Mazda Heads North with the CX-80 UK Launch Tour

Mazda brought its new, seven-seat CX-80 up to our region as part of a tour of Britain giving journalists a chance at a first drive in several locations around the country.

Yorkshire was the third stop on the tour, which saw Mazda launch the CX-80 — its largest car ever produced for the European market, and a first seven-seater since the Mazda 3-based Mazda 5.

Based on the CX-60, which many Northern Group members got to drive in Liverpool in August 2022, the CX-80 sports a lengthened wheelbase to accommodate some extra seats and maintain a reasonable boot.

It’s also powered by the same engines as the CX-60, meaning a choice of the 323hp plug-in hybrid — also Mazda’s most powerful car produced for Europe — or the more recently launched straight six diesel in high-output, 250hp form.

All-wheel drive is standard on the CX-80, along with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and Mazda has also launched two new trim levels called “Homura Plus” and “Takumi Plus” which sit above their respective grades.

Mazda chose an intriguing location for the event, with The Motorist near Sherburn-in-Elmet playing host. This car culture hub and garage near Leeds provides a large indoor space and car parking area for events such as this, as well as a cafe if you just happen to be visiting.

The pre-planned road route was also quite the loop, heading out north and over into Nidderdale on a two-hour run that allowed for plenty of getting-to-know the CX-80. Mazda UK managing director Jeremy Thomson was also on hand for a chat or two as well as a presentation on the CX-80 and Mazda’s plans for the next few years.

As usual for an event in our region, the Northern Group showed up in force with a double-figure attendance, along with our friends and colleagues from elsewhere in the UK.

You’ll be able to read our members’ reviews in their various outlets soon, as well as on the monthly roundup for February in a few weeks’ time.