“This December we will introduce the [Mazda] CX-8 in Japan, but of course we will export outside of Japan,” quipped Mr. Hiroshi Inoue, Mazda Executive Officer in charge of ASEAN Business and General Manager of ASEAN Business Office when asked about the CX-8. This goes against what Mazda said initially that the CX-8 is for the Japan Domestic Market only.

As global preferences move away from boxy and utilitarian MPVs, Mazda is joining that trend by stopping the production of its Premacy (Mazda5) and Biante (Mazda8). And recognizing that there is a market gap in their line-up for a compact 7-seater, they intend to fill that with something that has an SUV or crossover body shape, something that’s been proven popular the world over.



As the flagship of Mazda’s SUV lineup in Japan, the CX-8 slots in-between the CX-5 and CX-9 in terms of dimensions. It’s 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.

Designed by Shinichi Isayama, the same person who penned the CX-5, the CX-8 represents “Japanese Aesthetics” which is all about beauty by subtraction. The subtle curves and angles all impart a timeless yet edgy look.



For its interior, consideration was done for every material surface including the use of Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim on the highest variants in Japan. Using horizontal motifs, it helps the driver focus on the road while visually enlarging and lengthening the cabin.

Packaging was developed under the human-centered design philosophy with adults up to 170 centimeters fitting comfortably in the third row. The cabin touts quietness with conversation between the first and third rows possible even at highway speeds. In Japan, Mazda offers different seating types for the second row providing for up to 6 or 7 passengers, but expect the ASEAN model to just get the 7-seater configuration.



In Japan, the CX-8 is powered solely by a 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine with 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is understood however that Mazda has yet to commit to using the 2.2-liter diesel for the ASEAN market. With the exception of the Philippines, Mazda’s other export markets (Malaysia to name one) is leaning towards a gasoline engine because of the petrol engine’s perception of being more premium. If that’s the case, expect the 190 horsepower, 251 Nm 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G to make an appearance.

Mazda did not specify a timeline on when the Mazda CX-8 will make it to the ASEAN market, but assembly at the Mazda Kulim plant alongside the CX-5 is likely to bring the costs down. Expect it to arrive around the middle of 2018 given the necessary time needed to prep up production and export to the Philippines.


In Japan, the Mazda CX-8 retails from 3.16 million to 4.19 million yen (~ P 1.42 million to ~ P 1.89 million). Depending on the exact specification of the CX-8 for the ASEAN market, expect an SRP in the range of P 2.2 million.