2019 Mazda CX-8: What to expect?

Similar to anywhere else in the world, the SUV & crossover segment in Malaysia is also on the rise. And, to grab the opportunity and get hands-their on a fair share of the market, more and more automakers are introducing both refreshed and new SUV & crossover offerings for the Malaysian masses.

One such SUV that will be launched very soon is the Mazda CX-8. The Japanese SUV was displayed in the country for the first time in April, earlier this year at the 2019 Malaysia Auto Show. Moving on, the automaker opened the order books for the SUV over a month ago, which was then followed by the price reveal.

In Malaysia, the 2019 Mazda CX-8 will slot between the already on offer CX-5 and the CX-9. Moreover, the stylish SUV will be available in four different variants, namely 2.5G 2WD Mid, 2.5G 2WD Mid Plus, 2.5G 2WD High, and 2.2D 4WD High. While the entry-level 2.5G 2WD Mid trim will cost RM 179,960.40,

the other three models - 2.5G 2WD Mid Plus, 2.5G 2WD High, and 2.2D 4WD High will set you back by RM 185,960.40, RM 200,960.40, and RM 217,722.80, respectively. So, what do we expect from the Malaysian-spec 2019 Mazda CX-8? And, what all features and creatures will the Japanese SUV sport? Let's have a look.

On the outside

Mazda cars have always impressed one and all with their looks, haven't they? The Kodo design language provides the Mazda cars with a unique, stylish, and alluring stance. On top of that, the sensuous curves and high-tech features on the outside of these Japanese beauties further enhance both looks and capabilities of these cars.

To begin with, the 2019 Mazda CX-8 stands 4,900 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,730 mm tall. The front end of the SUV will come flaunting a wide chrome grille with horizontal slats. The very grille is then flanked by a pair of sleek-looking auto-levelling LED headlights, which also feature built-in LED DRLs.

Then there is a menacing hood, chiselled bumper, dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, LED taillights, powered tailgate, keyless entry, and 19-inch alloys that are clothed with 225/55 profile tyres. Optional elements include window tinting for RM 2,000 and illuminated sill plates for RM 400.

On the inside

The interior of the 2019 Mazda CX-8 is just as impressive as the exterior of the SUV. With that said, the CX-8 will bring along a host of features and a plethora of creature comforts. The 2019 Mazda CX-8 specs sheet is expected to read comprise of a seven-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto,

three-zone automatic climate control with rear A/C vents, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, electronic parking brake, and an optional leather seat upholstery that costs RM 4,500. While the first and the second row are quite comfortable and offer plenty of space, the third-row will certainly feel cramped to adults. At last, the SUV will also boast a head-up display, selectable drive modes, and much more.

Under the hood

Coming on to the power department, the 2.5 models of the 2019 Mazda CX-8 will house a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine that generates a maximum power of 192 hp and a peak torque of 258 Nm. The 2.2D 4WD High variant, however, will get a different mill in the form of a 2.2-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-D engine that is capable of pumping out a maximum power of 188 hp and 450 Nm of peak torque.

Safety equipment

All of the Mazda offerings in Malaysia are quite safe cars. And, the 2019 Mazda CX-8 is going to be no exception. Various basic and high-end safety features like six SRS airbags, ABS with EBD & brake assist, Traction Control System, Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Launch Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, seat belts with pretensions, and ISOFIX child mounts will make their way to the soon to be launched SUV. Also, the 2019 Mazda CX-8 boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating and gets a five-year or 100,000-km warranty.

What's your take on the upcoming Mazda CX-8 then? Why not go ahead and book one for yourself if you are already impressed with the stuff that the Japanese SUV will have onboard? Anyway, with the pricing and many other details about the SUV already out, we expect the feature-packed and very capable CX-8 to arrive officially sooner than later.

Also Read: 2020 Mazda CX-8 gets loads of equipment updates for Japan