KUALA LUMPUR: Mazda Malaysia seems to be on a roll this week. Apart from opening the ordering books for the 2022 Mazda MX-30, the automaker launched the new, updated CX-8 SUV.

The updated CX-8 benefits from meaningful revisions that only makes the three-row SUV better suited for young urban buyers. Let’s now discuss all the new additions in detail, starting from the variants offered.

2022 Mazda CX-8: Variants & Price

New 2.5 T High Plus AWD	RM 212,225
2.2 High Plus	RM 204,759
2.5 High Plus 2WD	RM 197,553
2.5 High 2WD	RM 183,452
2.5 Mid 2WD	RM 177,674

So, a new range-topping 2.5 T High Plus AWD variant and the sole 2.2 High Plus diesel trim now ditch the all-wheel-drive system. Rest all remains the same.

2022 Mazda CX-8: Engine

The range-topping 2.5 T High Plus AWD variant is powered by a new 2.5-litre forced-induction turbocharged mill generating a maximum power of 228 hp at 5,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm. It is the only model with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system.

The other three petrol versions, the 2.5 High Plus 2WD, 2.5 High 2WD,,and 2.5 Mid 2WD, gets a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre unit producing 192 hp at 6,000 rpm and 258 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

As for the sole diesel variant, the 2.2 High Plus trim is powered by a 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D turbo engine pumping a maximum power of 188 hp at 4,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

All the above-mentioned powertrains are paired to the same old 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic gearbox.

2022 Mazda CX-8: Exterior & Interior inclusions

Apart from the new turbo powertrain, the 2022 CX-8 benefits from several noteworthy features. Part of the updated specification list is -

• New grille with an array of vertical interlocking vertical bars; finished in gunmetal
• New 19-inch 10-spoke alloys
• New metallic hues; Polymetal Grey and Platinum Quartz
• 8-inch touchscreen (now standard)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay support

• Qi wireless charging (2.5 High and above)
• Leather upholstery (standard)
• Dark red Nappa leather (High Plus)
• Seat heating and ventilation (High Plus)
• Second-row heating & ventilation (High Plus)
• Head-up display(High Plus)

• Manual rear door sunshade (High Plus)
• 360-degree camera system (High Plus)
• Adaptive LED headlight
• LED DRLs
• LED tail lights
• LED cabin illumination
• Frameless rear-view mirror
• Second-row captain seat

The SUV’s standard kit remains the same as before and it includes - automatic LED headlights, LED tail lights, LED fog lights, keyless entry, push-button start, a 7-inch instrument display, triple-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, seven-seat layout, six speakers, hands-free powered tailgate, and a reverse camera.

2022 Mazda CX-8: Safety

Standard kit includes: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD & BA, dynamic stability control, traction control, emergency stop signal, hill launch assist, auto-hold function, auto door lock, walk away lock, seat belt warning (driver, passenger, & rear)

Also part of the SUV’s safety kit are advanced safety technologies, however, they vary with the variants 2.5 High & above. The list includes -

• Adaptive front-lighting system
• High beam control (not in 2.5 High)
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Lane departure warning system(not in 2.5 High)
• Lane-keep assist system(not in 2.5 High)
• Driver attention alert(not in 2.5 High)
• Smart City Brake Support
• Smart city brake support(not in 2.5 High)
• Mazda radar cruise control(not in 2.5 High)

What do you think of the updated CX-8 SUV? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Mazda’s roadmap to get carbon-neutrality by 2035