At the wheel

Mazda CX-80 road test: seven seats, maxi suv format, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines

Test drive in Bavaria, both phev and diesel mild hybrid versions. Comfortable, efficient, super high-tech and ideal for family travel

13 October 2024

4' min read

Apparently very similar to its sibling CX-60, in reality the new Mazda CX-80 seven-seater suv brings many new features on several fronts. We flew to Munich to test it on the roads from Bavaria to Augsburg and back in the two engine versions available: the 327 hp hybrid and the 249 hp mild hybrid diesel version, alternating between city and motorway routes to appreciate its performance.

Wide to comfort

The Japanese brand has masterfully distributed the space inside the car, which divides the seats into three rows. There is a choice of a single seat configuration with a central passageway, a single seat configuration with a central console (both 6-seater) or a 7-seater configuration with a bench seat. The bench seat can slide up to 120 mm and the seats recline, allowing you to reconfigure the interior space from time to time, depending on your needs. This, of course, has direct consequences on boot capacity. In fact, if the last row is left untouched, the load compartment has a capacity of 258 litres (including the compartment under the floor). The capacity increases to 687 litres by folding down the last seats, to 1,221 litres with the second row folded down and to 1,971 litres up to the roof.

In addition, the choice of large side windows and the panoramic roof, as well as the car's continuous lines, give the Mazda CX-80 a bright interior that reinforces the sense of spaciousness.

Obviously, these spaces also translate into significant exterior dimensions (but not as much as one might expect), so it is rather natural to question the sense of a seven-seat SUV in Italy, thinking it probably more appropriate and adequate for markets such as the US or Asia.

Mazda CX-80: technical specifications

We have introduced the subject of exterior dimensions, so let's talk about some technical data. Compared to the Mazda CX-60 we mentioned earlier, the Mazda CX-80 is 250 mm longer, 24 mm taller and boasts a 250 mm longer wheelbase. And leaving comparisons aside, the CX-80 has an overall length of 4,995 mm, an overall width of 1,890 mm and a wheelbase of 3,120 mm. The brand decided to include two endothermic engines in the range: a phev version with a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, 249 hp e-Skyactiv G petrol engine. The hybrid version has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 195 km/h. Mazda has also worked to bring to market a 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D straight-six diesel version with Mazda's 48 V Hybrid Boost system. The Mazda CX-80 Diesel Mild Hybrid does 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 219 km/h, with an average WLTP fuel consumption of 5.7-5.8 l/100 km. In both configurations, Mazda has included an eight-speed automatic transmission and the i-Activ AWD all-wheel drive system as standard. Finally, there is the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system that allows you to choose between different driving modes, specifically: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing and ev (only available for the phev version).

Mazda CX-80, tutte le foto on the road
Photogallery29 foto

The road test

The first approach to the new Mazda CX-80 was with the hybrid version. The initial declaration of intent to propose a comfortable suv for long distances has certainly been fulfilled. The spaces are well-calibrated, both for driver and passengers. Fuel efficiency also reflects the brand's claims. Despite its large size, the Mazda CX-80 is easy to drive in all circumstances, providing a driving experience in line with what one would expect from a car of this kind, comfortable and ideal for families. The weight (from 2,165 kg) can be felt, especially when trying to change pace from cruising speed to a more spirited one. The safety and driver assistance systems are heavily present on this car, although it should be noted that on two occasions the system invited you to place your hands back on the steering wheel, which - in reality - had not been left. In all likelihood, the adas are very sensitive, to the point that if after some time driving one tends to have a 'softer' grip on the steering wheel, it can detect it as if the driver had removed his or her hands.

The return trip from Augsburg to Munich airport, however, featured the diesel version, which was a nice surprise. At a time when such engines are so detested, it is heartening to see brands working on diesel engines to update them and make them more efficient. And the driving pleasure is guaranteed, not least by the soundproofing of the cabin.

Lots of technology on board the Mazda CX-80

It cannot be said that Mazda's new maxi suv is not up to date. Not only in terms of driving safety systems, but also in terms of infotainment. First of all, there is Alexa that you can rely on to play music, check the weather, set a destination, control air conditioning, seat heating and cooling without taking your hands off the wheel. Interesting is the hybrid navigation that makes the latest navigation data available in real time. This allows for more content, improved search results and more accurate journey times. It should be noted that the hybrid navigation is only available to MyMazda App users subscribed to the vehicle connection services.

The technology also makes it possible to personalise the driving experience. In fact, simply enter your height and a camera will detect the position of the driver's eyes to automatically adjust the seat, steering wheel, head-up display and exterior mirrors.

Finally, the Rear Seat Alert function, which uses a sensor to detect the presence of people or objects on the rear seats when getting out of the car, is useful. This too, an aspect probably designed for the benefit of families.

The comfortable and efficient Maxi SUV

Quite apart from what has already been said about the possible positioning of a 7-seater suv on the Italian market, the Mazda CX-80 stands out for its attention to space and driving comfort for all occupants, combined with an important focus on design. It is to be recommended for those looking for a car for the whole family that allows great distances to be covered while keeping fuel consumption as low as possible.