03/05/2026

theSunday Special XIV ON SUNDAY MAY 3, 2026

Even the third row has decent room for occupants

Leg room might be a little less than anticipated but the levels of comfort are not up for debate.

charm, the equipment list is generous, and there is still enough Mazda DNA in the way it drives to keep it from feeling anony mous. At the same time, the powertrain cali bration, ride quality and third-row packag ing stop it from feeling as complete as it perhaps should at this price. None of these issues are fatal on their own. But taken together, they do affect how convincing the whole package feels. The CX-80 is still a likeable car. It is well-appointed and clearly designed with care. It simply does not quite con vert those strengths into as rounded an experience as the best rivals, or indeed as effectively as the CX-60 manages in its own way. SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four plug-in hybrid Power: 328PS Torque: 500Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Drivetrain: All-wheel drive PRICE (AS TESTED): RM 296,610.40 (OTR without insurance) We like: Classy cabin ambience, premium material presentation, ventilated seats, lovely two-tone steering wheel, flexible second-row captain seats, strong road presence. We don’t like: Phev calibration lacks smoothness even in EV mode, ride still lacks polish for the price, third row is only occasional-use friendly.

Mazda’s more restrained approach to digitalisation remains refreshing. You are not bombarded by pixels, yet the car still feels modern enough. The two-tone steering wheel deserves a special mention because it genuinely lifts the sense of occasion. It is one of those details that sounds minor on paper but makes the car feel more special every time you get in. The ventilated seats are also very welcome in our climate, and together with the colour palette, they help justify the premium positioning. This six-seater layout also makes a good first impression in terms of versatility. The second row captain seats slide a long way, recline nicely, and tumble forward to improve access to the third row. For day-to-day family use, it is a thoughtful setup. Mazda also deserves credit for not treating the third row as a total afterthought. You still get armrests with cupholders, air vents and USB-C ports, which is more consideration than some rivals show. With the second row moved forward a little, the last row is usable for adults when needed, and perfectly fine for children. That said, it is still not especially gener ous for a car of this size. The third-row seats themselves are fairly small, and because the floor is high, you still sit in a somewhat crouched position. So while it is more humane than it first appears, it is best viewed as an occasional

still alright. In that sense, the old CX-8 still feels slightly more resolved in how it

packages itself as a family SUV. The CX-80 is clearly more premium, but the CX-8’s overall seating proposition is the less com promised one. VERDICT It is a car with plenty to admire. The styling is elegant, the interior is full of

adult space rather than somewhere most would want to spend hours in regularly. Boot space is respectable. Even with all seats in place, there is still enough space for smaller family items, and once you fold the rear rows, capacity becomes properly useful. So while the third row comes with compromises, the overall practicality is

The CX-80 uses a Type 2 charging port

Rear luggage space is still decent even with the third row up