Mazda discontinues CX-8 and MX-30

MAZDA Australia has announced that production of the CX-8 large SUV and MX-30 small crossover will be discontinued for this market from the end of this year but that there will be sufficient local stock for both to remain on sale here until the end of the first quarter of 2024.

A replacement for the CX-8, to be badged CX-80, will be unveiled next year but judging by the premium positioning of its CX-60 and CX-90 siblings is not expected to replicate its predecessor’s affordability.

Mazda Australia says the decision forms part of its parent company’s strategy of offering an all-electrified model range – including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles – by the end of the decade.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi explained that end of production for the CX-8 and MX-30 for Australia aligns with this future strategy, “freeing up valuable resources at Mazda Corporation to assist with the transition”.

“Renowned for its practicality, refinement and driving dynamics that belie its generous proportions, the Mazda CX-8 has played a pivotal part in our market growth since its launch,” he said.

“As we move into the next phase of the Mazda brand’s evolution – with electrification at the heart of our focus – we will ensure our valued customers continue to be well-furnished with a suite of exciting models to join us on this journey.

“Fortunately, for drivers who want to enjoy everything the CX-8 has to offer in the meantime, stock is plentiful and readily available across our dealer network right now.”

Mr Bhindi said the CX-8 and MX-30 will continue to remain on sale locally until the end of Q1 2024.

The CX-8 has been on sale locally for more than five years, over which time it has notched up almost 25,000 unit sales. The MX-30, meanwhile, has been available for three years, with just over 2200 units sold in that time.

“Notable as a stylish and sustainably focused alternative in the compact SUV segment, the MX-30 also became a trailblazer as the first fully electric vehicle available from the Mazda brand,” said Mr Bhindi.

“This was previously unchartered territory, and the MX-30 has since served as a hugely valuable purpose, both as a technology demonstrator and also to thoroughly prepare our dealer network with the knowledge and skills required for the next phase of our brand’s intensive evolution.”

With the electrified CX-60 and CX-90 ranges now available, and the CX-80 coming soon, the shift towards mild- and plug-in hybrid drivelines is already underway.

“Our strategy at Mazda Australia has always been to welcome any new model that adds value to our range and offers customers everything they want and need, and the CX-8 has done exactly that since its arrival in 2018,” said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

“One of the CX-8’s many strong suits has always been its breadth of choice – from front-wheel and all-wheel drive powertrains and petrol or diesel options, even down to six- or seven seats.

“As we look to the future, our model range will advance once more with a line-up of advanced powertrains and products for our market – including the first-ever Mazda CX-80 – and we look forward to sharing more details next year.”