Mazda 8

Introduction

The new Mazda 8 is a stylish MPV for all ages, embedded with athletic styling and power packed performance and enriched with Mazda's sports DNA, Mazda-8 is popularly known as the zoom-zoom minivan. Introduced first as Mazda MPV in 1989, it has been a spectacle for all the enthusiasts looking for performance alongside a decent comfort level. With impressive automation and innovative tech features, the Mazda 8 is a comfortable drive experience for its customers with Mazda's superior engineering and brand's reliability.

Engine, Mileage and Variants

Available as a single variant, the engine embedded inside the hood of Mazda 8 is responsible for high power output and low emission count. As such, the MZR 2.3-litre DOHC engine embedded inside the drive paves way for a linear power output alongside an upbeat performance as far as the environmental aspect is considered. The inline 4-cylinder 16 valve DOHC engine which makes this a powerful MUV in any sense. The powerful engine of this MPV draws out a maximum power output measuring 120 kW at 6500 rpm alongside a maximum torque output clocking 203 Nm at 3500rpm. These numbers are bundled with a 5- speed Activematic transmission which in combination present a decent mileage count measuring 10.4 km/L. Mazda 8 reaches 0-100 kmph mark from an halt in just around 13.5 seconds, which is respectable for a Minivan, also the top speed it reaches measures 190 kmph.

Exterior

The lucrative styling of Mazda-8 reflects its sportiness, provided with a sharp front look the Mazda 8 has aggressive features to catch the onlookers eyes. The appealing 5 point grille of the MPV is highlighted by sharp headlamps with sporty bezels. The chrome Grille gives it the elegant look with heavy horizontal chrome bar in between which displays the company insignia. It is not a small drive from any aspect, the overall dimensions of Mazda 8 measure 4860mm x 1850mm x 1685mm and implements a wheelbase measuring 2950 mm which is good enough for 7 passenger seating capacity. The 4WD looks good with 16 inch alloy wheels of tyres size 215/65 R16.

Interior

There is nothing inside the Mazda-8 which could really disappoint the owner. The dashboard implements a contemporary styling, housing a big touchscreen in the middle, the 5-speed gearbox is also houses diagonally below the air-conditioning control to increment the drive experience. The upholstery overall looks incredibly suave for the price range. The steering wheel comes with volume and navigation control. The entertainment system is fitted with the Standard GPS, CD/DVD player, radio with easy connectivity with i-Pod or cell phone. Mazda 8 also sports a sufficient luggage capacity having a boot space measuring 400-litres.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

Mazda 8 for immediately effective braking is appointed with ventilated disc brakes both on the front and rear. Standard active safety equipments include Anti-Lock braking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. In case of a collision, Mazda 8 inflates a total of 6 SRS airbags, 2 for front, 2 on front-side, and 2 curtain airbags for all the three rows to minimize the impact to as much extent as possible.

Verdict

Mazda 8 is no doubt an efficient drive, despite being an MPV it is tremendously fun to drive, the utility just comes as a bonus. However, the drive misses out on the oomph factor in a lot of aspects, especially when it comes to safety.