The CX-8 was upgraded earlier this year and now has a larger 10.25-inch central screen along with wireless smart phone connectivity.

The new screen has excellent clarity, but no touch screen functionality. That’s annoying as its controlled by a dial on the centre console. This means that Apple CarPlay use is complicated rather than easy.

In front of the driver is a larger 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a head up display.

Seats are comfortable, and, as always, I appreciated the heating and ventilation and used them both in the one week. The middle row seats are better for two people and the third row are for the occasional passenger.

The 2.5L petrol engine and six speed transmission provide enough performance but is a little thirsty.

Overall, the Mazda CX-8 is an ideal urban family SUV. The Asaki petrol version is priced from $61,810 plus the usual costs.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

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Some more thoughts about the Mazda CX-8 Asaki

• It’s not a bad looking SUV.
• Good overall size outside and inside
• Build quality is excellent.
• Front seats are comfortable with heating and ventilation.
• There are soft touch points everywhere your elbows go.
• The drivers’ instruments are clear and easy to read.
• Central screen also has particularly good clarity.
• However, the dial controls are old school now and dated.
• It makes the user interface more complicated than it needs to be.
• This is made more frustrating as it now has wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
• Little things like the audio, adaptive headlights, 360 degree camera all add to the quality feel.
• Middle row seats have plenty of room for taller passengers.
• Third row seats are like most in this segment, best for occasional trips for teens.
• Boot space as a five seat SUV is good, not so much as a seven seat.
• Middle seats don’t fold flat.
• Engine is ok for everyday driving, but not engaging and it’s a little thirsty.
• Its good in suburban carparks, fits nicely.

Mazda CX-8 Asaki specific features

• 19-inch wheels in bright silver
• Bright metallic grille
• Body-coloured mirror caps
• Body-coloured lower cladding
• Black Nappa leather seat trim with pattern stitching
• Cooled front seats (ventilated)
• 360-degree camera system

Some other Mazda CX-8 articles

• Mazda CX-8 model update 2023
• Mazda updates the CX-8
• 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE 2021 AWD SUV Review
• Mazda CX-8 Sport 2021 Review
• 2018 Mazda CX-8 Review
• Mazda CX-8 2018 Sport Review
• 2018 Mazda CX-8 SUV Launch Review
• 2018 Mazda CX-8 Diesel Review

Also look at.

The CX-8 Asaki sits in possibly the most crowded and competitive segment in the market. The list of alternatives is long.

So let’s look at some of the better ones.

Buyers could look towards Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Peugeot 508 GT, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Kluger, Mitsubishi Outlander.

Mazda CX-8 Asaki final thoughts

Mazda CX- 8 has been around for a while now. The Asaki is the top spec, other than captains chairs in the middle row.

The overall feel is spacious, comfortable, and easy to live with. Its practical and functional.

It’s also a mixture on new technology and dated. The dial infotainment controls need updating quickly.

If I was buying one I would go for the AWD diesel version, mainly for better economy and for snow trips with the family.

But it definitely should be on your list for a test drive.

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The post We chat about the 2023 Mazda CX-8 Asaki SUV appeared first on Motoring Minute.