This is a new seven-seater SUV that doesn’t believe in chest-thumping machismo or aggressive chrome grilles.

Technically, it’s a stretched-out CX-60, with the wheelbase extended by 250mm to make room for a third row of seats. But, Mazda’s ambitions for this car go beyond adding more bum space.

Does it look the part?

Oh, it certainly does. The CX-80 carries itself with quiet dignity; not too flashy, not too frumpy. Mazda’s designers have refined that Kodo design language into something almost Scandinavian in its restraint.

No oversized nostrils or fussy lines here, just clean, confident sheet metal that gently hints at something a little more premium.

In Singapore, the CX-80 is the brand’s new flagship SUV, and Mazda wants this to be a contender against posh fare like the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery.

Realistically, it’ll draw curious glances from families eyeing up a Hyundai Santa Fe or a Skoda Kodiaq, but that doesn’t make it any less premium.

Cabin class

Step inside, and the CX-80 makes a strong case for itself. Upper trims get leather, maple wood, and a smattering of chrome. The seats are comfortable, the ventilated ones in particular providing a breeze strong enough to ruffle your shirt.

And yes, the dashboard has physical buttons, an increasingly rare and welcome sight in a world of endless touchscreen menus. 

However, while the top half of the cabin is plush, the bottom half starts to whisper reminders of its real-world pricing. Harder plastics linger where your knees meet the door.

The CX-80 offers a plush 2-3-2 seating layout. The middle bench seats slide and fold too, giving you flexibility to play Tetris with passengers and cargo alike. Children in the rearmost seats will be perfectly happy; Mazda says anyone under 1.7m will fit comfortably.

With all three rows in use, you’re left with 258 litres of boot space, enough for a few shopping bags or a compact stroller. Fold the third row and you get 566 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1,971 litres if you flatten everything behind the front seats.

Grace over grit

Given its size, you might expect the CX-80 to feel like piloting a school bus, and yet it doesn’t. The ride is firm, but it never crosses the line into harshness.

The steering is light, if not brimming with feel, and the updated chassis (compared to the CX-60) delivers smoother responses. It doesn’t flinch on winding roads, nor does it wallow about like a tipsy uncle at a wedding.

Singapore only gets the plug-in hybrid, and it claims a brisk century sprint time of 6.8 seconds. The 2.5-litre engine does provide enough huff, but prod the throttle in quick succession and the drivetrain occasionally panics, sending up a flare of engine noise without much forward motion.

The 8-speed gearbox is great when the engine is working, but gets flustered when juggling between electric and petrol duties, occasionally resulting in jerks while you’re applying the power down.

It would be better if Mazda offered a drivetrain option that keeps the CX-80 in pure petrol mode, giving the car a chance to regain more energy before dispensing it again in a clean burst.

Thoughtful with grace

At first glance, the CX-80 might not wow you with headline-grabbing gimmicks. But spend a bit of time with it, and it wins you over through sheer competence. It’s a rare thing; a genuinely thoughtful seven-seater that doesn’t try too hard to be something it’s not.

No, it’s not as soft as a Santa Fe. It’s not as luxurious as a Range Rover. And it’s not quite as badge-conscious as an Audi. But it balances comfort, flexibility, and driving satisfaction in a way that feels unmistakably Mazda.

If you’re a family buyer who’s allergic to cliché and appreciates a car that’s been designed with both head and heart, the CX-80 is worth a look. A true quiet achiever.

Technical Specifications

Mazda CX-80

Engine: 2.5-Litre e-SKYACTIV G Plug-In Hybrid
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 323 bhp
Torque: 500 Nm
Gearbox: 8-speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.8 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 195km/h
Battery Capacity: 17.8 kWh
Battery Efficiency: 22.5 kWh/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 Litres
Fuel Economy: 62.5 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$344,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The new CX-80 has officially arrived in Singapore, making its grand debut at the Singapore Motorshow after a private preview at the Mandala Club last December.

The latest addition to the Mazda family introduces two fresh shades. Artisan Red, a deep, sophisticated burgundy, and Melting Copper, a warm, metallic bronze that gleams under the sun.

Built with Mazda’s renowned Takumi craftsmanship, the CX-80 follows the brand’s tradition of sculpting full-scale clay models before finalising the design.

What comes out is an SUV that balances muscular proportions with refined sophistication, embodying Mazda’s design philosophy of “Graceful Toughness.”

Step inside, and the CX-80 greets you with an intuitive and luxurious space. The star of the show is Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System (DPS), a feature that utilises facial recognition to identify the driver and automatically adjust the steering wheel, seating position, climate control, and even audio settings to match their preferences.

Premium materials abound, with ventilated Nappa leather seats offering sublime comfort, especially for long-haul drives. The 7-seat configuration provides flexibility for families and adventure-seekers alike, with generous boot space when the third row is folded down. 

A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of space, while a 12-speaker BOSE sound system ensures an immersive audio experience, perfect for setting the soundtrack to your next adventure.

Under the hood, the e-Skyactiv G 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 327PS and 500Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds.

With an all-electric range of up to 60km, city commutes can be effortlessly emissions-free, while the hybrid system ensures peace of mind on longer drives.

The 8-speed automatic transmission provides seamless power delivery, and thanks to its rear-biased All-Wheel Drive system, the CX-80 maintains dynamic handling with a touch of sportiness. Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) further enhances cornering stability, minimising body roll and delivering a refined driving experience.

Safety remains paramount, with Mazda’s Co-Pilot Concept integrating an extensive suite of i-Activsense technologies. Adaptive LED Headlights, Smart Brake Support, and a 360-degree See-Through View Monitor help navigate Singapore’s tight urban spaces with ease.

For those who frequently tackle traffic congestion, Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) assists with steering and maintains safe distances in stop-and-go conditions. Meanwhile, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Driver Monitoring System ensure that every journey is as safe as it is enjoyable.

With a starting price of $346,888 (inclusive of COE), the Mazda CX-80 is available for test drives at Mazda showrooms at 23 Leng Kee Road and 5 Ubi Close.

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Positioned as the brand’s flagship model in Singapore, the seven-seater SUV marks a significant milestone for Mazda, being the first in its local lineup to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The CX-80 is part of Mazda’s Large Product Group and stands out with its commanding dimensions.

Measuring 5 metres in length, 1.89 metres in width, and with a wheelbase of 3.1 metres, it is designed to cater to families seeking spaciousness and comfort.

Notably, the last row of seats can accommodate passengers up to 1.6 metres tall, making it practical for both children and adults.   

Mazda has equipped the CX-80 with a range of advanced features that enhance both driver convenience and passenger comfort.

Highlights include a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Display and a heads-up ‘Active Driving Display,’ ensuring essential information is always within the driver’s view.

The infotainment system, also displayed on a 12.3-inch screen, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto as standard.  

One of the standout innovations is the Driver Personalisation System, which uses facial recognition to store seat positions for up to six different profiles.

The system can even adjust the seat to an optimal height based on the driver’s eye level and includes Entry Assist for easier ingress and egress.  

Other features include wireless charging, multiple USB-C ports, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, and three-zone climate control.

Rear passengers benefit from dedicated air vents, ensuring a comfortable journey for all occupants.   

The CX-80’s plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 323bhp and 500Nm of torque.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.  

As a plug-in hybrid, its 17.8kWh battery offers a pure electric driving range of up to 60km under ideal conditions.

The CX-80 is set to make its public debut at the Singapore Motor Show in January 2025. Officially priced at $376,888, Mazda is offering a special pre-launch price of $328,888, providing early buyers with a compelling incentive.  

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