A revamped Mazda CX-8 range has been released in Australia, introducing the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G petrol four-cylinder engine to the large SUV model line.
Driving to the front wheels only through Mazda's six-speed automatic transmission, the petrol engine in the CX-8 develops 140kW and 252Nm. Mazda claims that the CX-8 powered by this engine returns a combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 8.1L/100km.
The new engine, offered in the entry-level CX-8 Sport grade reduces the starting price of the CX-8 by $7000 – below $40,000 for the first time. Mazda has also added higher-priced variants, taking the range from three to eight variants.
According to the importer, the petrol engine – available in just two trim levels, Sport and Touring – will be the better option for CX-8 buyers who spend more time in the suburbs than driving longer distances out in the country.
While the importer is not saying as much, the petrol-engined CX-8 Sport now undercuts the most affordable CX-9 by $6000 and makes Mazda more competitive in the large SUV segment. It should increase sales of the CX-8, which last year sold 2551 units, against the tally of 7168 for the petrol-only CX-9.
The other variants joining the range to plug gaps in the line-up are a diesel-engined CX-8 Touring model with all-wheel drive, two GT models (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive) and a front-wheel drive CX-8 Asaki variant. Existing variants carried over include diesel CX-8 Sport all-wheel drive and CX-8 Asaki all-wheel drive models. Mazda has dropped the diesel/front-wheel drive CX-8 Sport.
All CX-8 variants for 2020 come with night-time pedestrian detection for the autonomous emergency braking system ('Smart City Brake Support') and a larger (eight-inch) infotainment display. A new off-road traction assist facility is standard for all-wheel drive models, and all variants other than the entry-level CX-8 Sport adopt a 'one-touch walk-in' switch to lower second-row seats for simplified access to the third row seating. Finally, CX-8 GT and Asaki models feature USB recharging ports servicing occupants in the third-row seats.
The Touring grade is based on the Sport trim level, with the addition of LED fog lights, keyless entry, black leather upholstery, six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat (with heating), 'one-touch walk-in switch' for access to the third-row seats, front parking sensors and second-row seats with centre armrest storage and USB charging ports.
In addition to the Touring-grade specification, the CX-8 in GT trim gains remotely operable power tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels. Topping the range, the CX-8 Asaki comes with genuine woodgrain trim, front-seat ventilation and a 360° monitor.
Mazda claims the CX-8 for 2020 is quieter, with additional noise-suppression material lining the roof. Other minor changes across the range include a new key fob and revised badging. The upgrade comes less than 12 months after the last update for the CX-8.
“New Mazda CX-8 broadens appeal in Mazda’s large SUV portfolio, giving customers even more choice with two engine options and a breadth of grades to suit individual budgets and needs,” said Alistair Doak, Mazda Australia Marketing Director.
“The new Skyactiv-G variant is quiet and fuel efficient, and will better suit those families that clock up most of their driving in and around the suburbs.”
How much does the 2020 Mazda CX-8 cost?
Sport 2.5L petrol FWD - $39,910 (new)
CX8 Sport 2.2L diesel AWD - $46,910 (-$1000)
CX8 Touring 2.5L petrol FWD - $46,590 (new)
CX8 Touring 2.2L diesel AWD - $53,590 (new)
CX8 GT 2.2L diesel FWD - $57,900 (new)
CX8 GT 2.2L diesel AWD - $61,900 (new)
CX8 Asaki 2.2L diesel FWD - $61,440 (new)
CX8 Asaki 2.2L diesel AWD - $65,440 (+$2350)