Another piece of the Mazda large SUV puzzle will fall into place by the year’s end as the CX-80 is due to make its global debut some time in 2023, but should we simply expect a ‘bigger CX-60’?
The new SUV built on Mazda’s new ‘large product’ platform was initially expected to be revealed late last year, but Mazda is rolling out its four new SUVs (CX-60, -70, -80, and -90) gradually even though they’re all closely related.
When asked by Automotive News Europe if the CX-80 would make its debut in 2023, Mazda Europe CEO Martijn ten Brink said simply: “Yes, we will see it by year end.”
The straightforward answer is typical of the sometimes blunt CEO, and comes with no further elaboration, but there are some things we know and can expect from the CX-80 when it arrives later this year.
The CX-60 and CX-90 are both powered by a choice of turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine (petrol or diesel) or a plug-in hybrid with four-cylinder turbo engine, though we’d expect to see the CX-80 use a similar version of these drivetrains to the CX-90 due to its similar size.
This could mean a 254kW/500Nm 3.3-litre six-pot petrol engine makes the CX-80 one of the two most powerful production cars in Mazda’s history next to the CX-90.
A 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor totalling 240kW and 500Nm is also on the cards based on the CX-90’s drivetrains.
In terms of design, expect to see the CX-80 follow more closely with the earlier-revealed CX-60, rather than the more recent 90.
Why? Mazda Motor Corporation chief designer Akira Tamatani told us at the CX-60’s debut that there would be two approaches to design with the four new SUVs, pairing 60 and 80, while 70 and 90 would take their own approach.
“Among the large platform vehicles, we have narrow body types and wide body types. [CX-] 60 and 80 are narrow body models. 70 are 90 are wider. Wider body models, they have got a strong stance. Very strong proportions. That’s the kind of characteristics – they look massive,” said Tamatani.
“When it comes to 60 and 80, they are sporty, they have an element of elegance at the same time. So ruggedness and elegance, we are trying to put those elements in 60 and 80.”
If the CX-80 does make its global debut late in the year, don’t expect to see it in Australia until early 2024.
Stay tuned for more details closer to the CX-80’s official reveal later this year.
Keyword: Bigger, better... later? 2024 Mazda CX-80 to debut this year to take on Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Palisade