Family-sized Mazda CX-8 refreshed

MAZDA has announced more details of its updated CX-8 large SUV, the refreshed family-sized three-row model due in local showrooms from March 2023.

With updated styling and new technological features, the CX-8 arrives with a block mesh-style grille and grille surround, restyled front and rear bumper covers, new headlight and taillight designs, and a sleeker tailgate design.

Additional visual updates include new alloy wheel designs and a newly introduced paint colour dubbed Rhodium White, which joins the eight-strong palette.

The CX-8 also adopts a 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment array as standard across the range, facilitating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

A 7.0-inch digital instrument panel is now included along with USB-C ports in the front two rows and a remote window control system activated via the key fob.

Further, Mazda’s Mi Drive system – comprising Normal, Sport and Off-Road modes – is now standard across all-wheel drive variants.

Mazda says the updated CX-8 benefits from a reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels inside the cabin, adding that the model will deliver a quieter and smoother ride.

The 2023 Mazda CX-8 will go on sale from March, with pricing and full specification details announced closer to the model’s launch. The current six-variant CX-8 range is priced from $40,490 to $69,890 plus on-road costs.

It is understood the CX-8 will continue to be offered with the choice of front- and all-wheel drive configurations and 140kW/252Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol or 140kW/400Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel power, the latter available exclusively with AWD and on high-grade variants only.

Mazda Australia says more than 70 per cent of CX-8 buyers opt for petrol power.

“The Australian consumer has embraced the Mazda CX-8, its combination of elegance and practicality makes it a compelling package that’s hard to ignore,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“With this latest update, the Mazda CX-8 has taken the game to another level, with both styling and technology that will ensure it’s a hit with Aussie buyers for years to come.”

The current Mazda CX-8 boasts a five-star ANCAP rating and includes safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, smart brake support and smart city brake support (front and rear) across the range.

With year-to-date sales of 4477 units, CX-8 is currently ninth within the large SUV segment behind rivals including the Toyota LandCruiser Prado (17,626), Toyota Kluger (10,124), Isuzu MU-X (7911), Subaru Outback (7194), Ford Everest (6805), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (6768), Mazda CX-9 (5433) and Kia Sorento (4928).

The large SUV segment top 10 list is rounded out by the Toyota Fortuner with year-to-date sales of 3502 units.