How many seven-seaters are actually pleasant to drive? The 2021 Mazda CX-8 Touring is the answer most families do not realise exists.

Mazda built this one long and narrow rather than tall and wide, and you feel the decision at the first roundabout. It corners like a large wagon instead of a bus, and the 2.5-litre petrol four works through a six-speed automatic that simply picks the right gear and gets on with it.

The third row is the part that matters, and here it is a real seat rather than a gesture. When you do not need it, it drops flat into a boot that will swallow the pram, the golf bag and a full weekly shop at once, while the middle row slides to settle whatever argument is happening behind you.

Touring is the grade where Mazda stopped being merely sensible. Heated front seats for a Melbourne winter, a head-up display so your eyes stay forward, and a cabin finished with the sort of restraint that will still look good in five years.

At 61,000 kilometres it has done the easy years and kept the best ones ahead of it. The silver suits the shape, and it hides the daily realities of family life better than any other colour ever has.

If you need three rows for the school run but refuse to drive something joyless to get them, this is the narrow middle ground where both of those things are finally true at once.

Seven seats means you can finally bring everyone. Whether you want to bring everyone is a separate conversation, and not one a car listing is qualified to have.

All prices displayed exclude government charges. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MM Carz recommends you confirm with one of our consultants to confirm specific specifications/features about the car. Please also note our vehicles may not always be on display, as they may be in for detailing—please contact us in advance to confirm availability before visiting our showroom.