Mazda has announced that it is going to introduce a new three-row crossover later this year called the 2018 Mazda CX-8. In the U.S. we have the CX-9, but that model isn’t offered in Japan, so Mazda is introducing a slightly smaller six or seven passenger CX-8.

Mazda knows that some of its buyers in Japan do need to carry more than five passengers and since the CX-5 is currently the biggest crossover offered in Japan, Mazda needed to introduce a larger option.

“Our latest offering, the CX-8 is a new crossover SUV for people who appreciate quality and need a car that seats more than five,” said Masamichi Kogai, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO. “It has the looks, performance and high-end feel customers expect from a Mazda, and even adults can sit comfortably in the third row. Mazda aims to create a strong emotional connection with customers, and we will achieve this by continually advancing our lineup to offer all customers our unique combination of driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.”

Related: 2017 Mazda CX-9 – Review

Mazda has yet to release all the photos of the new CX-8, so for now we just have this teaser of the interior. Compared to the CX-9, the CX-8’s wheelbase is the same size, but its length has been shortened by almost seven inches and its also five inches narrower. In Japan the CX-8 will be powered by a 2.2L turbodiesel engine that’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

As of right now Mazda says that the 2018 Mazda CX-8 is only going to be offered in Japan.

Source: Mazda