If you’re deciding between a 5-seater SUV and a full-blown MPV for the family, Mazda offers something right in the middle with the 6-seater Mazda CX-8 2.5L Turbo AWD High Plus. It is a new variant of the Mazda CX-8 that was introduced in mid-2022 together with the facelift, and it fetches a price of RM221,360.
Powering this variant of the Mazda CX-8 is a new-to-the-model 2.5-litre turbocharged engine that makes 228 hp and 420 Nm. Paired with the engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-8 2.5L Turbo High Plus is the only variant of the CX-8 to get an all-wheel drive system. It is also the only variant to get a 74-litre fuel tank instead of a 72-litre tank.
Sharing the same 2.9 m wheelbase as the Mazda CX-9, the CX-8 is large (by Malaysian standards) and has an overall commanding presence. The 2022 facelift has given the CX-8 High Plus variants a new weave-like grille to replace the previous design with horizontal slates.
The Mazda CX-8 2.5L Turbo High Plus sits on 19-inch wheels with a grey metallic finish. Exclusive to the High Plus variants are roof rails for added practicality.
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Inside, the CX-8 2.5L Turbo High Plus provides an 8-inch head unit and a partially digital instrument cluster. The head unit, albeit a bit small, provides wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity and wired Android Auto connectivity. The head unit also has a controller on the centre console to help you keep your eyes on the road.
All seats in the CX-8 2.5L Turbo High Plus are wrapped in deep red Napa leather. The second-row seats of the CX-8 are sure to impress your passengers given the decent amount of luxury that they provide. The second-row seats are decently spacious and offer a proper armrest, a seat heating function, and air conditioning vents with a full set of controls.
Included in the RM221k price tag of the Mazda CX-8 2.5L Turbo High Plus are a 5-year/100,000km manufacturer warranty and a 5-year/100,000km free maintenance package.
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