Mazda CX-80

For 12 years, Mazda has used a style called "Kodo". The style has been refined and evolved over the years, but still stands for smooth, strong lines for a powerful yet friendly look. This is why the CX-80 is also instantly recognisable as Mazda. However, with the CX-80, everything is bigger, taller and longer, with accents that add to the look. Think chrome, roof rails and the new colour shown here "Artisian Red".

Space

Thanks to its generous exterior dimensions, the CX-80 offers space for six people. Space in the front is ample, with the wide centre tunnel being particularly noticeable. The driver and passenger sit far apart, reinforcing the feeling that this is a big vehicle. The rear seats are on rails (120 mm) so that more legroom is available in the second or, alternatively, the third row of seats. Entry to the rear is facilitated by very large rear doors, which also open very wide.

With some give and take, six adults fit into the CX-80. That leaves a very small luggage space (258 litres), enough for two trolleys (on the side). The third row of seats is slightly higher than usual, giving the rear passengers a better view ahead. Moreover, the third row of seats consists of two relatively large, soft seats, which also provides extra comfort. When the third row of seats is not in use, four adults sit comfortably and a very large boot (1,221 litres) is available. Do watch your forehead when loading and unloading: the tailgate does not open very high, so many a person will bump their head against it.

Equipment

The entire cabin, from front to rear, is generously equipped with storage compartments, cup holders, USB-C connections and more. Mazda is not going along with the trend of minimalist interiors, as customers are not keen on that, according to the manufacturer. Therefore, the dashboard is littered with traditional buttons and levers. The display screen of the audio, communication and navigation system is relatively small and is operated by a push/rotate button on the centre console. So no tablet-like controls here, no smart assistant (except for Amazon's Alexa), no icons, no computer on wheels. Again: the customer doesn't want any of that, according to Mazda. Due to its conservative design, the sat nav has a somewhat outdated look, but partly thanks to an internet connection, the map material is always up to date and the car receives regular updates. The functionality therefore left nothing to be desired.

The CX-80 is equipped with all safety systems required by the European Union. In doing so, Mazda opts for a strict interpretation. There is hardly any leeway and the computer immediately punishes the slightest mistake or carelessness with warnings. What is nice: the head-up display shows whether there are any vehicles in the blind spot. This prevents unnecessary looking over the shoulder and makes driving easier and safer.

Hybrid

Mazda says it offers a suitable powertrain for every continent and market segment. For the CX-80, that is a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor in the form of plug-in hybrid drive. On a full battery, the CX-80 can cover just under 60 km fully electric, which is not much for a modern SUV. Performance in electric mode is more than adequate. However, because the CX-80 also shifts into electric mode, this PHEV (plugin hybrid electric vehcile) does not offer the comfort of a fully electric car.

To make the powertrain more fuel-efficient and economical, Mazda has removed the so-called "torque converter" from the automatic. Instead, the electric motor should provide the necessary smoothness during gear changes. This is a clever idea in theory, but in practice it works moderately well. The CX-80 shifts gears noticeably and, moreover, does not do so at the right moments. Thereby, it is clearly noticeable when switching from the electric motor to the petrol engine. It's not all bad, but the competition does this better for the same price.

In fact, the CX-80 PHEV drives well on just the electric motor or just the petrol engine, but things go wrong as soon as the electronics try to combine both. When driven on just the petrol engine, consumption comes out to about 6.2 litres per 100 km.

Driving characteristics

The CX-80 sits on the same platform as the CX-60, but lengthened and widened. Moreover, the suspension has been modified to achieve Mazda's signature handling characteristics. However, this is less befitting of a large SUV. These cars generally have a refined chassis and respond to commands with a certain slowness to give them a stately character. All that is lacking from the CX-80.

As with the smaller models, Mazda offers optimal communication between the car and the mechanics. That way, the driver understands the car better, which in turn ensures better control of the vehicle. The CX-80 therefore offers the refinement that comes with a premium model, but not the grandeur. This ensures that the CX-80 has not been perceived as the top model, but merely as a big Mazda.

Conclusion

What innovations does Mazda's flagship model offer? None! The CX-80 uses the same style, the same ergonomics and the same drivetrain as the smaller models. What the CX-80 does offer is a whole lot more space.

This seems like a negative conclusion, but according to Mazda, this was precisely the aim. According to Mazda, customers for the CX-80 are not looking for innovation. They do not want a futuristic look, a minimalist cabin and a computer on wheels. Moreover, they do not want a car that floats above the road, but a car that involves the driver in driving. So they want the familiar concept, but in a larger format. And that is what the CX-80 offers: more Mazda.