Sporty looking crossover has been chosen over more traditional CX-9 due to lower CO2 emissions for circa-2.3 million baht prices.
Mazda Sales Thailand is considering imports of the all-new CX-8 rather than the CX-9 due to lower excise tax, sportier image and diesel expertise shared with the CX-5.
Although no exact C02 figures were available, the CX-8 is claimed by sources to produce no more than 200g/km enabling it to enjoy 35%. The CX-8 is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel-turbo producing 190hp and 450Nm of torque.
The CX-9, meanwhile, has a 230hp/420Nm 2.5-litre petrol-turbo said to generate over that aforementioned level putting it a higher 40%. Both of these three-row SUVs get six-speed automatic transmission driving either the front or all four wheels.
Because of that, the CX-8 would be priced at just over two million baht to snare punters of smaller, two-row SUVs from the luxury car camp such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, both coming with diesel motors priced at around 2.5 million baht.
Unlike previously thought, one source said the CX-8 isn’t a Japan-only model and will also be made for export from Japan, the same country the CX-9 is being built in since last year in its current generation.
The source added that despite the two SUVs sharing the same platform, the sportier bodywork of the CX-8 would make it more attractive in building the brand’s image in Thailand.
Although it won’t be a big seller, the CX-8 is expected to come to Thai showrooms next year when there will be no other all-new models available for launch. The CX-8 will be on display at next week’s Tokyo motor show.
Next month, the Thai Mazda office will be introducing the second-generation CX-5 which will come from Malaysia via Afta benefits. Apart from a carried-over 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, there’s a 2.2-litre diesel-turbo producing some 175hp. The price range is expected to be similar to the outgoing model, which sold between 1.2-1.7 million baht.
