MAZDA HAS ANNOUNCED more choices for buyers of its large SUV, the CX-8 and especially for those who do mostly urban work.
It gains a second powertrain option, more variants, and improved safety and convenience while retaining its starting price at less than $40,000.
In the second update since it first launched in June 2018, the CX-8 gives more choice to customers looking for a spacious, well-appointed and economical seven-seat SUV.
Petrol power headlines the 2020 update, with the highly efficient Skyactiv-G 2.5L petrol engine joining the line-up, targeted at customers who undertake more regular urban driving. New Mazda CX-8 also retains its efficient Skyactiv-D 2.2L diesel engine, more suited to regular country driving.
With excellent low to mid-range torque, the Skyactiv-G 2.5L petrol engine is available as FWD and achieves the dynamic performance, fuel economy and quietness needed in an about-town family wagon.
The grade mix diversifies with the arrival of Skyactiv-G, growing the number of variants in the range from three to eight, including the introduction of Touring and GT to give customers even more choice.
The entry level Sport remains a well-equipped package, with advanced safety technology and features, and is available with a choice of Skyactiv-G 2.5L FWD or Skyactiv-D 2.2L i-Activ AWD. The same powertrains are offered for Touring, which steps up with more premium features like Black leather trim.
GT offers a more refined suite of equipment including remote-operated power tailgate and 19-inch alloys, and is available with Skyactiv-D i-Activ AWD or FWD. Asaki replicates this powertrain choice, adding more luxurious touches befitting the top grade, like real wood trim inserts, front seat ventilation function and a 360-degree View Monitor.
AWD models are equipped with Mazda’s newly developed Off-Road Traction Assist function for rough road driving. This driver support technology brings the AWD and traction control systems together to suppress tyre spin and distribute the right amount of torque to the tyres that have grip.
The entire line-up benefits from an advanced version of Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) that adds night-time pedestrian protection to enhance New Mazda CX-8’s impressive safety credentials, plus a larger 8-inch central dash display with enlarged icons and text for better readability (especially for those of us whose vision isn’t as good as it used to be!).
For Touring and above, third row functionality is enhanced with a one touch walk-in switch added to the left and right seat cushion sides on the second row. The seats fold down with a single touch making simple work of third row entry and egress.
The third row also gets two 2.5A USB power points in GT and Asaki, making it possible to charge smartphones and other devices from any seat. Both grades also add an electric sunroof, enhancing a feeling of openness in the cabin.
Engineers have further revised NVH quality for this update, adding more damping material to the roof of the Mazda CX-8 to reduce noise penetrating the cabin on rainy days. A fresh key fob and new generation nameplate badging cap off the changes.
Mazda Australia Marketing Director, Alastair Doak, said the update further diversifies Mazda’s SUV line-up and gives even more choice to customers looking for a seven-seat vehicle.
“New Mazda CX-8 broadens appeal in Mazda’s large SUV portfolio, giving customers even more choice with two engine options and a breadth of grades to suit individual budgets and needs,” said Mr Doak.
“The new Skyactiv-G variant is quiet and fuel efficient, and will better suit those families that clock up most of their driving in and around the suburbs.”
The Mazda CX-8 comes standard with Mazda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and five-year Mazda Premium Roadside Assistance and is on sale now.
Price List (all plus on road costs)
| Grade | Engine | Drivetrain | MLP |
| Sport | 2.5L Petrol | FWD | $39,910 |
| Sport | 2.2L Diesel | AWD | $46,910 |
| Touring | 2.5L Petrol | FWD | $46,590 |
| Touring | 2.2L Diesel | AWD | $53,590 |
| GT | 2.2L Diesel | FWD | $57,900 |
| GT | 2.2L Diesel | AWD | $61,900 |
| Asaki | 2.2L Diesel | FWD | $61,440 |
| Asaki | 2.2L Diesel | AWD | $65,440 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mazda CX-8, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.