“This December we will introduce the [Mazda] CX-8 in Japan, but of course we will export outside of Japan,” quipped Hiroshi Inoue, Mazda Executive Officer in charge of ASEAN Business and General Manager of ASEAN Business Office, when asked about the CX-8. This goes against what Mazda said initially that the CX-8 is for the Japanese domestic market only.
As global preferences move away from boxy and utilitarian MPVs, Mazda is joining that trend by stopping the production of its Premacy (Mazda5) and Biante (Mazda8). And recognizing that there is a market gap in their line-up for a compact seven-seater, they intend to fill that with something that has an SUV or crossover body shape, something that’s been proven popular the world over.
As the flagship of Mazda’s SUV lineup in Japan, the CX-8 slots in-between the CX-5 and CX-9 in terms of dimensions. It’s 175mm shorter, 129mm narrower, and 17mm lower than the CX-9. Wheelbase though is the same for both models (2,930mm). It essentially shares the CX-9’s suspension system but with its own unique tuning. For instance, the rebound spring in the front damper has enhanced the CX-8’s cornering stability.
Designed by Shinichi Isayama, the same person who penned the CX-5, the CX-8 represents “Japanese Aesthetics” which is all about beauty by subtraction. The subtle curves and angles all impart a timeless yet edgy look.
For its interior, consideration was done for every material surface including the use of Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim on the highest variants in Japan. Using horizontal motifs, it helps the driver focus on the road while visually enlarging and lengthening the cabin.
Packaging was developed under the human-centered design philosophy with adults up to 170cm fitting comfortably in the third row. The cabin touts quietness with conversation between the first and third rows possible even at highway speeds. In Japan, Mazda offers different seating types for the second row providing for up to 6 or 7 passengers, but expect the ASEAN model to just get the seven-seater configuration.
In Japan, the CX-8 is powered solely by a 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine with 187hp and 450Nm of torque connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. It is understood however that Mazda has yet to commit to using the 2.2-liter diesel for the ASEAN market. With the exception of the Philippines, Mazda’s other export markets (Malaysia to name one) is leaning towards a gasoline engine because of the petrol engine’s perception of being more premium. If that’s the case, expect the 190hp, 251Nm 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G to make an appearance.
Mazda did not specify a timeline on when the Mazda CX-8 will make it to the ASEAN market, but assembly at the Mazda Kulim plant alongside the CX-5 is likely to bring the costs down. Expect it to arrive around the middle of 2018 given the necessary time needed to prep up production and export to the Philippines.