Mazda tweaks CX-8 seven seater

LESS than a year after hitting the market, Mazda Australia has updated its diesel-only CX-8 large SUV with added equipment that also raises the seven-seater’s pricing by as much as $1100 across the three-variant range.

Both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive Sport grades increase by $920, to $43,410 before on-road costs and $47,410 respectively, while the top-tier AWD Asaki jumps $1100 to $62,590.

However, buyers are now treated to G-Vectoring Control Plus, which can adjust engine torque based on steering and accelerator inputs for “improved stability and handling”, according to the Japanese brand.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring is now also standard – a near-$500 retrofit option for existing MZD infotainment systems – as well as tyre pressure monitoring.

The flagship Asaki variant also gains front seat cooling, a 7.0-inch TFT LCD driver display, a frameless rearview mirror, a tweaked overhead console and LED ambient lighting.

Outside, the updated CX-8 remains largely unchanged, barring the new LED number-plate lamp and wheel colours – Grey Metallic for the Sport grade’s 17-inch wheels and Brilliant Dark for the Asaki’s 19-inch hoops.

The cabin is also tweaked with new heating, ventilation and air-conditioner controls that, according to Mazda, “positions switches in horizontal lines to create a sharp, minimalistic aesthetic”.

All versions of the CX-8 are still powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.2-litre diesel engine that sends 140kW/450Nm to the road via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the changes to the CX-8 will give the large SUV more appeal to buyers.

“Mazda CX-8 diesel appeals to customers needing flexible space and the latest safety for their family but who don’t want to compromise on style or special features,” he said.

“The 2019 upgrade adds more practicality and panache to Mazda CX-8 diesel, giving it a sharper edge in the large-SUV category as a desirable addition to our customers’ lives.”

Since its local market introduction in June last year, Mazda Australia has sold 2050 units of the CX-8 to the end of February.

Mazda CX-8 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs