Mazda CX-80 is set to launch in April, directly replacing the CX-8

In mid-April, Mazda Europe confirmed that the CX-80 - a three-row SUV that replaces the old CX-8 - will be launched on April 18. After that date, the car will officially be available in Japan, Australia and Europe from "autumn 2024".

In North America, the full-size CX-90 and mid-size CX-70 SUVs are identical, with the CX-90 only adding a third row of seats. However, the relationship between the Mazda CX-80 and its younger sibling, the CX-60, is not as simple as that. The vehicle's dimensions will be extended compared to its younger sibling, and the rear interface and side windows are also expected to be redesigned.

The first teaser of the Mazda CX-80 has just been released, showing that the rear edge of the side windows has a fairly thick chrome border that the younger CX-60 does not have.

The gap between the rear door and the tailgate has also been widened. The LED taillights look identical to the CX-70, but the rear window appears to have a smaller angle.

Mazda has confirmed that the Mazda CX-80 will be longer and taller than the CX-70, with an overall length of approximately 5,000mm compared to 4,745mm. The wheelbase has also been stretched "over 3,000mm" compared to the 2,870mm of the CX-60, but the overall figure certainly won't be higher than the 3,119mm of the CX-90 in North America.

The Mazda CX-80 interior, as mentioned, is similar to the CX-60 but has an additional third row of seats. The second row of seats can be customized into two premium single seats, and the third row can be folded flat.

The Mazda CX-80's powertrain options will almost certainly be identical to the CX-60, including regular petrol (2.5L 185hp/250Nm), hybrid (280hp/450Nm), plug-in hybrid (323hp/500Nm), diesel (228hp/500Nm) and diesel hybrid (197hp/450Nm or 251hp/550Nm combined with a 16hp/153Nm motor).

The Mazda CX-80 is expected to cost slightly more than the CX-60, starting at around £48,000.