MAZDA Australia has continued the rollout of its new SP nameplate, this week making use of it to the CX-8 Touring massive SUV as a part of the seven-seater’s 2021 mannequin 12 months replace which additionally sees the addition of the six-seater Azaki LE flagship and a few extra commonplace package throughout the vary.
Adorned with all the identical go-faster exterior trim as the opposite SPs within the model’s portfolio – distinctive black 19-inch alloy wheels, black grille and mirror caps – the CX-8 Touring SP checks into native showrooms priced from $47,790 plus on-roads for the petrol and $54,790 for the diesel, every carrying a $1000 premium over the common Tourings.
Apart from the aforementioned black exterior therapies, the SPs additionally rating bespoke black artificial suede upholstery, purple inside stitching, black trim, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, twin reminiscence operate and heated rear outboard seats.
The remainder of the usual gear mirrors that of the common Tourings with highlights together with LED head- and daytime working lights, rain-sensing wipers, tri-zone local weather management, keyless entry, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and satellite tv for pc navigation, reversing digital camera, one-touch ‘walk-in’ entry to 3rd seat row and paddle shifters.
Similar to their donor autos, the Touring SPs are powered by the acquainted pair of petrol and turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines creating 140kW/252Nm and 140kW/450Nm respectively.
Drive from the petrol engine – as per the remainder of the vary – is distributed to the entrance wheels whereas diesels channel their energy to both the entrance or all 4 wheels relying on the variant with a six-speed automated transmission commonplace throughout the vary.
The opposite new variant being ushered on this 12 months is the Asaki LE which, identical to its CX-9 counterpart, cuts seating from seven to 6 by means of the inclusion of a ‘captain’s seat’ second row.
Priced from $69,920, the Asaki LE goes straight to the highest of the CX-8 vary, sitting $3130 away from the common Asaki, which not solely nets the distinctive seating association however an identical second row centre console and a alternative of brown or white for the quilted Nappa leather-based upholstery.
The one engine alternative right here is the two.2-litre turbo diesel talked about earlier.
Headline commonplace gear on the brand new range-topper features a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated and ventilated entrance seats, heated steering wheel, surround-view digital camera, LED glovebox illumination and ambient lighting, hands-free energy tailgate, glass sunroof, wi-fi telephone charging and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.
As for the remainder of the vary, the MY21 replace ushers in some minor modifications right here and there relying on the variant with all grades from the Touring up scoring transmission paddle shifters.
The GT in the meantime scores the aforementioned 10.25-inch infotainment system, a brand new gloss black grille design, energy tailgate, steel wooden inside trim, burgundy or black leather-based upholstery and wi-fi telephone charging.
Above that, the Asaki has been gifted a brand new metallic grille, new entrance bumper moulding, redesigned alloy wheels and tailpipes in addition to honeycomb sample inside trim inserts.
As is often the way in which with a mannequin 12 months replace, costs throughout the board have been elevated by between $80-$1350 with the larger will increase being made on the prime quality to mirror the rise in package.
“The Mazda CX-8 has loved sturdy recognition because the vary has advanced over time,” stated Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.
“By means of its life we’ve frequently refined the shopper proposition, including petrol and front-drive variants in response to seller and buyer suggestions.
“With this newest replace we add some key know-how updates in addition to two excitingly specified new fashions within the Touring SP and Asaki LE, making the CX-8 mannequin vary extra engaging than ever.”
The CX-8 has had a good begin to 2021, chalking up 1014 gross sales to the top of February (+192.8%), which means it really outsold the larger CX-9 and occupied 6.6 per cent of the sub-$70,000 massive SUV section.
2021 Mazda CX-8 pricing*
Sport Petrol FWD (a) | $39,990 |
Touring Petrol FWD (a) | $46,790 |
Sport Diesel AWD (a) | $46,990 |
Touring SP Petrol FWD (a) | $47,790 |
Touring Diesel AWD (a) | $53,790 |
Touring SP Diesel AWD (a) | $54,790 |
GT Diesel FWD (a) | $59,290 |
Asaki Diesel FWD (a) | $62,790 |
GT Diesel AWD (a) | $63,290 |
Asaki Diesel AWD (a) | $66,790 |
Asaki LE Diesel AWD (a) | $69,920 |
*Excludes on-road prices