The CX-8 joined the Mazda range offered by Bermaz Motor in 2019 and like the CX-5 below it and the CX-9 above, it found its own niche in the competitive SUV segment. With 3 rows, it provided the extra seating space which was required by some customers that the CX-5 could not offer. And being assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kedah, it could be priced competitively.
Today, the updated CX-8 made its debut with the usual enhancements that products in the middle of their generation received. The overall design with KODO: Soul of Motion philosophy is retained but the front grille has been revised a bit to present a strong, mature and dignified presence. LED headlamps are also fitted and give a visual signature.
The 3-row cabin retains all the comfort and convenience features with the more premium features now becoming standard. These include the 7-inch instrument panel display, 6-way power seat for front passenger, handsfree power tailgate and auto-folding mirrors, along with additional USB ports for the passengers in the third row. There are also LED interior lamps as well as a wireless charger and wireless Apple Carplay which is accessible through the 8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment display.
The CX-8 Mid and High variants get updated leather upholstery for the seats in black, while the 2.5L High Plus variants retain the Nappa leather in Deep Red. For added comfort, the front seats have an internal ventilation as well as heating functions.
Customers can choose from 5 variants, three of which have the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (192 ps/258 Nm) and one with a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine( ps/Nm). A powerful new engine is also offered in one variant and this is the turbocharged version of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 which produces 228 ps/420 Nm. All variants are paired with the efficient SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
The drivetrains are front-wheel drive but there is now a new variant with All-Wheel drive (AWD) as well and only this variant has the turbocharged engine. At the same time, the turbodiesel variant which used to have AWD is now 2WD. Mazda’s AWD system is advanced and intelligent to allocate power to specific wheels to improve stability and grip on slippery surfaces. However, all variants of the CX-8 also have G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) and this too controls and stabilises vehicle behaviour at high speed when cornering. GVC Plus uses braking force on the outside wheels to counteract undesirable vehicle movement.
Mazda’s i-Activsense integrated safety suite has been updated and drivers can now enjoy safer motoring with the newly added Adaptive Front-lighting System, High Beam Control, front and rear Smart Brake Support, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop/go (meaning the system operates down to standstill).
Colour choices for the 2022 CX-8 are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black and Platinum Quartz and Polymetal Gray, the last two being new additions.
Mazda vehicles distributed by Bermaz Motor come with a 5-year manufacturer warranty or maximum of 100,000 kms after original registration. Additionally, owners get 5 years of free scheduled maintenance (except for the BT-50), inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants. Both Manufacturer Warranty and Free Maintenance have a coverage period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.
To know more about the new CX-8 range and other Mazda models, or to locate an authorised showroom in Malaysia, visit www.mazda.com.my.
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