• New range-topping 2.5L Turbo variant
• Updated with GVC Plus, standard across all variants
• ADAS now features adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function

Bermaz Motor, the distributor of Mazda models in Malaysia, has launched the new 2022 Mazda CX-8, priced from RM 177,674 to RM 212,225 (OTR without insurance and SST, valid until 30-June 2022) for the new 2.5L Turbo variant. As before, the Mazda CX-8 is locally-assembled (CKD) at the Kulim plant.

*Prices stated are on-the-road without insurance and SST

The highlight here is, of course, the addition of the 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 230 PS/420 Nm that’s shared with the Mazda CX-9 and CX-5. Power gets sent to all four wheels (AWD) via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the naturally-aspirated 2.5L petrol engine and 2.2L turbodiesel remain unchanged, although the 2.2L diesel variant is now front-wheel drive only (2WD).

Also worth highlighting is the updated GVC Plus system, which adds braking into the equation. As the car exits a corner and the steering wheel straightens, the system applies a small amount of braking pressure to the outside wheel to straighten the car more naturally.

Also read: Mazda's GVC Plus system works so well, you won't realise until it's gone

As for standard kit, the 2022 Mazda CX-8 gets auto-levelling LED headlights, power tailgate (now updated with hands-free function), auto-folding mirrors, and 19-inch wheels wrapped with 225/55 R19 tyres.

The CX-8 2.5L High Plus and above variants gets Gunmetal finishing on its front grille and chrome bumper garnish.

Moving inside, there's a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, while CarPlay has wireless capability for variants above the 2.5L Mid.

10-way power adjustment for the driver seat with memory function, 6-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, three-zone automatic climate control, and a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster come as standard, while the third-row passengers get additional USB ports.

For the CX-8 2.5L High Plus and above variants, there are also head-up display, 360-degree view monitor, and Nappa leather seats with heated and ventilated functions.

Another big news is the updated advanced driver-assistance systems, variants from the CX-8 2.5L High Plus and above get:

• Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
• High Beam Control (HBC)
• Smart Brake Support (SBS) for front and rear
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with stop and go

These complement the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

There are 7 colour choices available for the new 2022 Mazda CX-8: Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black and two new colours - Platinum Quartz and Polymetal Gray.

The new 2022 Mazda CX-8 comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty with 5-year free maintenance according to manufacturer’s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants. Both manufacturer warranty and free maintenance have a coverage of period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000 km, whichever comes first.

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