Mazda launches All-new Mazda CX-8 Premium Crossover SUV

BANGKOK - Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd. and Mazda Motor Corporation has jointly introduced the All-new CX-8 Premium Crossover SUV in Thailand, offering customers 3-row 6- and 7- seat choices. The new SUV officially launched by Mazda reflects top levels of luxury and elegance, while answering to the requirements of every occupant with the “The Precious Moment for All” concept. This is a vehicle that is built from inspiration based on a borderless and never-ending lifestyle.

The All-New Mazda CX-8 is a premium luxury SUV that features the minimalist “Less is More” design theme. It sets a new standard in the 6- and 7-seat SUV market with a platform that’s design for passenger cars, a choice of two engines – 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel and 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engines. Added customer benefits include 5-year warranty and free maintenance. The retail pricing of the All-New CX-8 starts at just THBaht1.59 million.

Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk, President of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said, “Mazda is creating a new vehicle segment in the Thailand and we are setting a new standard for the automobile market once again. Customers will now be able to purchase a 6- and 7-seat premium SUV for the whole family without any restrictions like before. With the Thai society being based on multi-generation families, the CX-8 will serve as the perfect vehicle for important moments, creating friendship and happiness for all.”

“We have set a clear customer group that includes company executives, business owners and successful individuals who have strong leadership and unique lifestyle, a family leader who delivers happiness to family members,” he said.

Chanchai added that from 2015 to the first half of fiscal year 2019, based on a customer survey, the majority of 7-seat SUVs purchased in Thailand is PPV (Pickup Passenger Vehicle). And when combine with the 7-seat C-SUV segment, it ranks third in sales, making up 8.2% of the market. The high popularity is due to the large interior space suitable for families and high versatility when having to transport large items. It offers great visibility and answers to all sorts of lifestyle activities.

“Although PPVs make up as much as 88.8% of all 7-seat SUV sales in the country, surveys show that customers think PPVs are not suitable for city driving and the high ride height makes it difficult for elders and children to get in and out. The introduction of the CX-8 today will fill in that gap, especially with the starting price of only THBaht1.59 milliom, inclusive of 5-year/150,000km warranty and 5 year free maintenance.” Chanchai added.

Thee Permpongpanth, Vice President for Marketing and Government Affair, added, “The All-new Mazda CX-8 is the vehicle that best answers to the requirements of customers. It has been positioned to represent the “New Era of 3-Row Crossover SUV” and is the best premium 3-row SUV in the market. The Mazda CX-8 is launched with the “Precious Moment for All” theme, and is a vehicle that is built from inspiration for a borderless and endless lifestyle. It is another flagship model from Mazda that will create a new market segment in Thailand 6 and 7 seat SUVs that is truly built on a passenger car platform.”

“The spacious interior not only accommodates 7 people, but also sets a new standard in terms of usable space, premium materials and superior performance. It has been developed by combining innovative technologies with the oneness between car and driver, using “Human-Centric Development”. The CX-8 will fill in the gaps, and have clear target customers including top company executives with strong leadership and unique lifestyles,” Thee said.

The All-new Mazda CX-8 is available with two engine choices. The first is a 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel engine that has been improved with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) and 2-stage variable turbo upgrades. It offers swift and precise response at every speed range, producing up to 190 horsepower at 4,500rpm and as much as 450Nm of torque from 2,000rpm. The XDL Exclusive trim is equipped with the i-ACTIV AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system that automatically adjusts to varying conditions. Meanwhile, the fuel economy is claimed at 17.5km/litres.***

The second is the 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine that is also improved, coming with a Dual S-VT system that is more responsive. It is capable of developing 194 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 258Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Apart from the economical and eco-friendly engine, the average fuel economy is 13.5km/litre. The CX-8 also comes with the G-Vectoring Control (GVC system that helps lower fatigue and smoothens out cornering forces.

The design of the All-new Mazda CX-8 is based on the “KODO design: Soul of Motion” philosophy featuring “Less is More” design concept that removes unnecessary factors, leaving just pure beauty. Both the exterior and interior design boasts high-quality materials and high levels of versatility for the customer. Much importance have been given to interior space and occupant comfort, with the 3-row seat layout being available with a choice of 6- or 7- seats. The 6-seat version features individual “Exclusive Captain Seats” at the second row, and is fully-loaded with storage boxes, cup/bottle holders, two USB ports and rear window shades. The 7-seat version is equipped with 3 seats at the second row with 60:40 split folding function armrest, cup/bottle holder and two USB ports.

The third-row seats in both trims are able to accommodate 170cm-tall individuals, and can be completely folded flat (50:50) to increase luggage space. The interior carries a dark colour tone with real wood and satin chrome fittings and Deep Red Nappa leather upholstery with dark brown stitching.

The driver’s seat has 8-way electric adjustment and memory, while interior comfort is provided by a Tri Zone climate control system. A 10-speaker BOSE surround system comes as standard along with Mazda Connect smartphone application and Apple CarPlay. Information is displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen that can also be used with the Centre Commander knob.

The All-new Mazda CX-8 features top safety features with the all-round i-Activsense package that predicts an emergency situation and immediately warns the driver of danger.

Standard features offered in every trim level includes:

- Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring

- Rear Cross Traffic Alert

- 360 View Monitor

- Mazda Radar Cruise Control

- Smart City Brake Support

- Advanced Smart City Brake Support

The All-new Mazda CX-8 is available in 6 body colours: Soul Crystal Red, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue and Sonic Silver.

All-new Mazda CX-8 special campaign with

5-year Free Maintenance Labour*, 5-year Extended Warranty**, Mazda Premium Insurance and 1.99% interest rate.

The retail pricing for the ALL-NEW MAZDA CX-8

Model        Engine              Interior Package(Seats)       Price(THBaht)

2.5 S         SKYACTIV-G 2.5         7                              1,599,000

2.5 SP       SKYACTIV-G 2.5         7                              1,699,000

XDL           SKYACTIV-D 2.2         7                              1,899,000

XDL EXCL   SKYACTIV-D 2.2         6                              2,069,000

Remark:

* 5-year Free Maintenance Labour 10 times every 6 months or 10,000 km. from 10,000- 100,000 km.

** 5-year or 150,000 km Extended warranty whichever comes first based on Mazda Added Protection programme.

Komar JOHAR - komarjohari@gmail.com