Mazda CX-8 2020 review: Sport petrol

First up, it’s not as big and bulky as a typical large SUV. It's more streamlined, and looks very much like a CX-5 (Mazda’s five seat SUV) - which is good and bad.

Good because it’s a good looking car that still feels quite classic and modern, but bad because these cars are everywhere and it’s not the most unique thing to be driving around.

It’s a good looking car that still feels quite classic and modern.

Inside is designed well with a very slick, long dashboard that blends seamlessly into the centre console. The multimedia screen does look a little dated popping out of the dash and I think it could do with an update.

The centre console is one of the more unfussy designs with no unnecessary knobs and buttons, everything has a purpose and it’s functional. 

It’s not as big and bulky as a typical large SUV.

This CX-8 Sport has fabric seats which are very smooth - long gone are the scratchy fabric seats of old. These look good and they’re comfortable.

The steering wheel and gearshift are covered in leather so you still get those touch points of luxe beneath your hands. All in all, you feel good driving this car. 

There is something particularly easy about the CX-8 even in this Sport 2WD petrol spec.

With a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine, it gets up hills perfectly fine and also cruises nicely along highways.

With a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine, it gets up hills perfectly fine and also cruises nicely along highways. There’s no real heavy pull or lag which you can often get with bigger engines and bigger cars.

This one almost drives like the CX-5. If you do want diesel (which uses less fuel and apparently has more grunt than this petrol version) or AWD, you can opt for that one in the range. 

It handles nicely and feels quite agile for a seven-seat vehicle. Parking is good, once you accommodate the length, there is a wide reverse parking camera with guidelines to help direct you when reversing. 

The CX-8 Sport is the entry-model in a range of four, and as such there’s not much in the way of automation. Everything is manual yet quite easy to use.

So, the front seats are manually adjustable and there is no power operated tailgate but you’re saving money on the final price which is a good thing.

There is no power operated tailgate but you’re saving money on the final price which is a good thing. 

There are two cupholders in the front, a large tray for keys and a phone, a large centre storage bin and bottle holders in all four doors.

Second row passengers get two cupholders in the centre armrest and their own climate control, plus pockets on the back of the front seats.

Third row passengers don’t get any extra air vents but they do get a cupholder each along with an extra storage hole. 

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard and you easily plug your phone into one of the USB points for instant access to your phone’s main apps via the multimedia system.

The screen works as a touchscreen only when the car is in park.

The screen works as a touchscreen only when the car is in park. When you’re driving the car, it’s controlled by a knob down on the centre console - which is fine, but not ideal. Touchscreens are much easier to use. 

The sound is good, so turn your favourite songs up for an instant stress buster.

The Mazda CX-8 Sport 2WD petrol costs $39,190, before on road costs. Fuel consumption is a claimed 8.1L/100km (higher than the diesel which is 6.0L/100km). 

It’s covered by Mazda’s five year/unlimited km warranty and also comes with five years of roadside assist. Services are recommended every 12 months/10,000 km.