151

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 151

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 15.2:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

CC: 3283

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.2

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 86

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 48.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.8

General

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92

Special Edition: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 39A

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 84

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 254

Badge Engine CC: 3.3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 1

Coin Series: Homura+ Conv/DAP/Pan

Coin Description: d

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 56

Engine Power - BHP: 254

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - NM: 550

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 406

Engine Power - RPM: 3750

Engine Power - KW: 187

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 235/50 R20

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: N

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4995

Width: 1890

Height: 1710

Wheelbase: 3120

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2781

Minimum Kerbweight: 2120

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2500

Max. Loading Weight: 661

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 566

No. of Seats: 7

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1971

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Mica paint

Special metallic paint

Premium metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Deep crystal blue

Metallic - Platinum quartz

Metallic - Melting copper

Paint - Mica

Mica - Jet black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Soul red crystal

Premium metallic - Machine grey

Premium metallic - Rhodium white

Special metallic - Artisan red

Trim - Leather

Nappa leather - Black