Mazda updates CX-8, adds Touring SP and Azaki LE

MAZDA Australia has continued the rollout of its new SP nameplate, this week applying it to the CX-8 Touring large SUV as part of the seven-seater’s 2021 model year update which also sees the addition of the six-seater Azaki LE flagship and some more standard kit across the range.

Adorned with all the same go-faster exterior trim as the other SPs in the brand’s portfolio – unique black 19-inch alloy wheels, black grille and mirror caps – the CX-8 Touring SP checks into local showrooms priced from $47,790 plus on-roads for the petrol and $54,790 for the diesel, each carrying a $1000 premium over the regular Tourings.

Besides the aforementioned black exterior treatments, the SPs also score bespoke black synthetic suede upholstery, red interior stitching, black trim, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual memory function and heated rear outboard seats.

The rest of the standard equipment mirrors that of the regular Tourings with highlights including LED head- and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and satellite navigation, reversing camera, one-touch ‘walk-in’ access to third seat row and paddle shifters.

Just like their donor vehicles, the Touring SPs are powered by the familiar pair of petrol and turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines developing 140kW/252Nm and 140kW/450Nm respectively.

Drive from the petrol engine – as per the rest of the range – is sent to the front wheels while diesels channel their power to either the front or all four wheels depending on the variant with a six-speed automatic transmission standard across the range.

The other new variant being ushered in this year is the Asaki LE which, just like its CX-9 counterpart, cuts seating from seven to six through the inclusion of a ‘captain’s seat’ second row.

Priced from $69,920, the Asaki LE goes straight to the top of the CX-8 range, sitting $3130 clear of the regular Asaki, which not only nets the unique seating arrangement but a matching second row centre console and a choice of brown or white for the quilted Nappa leather upholstery.

The only engine choice here is the 2.2-litre turbo diesel mentioned earlier.

Headline standard equipment on the new range-topper includes a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, surround-view camera, LED glovebox illumination and ambient lighting, hands-free power tailgate, glass sunroof, wireless phone charging and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

As for the rest of the range, the MY21 update ushers in some minor changes here and there depending on the variant with all grades from the Touring up scoring transmission paddle shifters.

The GT meanwhile scores the aforementioned 10.25-inch infotainment system, a new gloss black grille design, power tailgate, metal wood interior trim, burgundy or black leather upholstery and wireless phone charging.

Above that, the Asaki has been gifted a new metallic grille, new front bumper moulding, redesigned alloy wheels and tailpipes as well as honeycomb pattern interior trim inserts.

As is usually the way with a model year update, prices across the board have been increased by between $80-$1350 with the bigger increases being made at the top of the range to reflect the increase in kit.

“The Mazda CX-8 has enjoyed strong popularity as the range has evolved over time,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“Through its life we’ve continually refined the customer proposition, adding petrol and front-drive variants in response to dealer and customer feedback.

“With this latest update we add some key technology updates as well as two excitingly specified new models in the Touring SP and Asaki LE, making the CX-8 model range more enticing than ever.”

The CX-8 has had a respectable start to 2021, chalking up 1014 sales to the end of February (+192.8%), meaning it actually outsold the bigger CX-9 and occupied 6.6 per cent of the sub-$70,000 large SUV segment.

2021 Mazda CX-8 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs