The 2023 Mazda CX-8 facelift has just made its debut in Japan and this new SUV is set to go on sale in the Land of the Rising Sun in December.

Visually, the updated Mazda CX-8 now gets L motifs in the headlights and tail lights, as well as restyled front grille and bumper. Look closely and you’ll also spot a reprofiled rear bumper.

Taking cues from the yet-to-be-launched CX-5 facelift, the top-spec CX-8 facelift adds body-coloured wheel arches and body cladding.

Also Read: Pros and Cons: Mazda CX-8 2.2D High - Dated infotainment, but best 3rd-row seats in an SUV ever?

Japanese customers are treated with several new variants of the CX-8 facelift, including Grand Journey, Sports Appearance, and Exclusive Mode.

Rhodium White Premium Metallic is a new colour option that joins Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Deep Crystal Blue, Platinum Quartz, Titanium Flash, Jet Black, and Polymetal Grey in the updated CX-8’s colour chart.

Stepping inside, the biggest change is the inclusion of USB-C ports and wireless Apple CarPlay. Mazda has also added Off-Road mode to its Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system, joining Normal and Sport.

Also Read: Ratings: 2019 Mazda CX-8 2.2D High - A 6-seater SUV with negligible weaknesses

The seats have also been improved with new seat cushions and springs that enhance upper body stability during corner. Speaking of seats, the CX-8 facelift can still be had as a 6- or 7-seater, depending on variant.

Last but not the least, Mazda has also adjusted the CX-8 2.5 Turbo’s throttle pedal mapping, giving it a more preppy response. There’s also retuned suspension that is said to improve handling. Cruise and Traffic Support (CTS) has also been added to its ADAS suite.

Also Read: Looking for a 6/7-seater SUV for RM 200k? The Mazda CX-8 should be your top pick

Mechanically, the Japanese-market CX-8 facelift remains unchanged, listed below:

• 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol: 190 PS, 252 Nm
• 2.5-litre turbodiesel: 200 PS, 450 Nm
• 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol: 230 PS, 420 Nm

As before, the sole transmission option is Mazda’s 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive torque converter automatic, delivering power to the front or all four wheels.

In Malaysia, the current Mazda CX-8 is locally-assembled (CKD) and is priced at:

• CX-8 2.5G 2WD Mid: RM 185,360
• CX-8 2.5G 2WD High: RM 191,360
• CX-8 2.5G 2WD High Plus: RM 206,360
• CX-8 2.5T AWD High Plus: RM 221,360
• CX-8 2.2D 2WD High: RM 213,122

Also Read: New 2022 Mazda CX-8 launched in Malaysia; 2.5T AWD variant, RM 212k, GVC Plus