Mazda CX-8

Inside the CX 8, you would be treated to a perfect combination of technology, elegance and luxury. High-quality finishes and futuristic technology can be spotted all around in the cabin, especially the dash. All major controls are placed out in perfect symmetry and are within reach of the driver. The 7-inch infotainment system features Mazda's advanced Mazda Connect system; with it, you can safely access your compatible smartphone's contact, social media and music through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The three-zone climate control allows the driver and passengers to set their own temperature; rear rows feature their automatic system, making everyone comfortable. Active Driving Display (ADD) is projected onto the windscreen in full colour, presenting trip information in your line of sight. The All-New Mazda CX-8 offers three types of seat configurations - the third row folds down to give space and versatility, which is sufficient to fit all your gear for a day or weekend trip.

Like any other Mazda's SUV, the CX 8 has a design language primarily based on the company's KODO design. The front fascia sits low and bold, with the signature grille and LED headlights. Also, the newly added roof rails on the top-spec variant help the SUV pose a bold look. The long, undivided lines flow from the front till the rear, adding to its solid and mature stance. All four variants of the CX 8 come fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels that can be seen on many upmarket offerings in this segment. At the back, it features LED combination taillights, LED fog lights and twin tail exhaust pipes. The CX 8 is available in four paint schemes - Sonic Silver, Deep Crystal Blue, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black and Machine Gray. 

The light, rigid and robust body of the CX 8 offers a smooth and comfortable ride. Even the lightweight, SKYACTIV chassis adds to the driving pleasure and comfort. Its electronic power-assisted steering ensures nimble handling and control. MacPherson Struts at the front and a Multi-Link at the rear perform suspension duties on the CX-8. The strict adherence to 'Jinba-Ittai' philosophy and the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) offers confident controlling and a genuinely next-gen driving experience. 

There are two engines on offer for the Mazda CX-8 in Malaysia; a 2488cc, four-cylinder, Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol engine that dispenses 195 PS max power at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 258 Nm at 4,000 rpm and a 2,191 cc 4-cylinder Skyactive-D 2.2-litre diesel engine that churns 191 PS max power at 4,500 rpm and peak torque of 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic and manual transmission. The 2.2D High model offers an All-wheel Drive system (AWD). 

Braking is performed by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Mazda has equipped the CX-8 with Mazda i-Activsense, which is a full suite of advanced safety features comprising Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Lane Keep Assist System (LAS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Smart City Brake Support (Front and Rear). Other safety features include 6 SRS Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Engine-Immobilizer Anti-theft System, seat-belts with pretensioners and load limiter and height-adjustable anchorages, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

The Mazda CX-8 surely represents a Malaysian family SUV, fit for all purposes. It's not every day that you find a car that combines all these factors into one, but that's exactly what Mazda has done with the new Mazda CX-8. Hopefully, it will soon launch the updated CX 8 to further strengthen its position in the Malaysian market.