Mazda CX-8

CX-8 Overview

The seven-seater Mazda CX-8 slots between the CX-5 and CX-9 in the brand’s SUV range, which officially made its way to the Malaysian shores last year. The SUV is not as bulky and big as a typical large SUV; rather it is more streamlined and looks much like the CX-5 and sits on the CX-5’s platform. Mazda offers the model in four variants - 2.5G 2WD Mid, 2.5G 2WD Mid Plus, 2.5G 2WD High, and 2.2D 4WD High, which are powered by two different engine options. Mazda CX-8 price in Malaysia starts at RM 179,960, and it rivals the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. 

Mazda CX-8 Interior & Features

The elite and elegant cabin of the CX-8 is designed to be both inviting and peaceful. Its ergonomic design offers comfort as well as enough space for the passengers. Not only this, but its top-notch fit and finish also play out really well. All the three-rows are nicely positioned; the first two rows offer ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for adults, whereas the third row is for kids only as it is a bit cramped. The SUV comes with a lot of storage points, including cup holders provided on either side of the last row, cubby holes, and bottle/cup holders in front and middle rows. The seats in the top-spec variants are decked up in full-leather upholstery.

Talking about the provided tech goodies, the CX-8 gets a 7-inch touch-multimedia head unit with navigation and a Bose audio system, power windows, three-zone climate control with rear control and vents, power-operated front seats with heating and cooling function, rearview mirror with auto-dimming, key with push-button start, electronic handbrake with auto hold, a head-up display, selectable drive modes, and power tailgate.

CX-8 Exterior

With the head-turning looks, Mazda CX-8 boasts the brand’s Kodo design language, which makes it one of the best-looking models in the segment. Although it resembles CX-9 and CX-5 from different angles. At the front, the SUV features a wide and chunkier bonnet, sleek headlights, chrome-laden front grille, and a chiseled bumper. On the sides, the key highlights are dashing alloy wheels, large wheel arches, rear doors, the gap between the front and rear wheels, as well as the sloping roofline, which altogether define its true premium SUV character. A pair of wraparound tail lamps, a meaty bumper, and dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes at the back complement the elegant look of the car.

Size-wise, the CX-8 is bigger than the CX-5 on which it is based on. It measures 4,900 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,730 mm in height. While it shares the 2,930 mm wheelbase with the bigger CX-9, but because of its shorter overall length, the boot capacity behind the third row is just 209 litres.

Mazda CX-8 Ride & Handling

On this front, the CX-8 is not as nimble as the five-seater CX-5; it handles the 1.8-tonne mass impressively. The well-tuned suspension setup is equipped with MacPherson struts up at the front and multi-link independent at the rear. It does a great job of ironing out road patches and bumps without creating any fuss. And in typical Mazda fashion, the steering wheel feels well-weighted and is remarkably precise as well. Although, rear visibility lags a bit, particularly with a full house.

CX-8 Engine & Fuel Consumption

Coming on to the mechanical setup, all the 2.5 trims house a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine capable of generating maximum power of 192 hp and 258 Nm of peak torque. In contrast, the 2.2D 4WD variant gets a different mill in the form of a 2.2-litre turbocharged SkyActiv-D engine churning out a maximum power of 188 hp and a peak torque of 450 Nm. All the variants are mated to the same six-speed automatic gearbox for transmission - with torque being vectored to all four corners via an AWD system. And when it comes to fuel consumption, the CX-8 isn’t desperately thirsty despite its potent engine, providing an average mileage of 15 kmpl.

Mazda CX-8 Braking & Safety

Braking power is derived from disc brakes at both ends, which can stop this large, family crossover pretty well. In the matter of safety specs, the CX-8 comes with a long list, which includes six SRS airbags, ABS with EBD and BAT, a traction control system, dynamic stability control, emergency stop signal, seat belts with pretensions, hill launch assist, and ISOFIX child mounts. The SUV also boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

CX-8 Verdict

Mazda CX-8 is elegant, sturdy, and enduring; it comes as a well-sorted and rounded package for buyers. Although it lags behind in few areas, its pros cover up the weak points.