Previewed earlier this year at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow, the Mazda CX-8 range is finally open for booking. As previously reported, there are four variants of the SUV on offer, and all models are locally assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah. Unfortunately, prices have yet to revealed, but Mazda Malaysia said it will cost 15% to 20% more than the CX-5 CKD.
The three-row SUV is positioned between the CX-5 and CX-9, and is powered by two engines. The base 2.5L 2WD Mid, 2.5L 2WD Mid Plus, and 2.5L 2WD High all share the same naturally-aspirated 2.5 litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine, producing 192 hp at 6,000 rpm and 258 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The range-topping 2.2L AWD is the only model with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system. Motive power comes from the familiar 2.2 litre SkyActiv-D engine that makes 188 hp at 4,500 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. In Japan, the CX-8 can be had with the 2.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, which outputs 228 hp and 420 Nm of torque.
All variants share the same six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission with manual shift mode, although interestingly, Sport Mode is only available on petrol-powered models. The automaker’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) and i-Stop Idling systems are standard across the board.
In terms of dimensions, the CX-8 is bigger than the CX-5 in every way, measuring 4,900 mm in length (350 mm longer than the CX-5), 1,840 mm in width, 1,730 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,930 mm (230 mm longer than the CX-5, and identical to the CX-9). The diesel also weighs considerably more at 1,924 kg, versus the petrol models at 1,781 kg.
The base 2.5L 2WD Mid is the only seven-seater model in the line-up, while the rest are available as six-seaters. The 2.5L 2WD Mid Plus variant gets captain seats for the second row, and fabric upholstery is standard for both models.
In the case of the 2.5L 2WD High and 2.2L AWD models, they both gain an additional centre console between the captain seats, complete with an integrated stowage bin and two cup holders. Here, the seats are wrapped in supple Nappa leather.
On the equipment side of things, all variants get auto-levelling LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (only the base model gets bulb-type DRLs), LED tail lights, keyless entry, powered tailgate, and sit on 19-inch alloys wrapped with 225/55 profile tyres.
Inside, standard kit includes push-start button, seven-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, three-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and electronic parking brake. The most expensive pair benefits from a 360-degree surround view camera and windshield-projected colour heads-up display.
For safety, all CX-8 models get six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Launch Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, seat belts with pretensions, and Isofix child anchors. The CX-8 was also awarded five stars in the ANCAP crash safety test.
Mazda’s i-ActivSense safety systems are available too – models from the 2.5L 2WD Mid Plus get Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard, but only the top two models get Lane Departure Warning System, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and Smart City Brake Support, which is Mazda’s name for autonomous emergency braking, AEB (front and rear; 2.5L 2WD Mid Plus gets front SCBS only). Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC, active cruise control) is not available.
Customers get to choose from six colours, which are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, and Jet Black. All models come with a five-year or 100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty with five-years free maintenance. The CKD CX-8 will also be exported to Thailand and Philippines. Thoughts on this, guys?
GALLERY: Mazda CX-8 at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow
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100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty is too low. Dangerous.
Mazda prices are shocking nowadays. Many would be wary to book without knowing the final prices as it may become unaffordable later on.
Captain chair? There is no upgraded headrest and thigh rest. Just replaces a center sofa with a side table.
The Mazda’s in Thailand fortunately have Radar Cruise Control – at least in the top grades for CX-3, CX-5 and Mazda 3.
I assume, that the CX-8 also get it for Thailand.
How about adaptive cruise control? Cr-v had it for billion of years already. why can’t mazda?
It really helps for those who are driving daily and stuck in the traffic jam, in KL especially.
Please bring it mazda malaysia, the adaptive cruise control.
No MRCC??
Ya, no MRCC. Boooo, Mazda, boooo!!!!
If it’s priced at RM150K, easily can tapau CRV’s sales.
You’re looking at easily 200k
Dude, are you for real? This is an 8 seater SUV. Please keep some of your idiotic thinking to yourself only.
The prices are reasonable given all factors considered. The only problem is, Mazda Malaysia is still not bringing the adaptive cruise control or MRCC.
Trust me it helps (the adaptive cruise control), I’ve been using mine for over 2 years now.
Dreaming la u 150k. CX-5 CKD 2.5 already priced at RM 167k. CX-8 2.5 base model at least 180k+
Bermaz, where is MRCC???
Can Bermaz bring in the 2.5 Turbo and 7-seaters leather seat variant?
The demand now days are towards technology in our vehicles. To some buyers autonomus driving is on top list during comparison. Mazda had remove most important factor (MRCC). Wait for X50 sales data, and learn from the chinese.
At this price range, Hyundai Starex still is Game Changer.
Proton is now real game changer than Hyundai
Game changer for whom? 2nd hand dealers?
Funeral parlors. Seems like Starex is a popular choice as hearse.
Game changer for 1st world countries.
mazda following nissan powerpoint chart arrow diving soon.
Just to share the info given to by Mazda for
Mazda CX-8 indicative vehicle price
1, CX-8 2.5L Skyactiv 2WD (2+3+2, No Leather Seat) Est RM 177,000
2, CX-8 2.5L Skyactiv 2WD (2+2+2, No Leather Seat, Walk Through) Est RM 182,000
3, CX- 8 2.5L Skyactiv 2WD (2+2+2, Leather Seat, Center Console) Est RM 197,000
4, CX- 8 2.2L Skyactiv-D AWD (2+2+2, Leather Seat, Center Console) Est RM 222,000
Oh my goodness, no MRCC?? For God’s sake, how can they not include it at this price point??!! I’ve been waiting for the launch of this car since FEBRUARY and was very keen on buying it, but am SO disappointed that there is no MRCC. Forget you Mazda, will just move up to Lexus instead.
Interesting, that this CX-8 will get the same exhaust pipes than the Japanese model. The CX-8 for the Philippines has some Mercedes-style exhaust covers.
Malaysian are looking forward for 7 seater.. Mazda focusing on 6 seater variant for Malaysian specs is letdown. Dissapointed..
Mrcc ee lek? Takda Mrcc? No Mrcc? So puzzling
That rainbow effect on the windscreen. No more SkyTint? I had those when I use 3M Crystalline.
Halo Mazda please la..we dont want karpet bulu kambing anymore
I like the interior design especially the captain chairs but the price its not worth it..=P