Mazda has shown the new CX-8, a larger and more luxurious version of the CX-5 sold locally. Strangely, Mazda has taken the decision to only sell it in Japan.

The Mazda CX-8 is set to hit the market in late 2017. Unfortunately, that market is limited to Japan. The CX-8 will stand as the brand’s flagship SUV in Japan, capable of seating 6 or 7 depending on the seating option specced. It’s bigger than it looks, according to its length and wheelbase figures (4 900 mm and 2 930 mm) it measures about the same size as a Range Rover Sport.

Mazda plans to put a new generation turbodiesel engine inside the CX-8, although it has the same capacity 2.2-litres as the unit in the current CX-5. It’s also a 6-speed, automatic only model.

This is the only image of the car released so far and its Japan-only designationis a bit odd. Perhaps the local Mazda heads could make a case for it if there’s enough excitement about a luxurious Mazda that can take on the Germans and Brit. After all, it’s already a right-hand-drive model.

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