The Mazda CX-8 has arrived in Malaysia as part of an official preview, and we’re being treated to preliminary details of the SUV that offers seating for up to seven people.
For now, four variants of the CX-8 are being listed, with only one being powered by a 2.2 litre SkyActiv-D four-cylinder turbodiesel engine making 188 hp at 4,500 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The diesel option is also the only one that gets all-wheel drive system.
As for the remaining three petrol variants, they all use the same 2.5 litre SkyActiv-G naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 192 hp at 6,000 rpm and 257 Nm at 3,250 rpm – drive goes to the front wheels. All variants use a SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of specifications, all the CX-8 variants are almost identical, with the only difference being the seat layout and material. However, keep in mind that the equipment list is tentative and could be changed moving forward.
Getting back on track, all four variants are fitted as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED fog lamps, LED taillights, keyless entry and start, triple-zone climate control, 10-way powered driver’s seat, MZD Connect, six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction control and Hill Launch Assist.
Any i-Activsense active safety systems have yet to be decided upon, but Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control technology is present here, along with its i-Stop idling system.
Focusing on the seating situation, the base variant will come with seven seats spread across three benches (2-3-2). Moving up a peg is a six-seat variant with two captain chairs in the middle row (2-2-2), which uses fabric seats along with the base variant.
The remaining two variants both offer two captain chairs in the second row. The difference from the variants below them are the use of leather upholstery and the addition of centre console armrest for the second row.
Once again, these details are not finalised as this is not an official launch but merely a preview. We’ve been told that the CX-8 will be a locally-assembled (CKD) model, with plans to export to other markets in the region. Interested?
Mazda CX-8 2.5L (seven-seat version)
Mazda CX-8 2.2D (six-seat version)
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express anticipation and interest in the Mazda CX-8, highlighting its 7-seater configuration, with some preferring the 2-3-2 layout for higher trims. Several users compare it unfavorably to premium SUVs like the XC60, citing concerns over ride quality, safety features, and brand perception, viewing Mazda as not truly premium. Price expectations vary, with many fearing it will be above RM200k, potentially limiting attractiveness. Some suggest the CX-8 offers better value than competitors like the X70 or Outlander, especially if priced competitively around RM180k. Others critique the omission of rear air vents and advanced safety features like active safety tech. Overall, interest is tempered by concerns about pricing, equipment levels, and design similarities, but many see it as a promising addition to the local market for families needing a 7-seater SUV.