The Mazda CX-8 is gradually being revealed.

The first official images have just been released, showing that the Mazda CX-8 is a stylistic blend of the CX-5 and CX-9...

The Mazda CX-8 is expected to officially launch in the Japanese market this year, and the first exterior images of the car have just been released.

Accordingly, it's clear that Mazda's new 7-seater SUV has a very similar design to the CX-5, with the entire front end being identical. However, the CX-8 appears taller, and the rear design is somewhat similar to the CX-9, with similar but not identical wheels.

The Japanese automaker also released an interior photo, revealing what appears to be a premium style. Unlike its "big brother" CX-9, the CX-8 has three rows of seats but is designed with six seats, with a center console located between the second row that integrates an armrest and cup holders. However, a seven-seat configuration will be available as an option.

Measuring 4,900 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,730 mm high, the Mazda CX-8 is actually closer in size to the CX-9 than to the CX-5.

Compared to the CX-9, it is only 175 mm shorter, 125 mm narrower, and 17 mm lower; both have the same wheelbase of 2,930 mm.

Meanwhile, compared to the CX-5, the CX-8 is 350 mm longer and 40 mm taller, with a wheelbase that is 230 mm longer.

The engine will be a 2.2L SkyActiv-D turbodiesel paired with a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission. Engine specifications have not been revealed, but it will certainly be no less than the 170 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque of the same engine currently used in the CX-5.

Although Mazda has confirmed that this 7-seater SUV is exclusively for the Japanese market, it is still attracting considerable interest from consumers in other countries, who hope the Japanese automaker will change its mind.

According to Dantri