Mazda CX-8 launched, price to be confirmed

Mazda CX-8 launched: an all-new model in Malaysia: a six-/seven seater SUV

The Mazda CX-8 launched in Malaysia with a roll-out at the factory in Kulim. The all-new model is a firsts in many ways: the first-ever CX-8, the first six-seater SUV in this price range and also the first SUV that claims to have two full-size third row seats.

Four variants were launched, a petrol base model which is a seven-seater, a petrol mid-spec six-seater and two high-spec models, one petrol, one diesel. The diesel is four-wheel drive while the petrol models are two-wheel drive. A summary of the four variants, their engine displacements, seating layouts and seat trims is listed below.

Variant	2.5L 2WD MID	2.5L 2WD MID PLUS	2.5L 2WD HIGH	2.2L AWD
Engine	Skyactiv-G petrol	Skyactiv-G petrol	Skyactiv-G petrol	Skyactiv-D diesel
Transmission	Skyactive Drive 6-speed automatic with Manual Shift mode
Displacement	2488cc	2488cc	2488cc	2191 cc
Max Power	192bhp at 6000rpm	192bhp at 6000rpm	192bhp at 6000rpm	188bhp at 4,500rpm
Max Torque	258Nm at 4000rpm	258Nm at 4000rpm	258Nm at 4000rpm	450Nm at 2000rpm
Seat configuration	Seven	Six	Six	Six
2nd Row Seats	Bench	Captain Seats	Captain Seats with console	Captain Seats with console
Seat Trim	Fabric	Fabric	Nappa Leather	Nappa Leather

Also, the third row seats are full-size, not occasional seats, able to fit adults up to 170cm tall comfortably. They are 50-50 split fold, have two head rests and can be collapsed flat into the floor of the boot.

All variants are fitted with Mazda’s Gravity Vectoring Control, Sport mode and iStop idling. Standard safety equipment in the CX-8 are six airbags, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, stability control, traction control, emergency stop signal, hill-start assist and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

In addition, the top-of-the-range 2.5L 2WD High and 2.2L AWD are equipped with colour head-up display and self-levelling LED adaptive headlights, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, driver attention alert, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as well as smart city brake support.

Driver conveniences in the CX-8 include keyless entry and push-button ignition, daytime running lights, LED tail lights, rain-sensing variable speed windscreen wipers, and power tailgate.

Inside all variants, the Mazda Connect infotainment system has a seven-inch colour monitor and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The multi-function leather steering wheel has controls for audio, answering the Bluetooth-connected phone and cruise control setting.

For passenger comfort, there is three zone climate control with independent rear control and rear vents, and several USB and 12-volt charging points.

The Mazda CX-8 is offered in six colours: Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver and Jet Black and comes with five years warranty or 100,000km; and five years free scheduled maintenance or 100,000km, whichever comes first. No price had been announced for the Mazda CX-8 at time of publication. More information about the Mazda CX-8 can be found at mazda.com.my

Read our review of the Mazda CX-8 2.2L AWD here