All-New 2017 Mazda CX-8 Considered For Malaysia, 2.5L NA Only

Contrary to earlier reports, the Mazda CX-8 will not be a Japan-only model after all. This new SUV from Mazda slots into the line-up above the CX-5 but just below the CX-9.

During the launch of the Mazda CX-5 CKD, Hiroshi Inoue, President of Mazda South East Asia Ltd revealed that the Mazda CX-8 will be exported after its Japan market launch in December 2017. 

According to Inoue-san, a number of markets have requested for the new Mazda CX-8, including Malaysia. 

In terms of dimensions, the Mazda CX-8 is similar to the CX-9, with the CX-8’s length coming in at 4,900 mm, 175 mm shorter than the CX-9. Apart from that, the Mazda CX-8 is 129 mm narrower and 17 mm lower than the CX-9. Wheelbase is identical for both models.

Despite the similarities in their dimensions, the CX-8 and CX-9 will be differentiated by their engines. The CX-8 is expected to be powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G petrol engine, while the larger CX-9 gets a turbocharged 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine.

 In Japan, the CX-8 will be powered exclusively by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel SkyActiv-D engine.

Similar to the Mazda CX-9, the CX-8 is also a three-row SUV, but the difference is that the latter is available as a six-seater or seven-seater. If customers opt for the six-seater version of the Mazda CX-8, the second row gets a pair of captain seats with a large storage compartment in between.

Bermaz did not specify a timeline for the upcoming Mazda CX-8, but a debut some time in 2018 is likely.