Bermaz Motor, distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has just given us a preview of a Japanese-spec Mazda CX-8, Japan’s version of our local CX-9.
The CX-8, which will be available as locally-assembled units from the get-go.
They’ll either be powered by the 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbo diesel engine, the same one you’d find in the diesel models in Malaysia, but with 187 hp and 450 Nm or a 2.5-litre petrol engine.
This is not the case for the folks in the land of the rising sun, where the CX-8 is only available with a diesel engine. Only the diesel models will come with all-wheel drive.
The petrol powered models will play host to a 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine with 192 hp and 257 Nm of torque. The new CX-8s will utilise the 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission.
As for equipment and features, it’s safe to expect the CX-8 to be fitted with automatic LED head and tail lights, LED fog lamps, 19-inch alloys like the ones you find in our local CX-9, six airbags and a generous list of other goodies.
Focusing on the interior, it’s said that the CX-8 will be available in both 2-3-2 and 2-2-2 seating arrangements – the latter featuring two individual seats in the second row – like most MPVs.
Word is that it is still undecided whether the i-Activesense suite of safety systems will be available for our local CX-8s.
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Mazda CX-8 2.5-litre 2WD
Mazda CX-8 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbo diesel AWD
