Alongside the launch of the MX-30, Bermaz Motor today also unveiled the updated 2022 Mazda CX-8 three-row SUV here in Malaysia, with the addition of a new SkyActiv-G 2.5L Turbo variant, alongside more standard kit across the board.
The new 2.5L Turbo variant will now be the range-topping offering in the Mazda CX-8 line-up here in Malaysia, coming exclusively in the six-seater High Plus trim (previously known as High). The existing 2.2D High Plus variant still remains available, although it makes the switch from AWD to 2WD; all-wheel drive is now available only on the new 2.5L Turbo variant.
Similar to the CX-9 and CX-5 Turbo, the SkyActiv-G 2.5L Turbo mill underneath the hood of the new CX-8 also makes a maximum output of 228 hp and 420 Nm, with power sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
No performance figures were provided, but Mazda says the new turbocharged CX-8 variant will have a slightly higher top speed of 200 km/h (196 km/h on others), alongside a marginally bigger fuel tank (74 litres, 72 litres on other variants).
Beyond the new variant, the equipment list for the 2022 Mazda CX-8 has also been updated across the board, with new standard additions including the GVC Plus brake torque vectoring system, a larger eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (wireless CarPlay on High and above), six-way power seat for the front passenger, additional USB ports for the 3rd-row seats, hands-free powered tailgate, and auto-folding mirrors.
The 2.5L Mid and High (previously Mid Plus) variants also gets updated with a new black leather upholstery, replacing the fabric seats, while the High Plus variants retain their Deep Red Nappa leather upholstery.
On the aesthetic end, the 2022 Mazda CX-8 receives a new front grille design with vertical strips on the High and High Plus variants, the latter getting an exclusive gunmetal finish. The range-topping models also get chrome strips around the lower edges of the car, along with new 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels; the lower variants retain the same previous 19-inch wheels, and are painted black on the High variant.
The 2022 Mazda CX-8 also gets two new exterior colour options: Platinum Quartz and the Polymetal Grey – the latter first introduced on the Mazda 3.
Aside from these changes, the rest of the kit list remains the same from before across all variants, barring the name change (Mid Plus to High, High to High Plus). Standard equipment across the board includes automatic LED lighting fixtures, LED fog lights, three-zone climate control, seven-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, 10-way powered driver seat with memory function, as well as a reverse camera.
Moving up to the 2.5 High variant will net you adaptive LED headlights with Mazda’s “Signature illumination”, LED daytime-running lights, as well as frameless and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while the High Plus adds on a head-up display, rear-door sunshades, 360-degree camera system, as well as seat ventilation and heating for the front seats. Roof rails are only available on the 2.5T and 2.2D variants.
As for safety kit, the 2022 Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia comes as standard with six airbags and stability control and traction control systems, and your standard suite of ABS with EBD and BA. The 2.5 High variant adds on autonomous emergency braking (front), blind-spot monitoring system, and rear-cross traffic alert.
The High Plus variants meanwhile get the full suite of Mazda’s i-Activsense advanced driver assist features, which has been updated for 2022 with the addition of the adaptive radar cruise controll system with stop-and-go function, lane keeping assist, and a new rearward autonomous emergency braking system.
Despite the addition of standard equipment across the board, pricing for the locally-assembled 2022 Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia has actually dropped slightly, now starting at RM178k for the entry-level Mid variant.
- Mazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD MID – RM177,674.40
- Mazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD HIGH – RM183.452.40
- Mazda CX-8 2.5L 2WD High Plus – RM197,553.40
- Mazda CX-8 2.5L Turbo AWD High Plus – RM212,225.40
- Mazda CX-8 2.2L Diesel 2WD High Plus – RM204,758.80
All prices listed above are on-the-road, without insurance, and also does not include the sales tax exemptions, which will expire this Friday. As usual, also included in the price is a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and free maintenance programme, the latter inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.
GALLERY
