This model is more than two years in the making. After “slipping out” during the press con at the CX-5’s Malaysian plant assembly roll out in 2017, people thought that the three-row Mazda CX-8 was sure to join the line-up in 2018. Then, nothing. Enter the first nine months of 2019, and still nothing. And then, it just happened. It rolled out of the assembly plant in October and now, here it is. Philippines, this is your 2020 Mazda CX-8 (read our first impressions, here).
Slotting in-between the CX-5 and CX-9 in terms of size, the CX-8 is Mazda’s newest three-row SUV. Unlike its competition, Mazda is offering two distinct seating configurations—a family-oriented 7-seater version or a more luxury-oriented 6-seater one. The former is exclusively available in front-wheel drive, while the latter is exclusively in all-wheel drive trim.
Regardless of seating configuration, the CX-8 is powered by a normally-aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine mated to a 6-speed automatic. Making 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4,000, this powertrain separates the CX-8 from its larger CX-9 sibling, while still offering spirited, yet efficient performance that Mazda is known for.
Built on the same platform that underpins the CX-9, the CX-8 is 175 mm shorter, 129 mm narrower, and 17 mm lower than the CX-9. Wheelbase though is the same for both models (2,930 mm). 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.
Feature-wise, almost nothing separates these two variants. Both come with light-sensing adaptive LED headlights, 19-inch wheels wrapped in 225/55R19 Toyo tires, power tailgate, and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, both the FWD and AWD variants offer standard Nappa leather seats in a Deep Red color, power adjustment for the front occupants (10-way with memory for the driver, 6-way for the passenger), tri-zone automatic climate control, windshield-projected heads-up display, power sunroof, and an 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10-speaker Bose sound system.
For safety, both variants come with 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist.
Frankly, the only differentiation comes in its standard suite of driver assist technology. Only the AWD variant comes with i-Activ Sense which bundles adaptive radar-based cruise control, smart brake support, and driver-attention alert.
The 2020 Mazda CX-8 starts at P 2,290,000 for the 4x2 Signature and tops out at P 2,450,000 for the 4x4 Exclusive.
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