The Mazda CX-8 CKD Is Here But Is Curiously Missing The 2.5-Litre Turbo Engine

Mazda has revealed the full range of the locally-assembled CX-8 but has curiously deferred from mentioning pricing for the entire range; only letting slip that it’ll be approximately 15-20 per cent pricier than the locally-assembled CX-5. That should put it in the RM200,000-210,000 range.

Assembled at Inokom’s plant in Kulim, Kedah; it’ll also be exported to the Philippines and Thailand. Obviously, the CX-8 is positioned between the popular CX-5 and larger CX-9. You can have it in four trims that cover petrol or diesel engines with all or just the front wheels motivated.

The three lower trims are powered by the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four SkyActiv-G. Its 192hp and 258Nm of torque powers the base 2.5L 2WD Mid, the 2.5L 2WD Mid Plus and the 2.5L 2WD High.

It’s a turbodiesel that’s the flagship, powered by the monstrous 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D inline-four with 188hp and 450Nm of torque. Unfortunately, this one can only be had with all four wheels driven.

If you’re wondering where the new 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine is, well that’s unfortunately reserved for the CX-5 and the CX-9. You can however find it powering the CX-8 in other markets.

The transmission of choice is the six-speed SkyActiv automatic with manual shift mode but no paddle shifters.

Splitting the range; apart from the engines and drivetrain, are the seating configurations. The base 2.5L 2WD Mid is the only seven-seater. Everything upwards of it are six-seaters with varying layouts.

The 2.5L 2WD Mid Plus has captain chairs for the second row while the 2.5L 2WD High and the diesel both get a centre console between the second-row seats and lose the arm rests. Inside the console, you’ll find a stowage bin, cup holders and USB charging slots.

Seats in the top two trims are wrapped in Nappa leather but the lower duo make do with fabric.

As for the equipment count, it’s pretty impressive even on the lower trims. G-Vectoring Control (GVC) and i-Stop Idling systems are standard across the range, as are auto-levelling LED headlights with LED DRLs (base model gets bulb-type DRLs), LED taillights, keyless entry, powered tailgate and ride on 19-inch alloys wrapped with 225/55R19 tyres.

It continues inside with push-start button, a 7.0-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, triple-zone climate control, rear air-conditioning vents and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

The extra money you splash on the higher two trims will get you a convenient 360-degree surround view camera and heads-up display.

Safety is standard for all. Six airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, Isofix mounting points and emergency stop signal.

Mazda also included its i-ActivSense safety systems. The 2.5L 2WD Mid Plus gets Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert while the top duo are tacked on with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, autonomous emergency braking (up to 30kph).

Six colours are available; the signature Soul Crystal Red, Snowflake While Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, Sonic Silver and Jet Black. There’s a standard five-year or 100,000km warranty and five-years of free scheduled maintenance.