Pros Sharp styling, surprisingly nimble chassis, high-tech cabin.
Cons Tight third row passenger space, mediocre fuel economy ratings, fussy infotainment touchpad.
Pros Expressive shape Swell ride and handling Even more space Type S performance and comfort Strong in safety
Cons Hybrid’s gone... ...and gas mileage remains mediocre Third-row access is tight Tetchy touchpad interface
Need a big Mazda SUV, but don't want petrol? The brand now has the answer - it's called the CX-8. Paul Maric checks it out.
Pros Excellent fuel efficiency Stacks of standard features, especially in top-specification Asaki model Plenty of room inside for a growing family
Cons Diesel engine can run out of breath when overtaking Quality of 360-degree camera is very poor Three year warranty with no roadside assistance starting to fall behind the pack
