Revisions for diesel stalwart precede broader CX drive.

INCREASED prices, an updated look, more kit and an extended service provision have arrived with a facelift for the second-largest family sports utility in Mazda’s New Zealand line-up, the CX-8.

Essentially a long-wheelbase version of Mazda NZ’s strongest-seller, the five seat CX-5 mid-size sports utility, with third row seating for two added, the freshened model comes on local sale six months on from its initial airing in Japan.

It will continue to provision solely with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with unaltered outputs and all-wheel-drive, across $61,490 GSX (up $3500) and $72,540 Takami (up $4750) trim levels.

The long-lived model holds status as the sole diesel sports utility, though that singular standing will be short-lived, as Mazda here has two more CXs on the arrivals list.

Another seven seater, a big brother CX-90, with a 3.3-litre six-cylinder diesel is also on the 2023 roster. Likewise the two-row, five-seat CX-60, which has the same powertrains as CX-90 and will format in two and four-wheel-drive.

It is not clear if CX-60 will go to diesel as well, though perhaps it is telling that this was the sole version Kiwi journalists got to drive when hosted in Japan recently.

CX-8’s new look introduces a ‘block mesh’ pattern grille similar to that for CX-60. The front bumper has a cleaner look with the removal of the fog lamps.

At the rear, the L-shaped tail-lights are similar to the latest CX-5, while the rear bumper also has a cleaner look. The chrome bar running across the tailgate remains, but it no longer flows into the lights.

Other visual upgrades include fresh alloy wheel designs and a new body colour, Rhodium White, which becomes the third ‘Takuminuri’ (translation: Artisan) colour in the range.

Mazda has improved the CX-8’s noise, vibration and harshness for greater comfort inside the cabin, while the suspension has been tweaked to improve body control on rough roads.

The most substantial interior change across both trims is the provision of 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment system. Previous editions had a smaller screen. The updated models gain wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, two USB-C ports in the centre console.

The twin-turbo diesel 2.2 L Skyactiv-D engine maintains 140kW power and 450Nm torque – so, 30kW and 50Nm less than the CX-60/CX-90 3.3-litre in orthodox form. There’s also a mild hybrid version of the six with a 48 volt system. It creates 187kW/550Nm.

CX-8 GSX maintains the same six-speed transmission and drive logics as previously whereas Takami updates to Mi-Drive, a drive select with Normal, Sport and Off-Road modes also now provisioned to most CX-5 derivatives. Takami also has leather seat coverings, in black.

Mazda New Zealand’s managing director David Hodge has expressed confidence the variety of new features and redesigned appearance will maintain its popularity.

Another hook, though, is that the car now adopts a more expansive scheduled service programme, which extends to five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.

Says Hodge: “This takes the Mazda CX-8 to another level, and together with its styling and technology, will ensure it’s a hit with Kiwi buyers for years to come.”