Aside from the MX-30, Bermaz has also introduced the 2022 Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia today. The updated three-row SUV may not grab the headlines like its electric sibling, but it’s a popular model all the same and this latest version comes with some meaningful upgrades.
The biggest of these is the addition of a turbocharged petrol 2.5 T High Plus AWD variant, which tops the range at RM212,225 on-the-road without insurance. The rest of the petrol lineup remains, with the 2.5 Mid 2WD kicking off the range at RM177,674 and the Mid High variant, now renamed the 2.5 High 2WD, priced at RM183,452.
In turn, the outgoing High model has been rechristened the 2.5 High Plus 2WD, costing RM197,553. Also changed is the sole 2.2 D High Plus diesel, ditching its all-wheel-drive system; it now retails at RM204,759. These figures exclude the sales and service tax (SST), the exemption of which ends on Friday. As usual, every purchase comes with a five-year/100,000 km warranty and five years of free service.
The new 2.5 litre forced-induction mill, badged the Skyactiv-G 2.5 T, is shared with the CX-5 and develops 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. That’s a useful boost over the naturally-aspirated version, which produces 192 hp at 6,000 rpm and 258 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The turbo CX-8 is also now the only model to come with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD.
The 2.2 litre Skyactiv-D turbodiesel continues to churn out 188 hp at 4,500 rpm and 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm. All models get the same six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic gearbox, along with the new G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) that now also applies the brakes to stabilise the car.
Beyond the new engine, the 2022 model year adds a few other enhancements, as well as some minor aesthetic tweaks. On the outside, the CX-8 ditches the previous slatted grille in favour of an array of interlocking vertical bars, fitted to the High Plus variants and finished in gunmetal.
These models also get additional chrome strips on the front bumper and new 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels; the lower-end versions retain the previous 19-inch rollers that are painted black on the 2.5 High. Lastly, there are two new metallic colour options – Platinum Quartz and the Mazda 3‘s Polymetal Grey.
Inside, the previously optional eight-inch touchscreen is now standard, although the Malaysian spec misses out on the 8.8- and 10.25-inch displays offered in other markets. Still you now get wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, Qi wireless charging and LED interior lighting on the 2.5 High model and above, plus leather upholstery and a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat as standard. The High Plus cars also add seat heating and ventilation, including second-row heating.
Otherwise, standard kit has been retained and includes automatic LED head- and taillights, LED fog lights, keyless entry, push-button start, triple-zone auto climate control, a seven-inch instrument display, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, a seven-seat layout, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, six speakers, a reverse camera and a hands-free powered tailgate.
As per the old Mid Plus model, the 2.5 High adds adaptive LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, signature LED taillights, a frameless rear-view mirror and six seats, the latter with second-row captain’s chairs and a centre storage console. The High Plus throws on deep red Nappa leather, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system and manual rear side window sunshades, as well as roof rails on the turbo models.
Safety-wise, the CX-8 comes as standard with six airbags and stability control, with the 2.5 High retaining the Mid Plus’ i-Activsense driver assistance systems. These include autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
New for 2022 are additional functions on the High Plus models, these being adaptive cruise control with stop and go (finally), lane centring assist and a full-speed AEB system. They join the existing lane keeping assist, reverse AEB and automatic high beam that are exclusive to the range-topping variants.
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2+2+2? Absolute NO-NO……should be 2+3+2 seating….FULL STOP
Yes. Only thing stopping sales of diesel awd was the seating 2+2+2. Nothing to do with engine or awd .
Now it seems, 2.5T is also 2+2+2. So no go as 3rd row seat only used occasionally. Maybe wait for isuzu mu-x or everest only option
Agreed….no 7 seaters = no go for me
Magnificent. Love this grille
The Yen has lost almost 12% against Ringgit since the beginning of
the year however Japanese cars still continue to increase in price.
Ringgit drops car prices goes up!
Yen drops car prices still goes up ? lol
Berjaya Mazda inherited their scion Naza Peugeot disinterest in actually selling cars nowadays. Compared to the glory days where CX5, M2, M3 were frequently seen, current generation of Mazdas are rare breed.
There are still many CX-5s otr. But this now MRCC, will see more CX-8s otr
lol, you think material didn’t increase in price and japan magically controls all supply chain for their cars?
5 year/100,000 km’s warranty is a disgrace! Should have been at least 200,000 km’s!!
Lol, comes to peugeot with 5 years/100,000 km warranty, people not complain. But come to mazda with 5 years/100,000 in warranty, wanna complain….
Premium and better gadgets
Good spec for RM200k+ High Plus 2.5/2.5T/2.2D
1. 6 airbags.
2. AEB
3. BSM
4. RCTA
5. 360 Camera
6. ACC Self Driving
7. Smaller 8″ display, but finally a touch screen.
Please make 7 seater configuration as an option for higher spec (turbo petrol / diesel)
You wanna buy or talk only lmao
Awd still doesn’t come with 7 seats. Its just too bad.
(Like) Proton X90 Turbo.
(Dislike) Mazda CX8.
Finally got MRCC! Thumbs up to Bermaz
while the middle row captain chairs are nice to have, sometimes people who buy 3 row suvs want seats for people instead. quite a missed opportunity because they could have bench middle row seating as an option imho. not to mention the turbo engine is only reserved for this high specced trim. which isn’t the worst thing in the world but the 7 seat option also misses out on quite a few features only available on the highest spec.
also are they really just going to leave the cx-5 as is? bermaz needs to introduce the facelift in malaysia and spec it up to include all the nice things like MRCC, paddle shifters and the bose speakers even if it’s as an optional extra. i mean i hope not because in most other countries mazdas come with a bunch of stuff as standard these days. but even if people need to pay, at least we can include it if we choose to vs no option at all. it’s so frustrating because mazdas elsewhere offer so much more even for the base models.
Suggest u have a look at Japan mid spec. It’s also lower specced like here. So it’s more or less same.
At least we now have adaptive cruise control with stop and go function. Fully version of advanced safety system. Sophisticated and premium interior. Powerful engine using turbo diesel and turbo petrol engine
Jonathan, the MRCC comes with the Stop & Go feature? The one that can creep and stop, following the car at front?
We’ve checked with a Bermaz spokesperson, who confirmed that the adaptive cruise control on the High Plus models does indeed feature a stop and go function. The article has been edited to reflect this.
Y u keep making mistake like the CR-V article?
DOnt check first ah?
No 10-inch screen for the Malaysian market? Looks like we are going to stuck at this old MZD connect OS for this big ol’ SUV isn’t it :(
At least we now have adaptive cruise control with stop and go function. Fully version of advanced safety system. Sophisticated and premium interior. Powerful engine using turbo diesel and turbo petrol engine. People still don’t mind to take 8 inch screen car
Hey Rim Job, you should try the X70 with screen sharing…been using it for the past week….its so good makes you wanna buy a phone holder and use your own phone for wake.
Wish they will offering 7 seats option for high spec gasoline, turbo gasoline and diesel. I think not everyone want 6 seater though. BTW thumbs up for Mazda to include MRCC back in CKD CX-8.
Got adaptive cruise control with stop and go function. Fully advanced safety system. Sophiscated and premium interior. Powerful engine with petrol turbo engine and diesel turbo engine
Is overpriced for Mazda!!!
compared to what? if like what you said, it’s overpriced.
That’s worth it. Better than MX-30 with poor distance range
Is the 2.5T AWD worth the extra RM15k or the 2.5 High Plus 2WD is a better buy? Which one would you choose?
sure 2.5T AWD… ada power…
Another article from John “apologize and edit” Lee lol
Where is the sunroof lah man…??
Wait for Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max