Mazda CX-8 updated for 2021

An updated Mazda CX-8 line-up has been released, just two months after a similar upgrade for the larger Mazda CX-9.

Reflecting the CX-9 changes, the 2021 Mazda CX-8 will be bolstered by new Touring SP and top-shelf six-seat Asaki LE variants.

The former echoes the sporty black-look CX-9 GT SP, while the latter comes with a ‘Captain’s Seat’ second-row layout like the CX-9 Azami LE.

Together, they bring to 11 the number of variants within the 2021 Mazda CX-8 range, which brings mild price hikes across the range including $80 for the entry model, and continues to be available with both petrol and diesel engines and front- and all-wheel drive layouts.

Available now nationally, the range-topping new Asaki LE brings a six-seat option to the seven-seat Mazda CX-8 large SUV range for the first time.

The new Mazda CX-8 flagship brings quilted Nappa leather seat upholstery in either Chroma Brown or an exclusive new Pure White colour, plus a central console between the heated, ventilated and power-adjustable second-row seats, incorporating twin cup holders and integrated USB charging ports.

The 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE is available exclusively with a 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, all-wheel drive and, like all CX-8s, a six-speed automatic transmission.

Meantime, the new Touring SP equipment grade is available in both front-drive 2.5-litre petrol (140kW/252Nm) and AWD turbo-diesel forms, based on the popular Touring specification.

A range of unique extras include black metallic-finished 19-inch alloy wheels (up from the standard 17s), a black grille and black exterior mirror caps.

Inside, there’s unique Black Maztex/Grand Luxe synthetic suede combination upholstery with red stitching, black interior highlights and side door panels, and 10-way power adjustment and two-position memory function for the driver’s seat.

New standard equipment for the GT model grade and above includes the latest 10.25-inch Mazda Connect widescreen infotainment display, wireless smartphone charging, a new remote-operated hands-free tailgate and model-specific (GT/Asaki/Asaki LE) 19-inch alloys with 225/55 tyres.

Touring models and above also now add steering wheel gearshift paddles as standard, and while the base Sport continues with black cloth seat trim and stepping up to the Touring brings black leather, GT variants now offer the choice of new Burgundy or Black leather and the Asaki now comes with Chroma Brown quilted Nappa leather.

Two new metallic exterior paints – Platinum Quartz Metallic and Polymetal Grey Metallic – join the CX-8 colour palette, joining Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Machine Grey Metallic.

Like all new Mazdas, the upgraded CX-8 comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of premium roadside assistance.

Standard range-wide Mazda CX-8 safety features include twin front, front-side and side curtain airbags, plus Blind-Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support and Smart City Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking front and rear).

“The Mazda CX-8 has enjoyed strong popularity as the range has evolved over time,” said Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi.

“Through its life we’ve continually refined the customer proposition, adding petrol and front-drive variants in response to dealer and customer feedback.

“With this latest update we add some key technology updates as well as two excitingly-specified new models in the Touring SP and Asaki LE, making the CX-8 model range more enticing than ever,” he said.

2021 Mazda CX-8 Sport standard features:

2WD petrol or AWD diesel powertrain
17-inch alloy wheels with 225/65 tyres
LED headlights with auto on/off function
Heated, power-folding, body-coloured mirrors
Rain-sensing wipers
Active driving display
Three-zone climate-control with independent rear control
Rear-view mirror with auto-dimming function
Rear seats with centre armrest
Black cloth seat trim
Leather wrapped: gear shift knob and steering wheel
8.0-inch full colour touch-screen display (MZD Connect)
Six-speaker audio system with AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth capability, and Digital radio (DAB+)
Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Satellite navigation
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
High Beam Control (HBC)
Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go function
Parking sensors (Rear)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Reversing camera
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
Smart City Brake Support Forward/Reverse with night time pedestrian detection [Forward]
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Electric parking brake with Auto Hold

2021 Mazda CX-8 Touring adds:

LED fog lights
Parking sensors (front)
Advanced keyless entry
Black leather seat trim
Driver’s seat with eight-way power adjustment
Passenger’s seat with six-way power adjustment
Front row seat heating
Second-row seats with centre armrest storage and USB charging ports
One-touch ‘walk-in’ access to third seat row
Paddle shift gear control (New)

2021 Mazda CX-8 Touring SP adds:

19-inch black metallic alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres
Black front grille design
Black exterior mirror caps
Black honeycomb pattern interior decoration and side door panel trims
Black Maztex / Black Grand Luxe synthetic suede trim
Red interior stitching
Driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment and two-position memory function
Second-row seat heating (outer seats)

2021 Mazda CX-8 GT adds:

19-inch Bright alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres (new colour)
Gloss black front grille design (new)
Bright exterior side garnish
Adaptive Front-lighting system (AFS)
LED signature headlights and DRLs
Remote operated and handsfree power tailgate (new)
Metal wood interior decoration and side door panel trims (new)
Burgundy or Black leather seat trim (new)
Power sliding and tilt-glass sunroof
10.25-inch Mazda Connect widescreen display (new)
Wireless phone charger (new)
Premium 10-speaker Bose sound system including sub-woofer
Third-row USB charging ports
Rear door window sunshade
LED cargo lamps
LED vanity mirror lamps

2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki adds:

19-inch Bright alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres (new design)
Gun metallic front grille (new)
Bright lower front bumper moulding (new)
Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH)
Larger rear tailpipe design (new)
Silver honeycomb pattern interior decoration and side door panel trims (new)
Chroma Brown Nappa leather seat trim with quilting (new)
Front seats with ventilation function
Heated steering wheel
7.0-inch TFT LCD multi-information meter display
360° View Monitor
Frameless rear-view mirror
Chrome plated power seat adjuster
Unique steering wheel stitching
Unique overhead console
LED glovebox illumination
LED Ambient lighting

2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE adds:

Two-position second-row Captain’s Seat layout with power adjustment and ventilation function
Second-row centre console with cup-holders and USB ports
Chroma Brown or Pure White Nappa leather seat trim with quilting

How much does the 2021 Mazda CX-8 cost?
Sport Petrol FWD – $39,990
Touring Petrol FWD – $46,790
Sport Diesel AWD – $46,990
Touring SP Petrol FWD – $47,790
Touring Diesel AWD – $53,790
Touring SP Diesel AWD – $54,790
GT Diesel FWD – $59,290
Asaki Diesel FWD – $62,790
GT Diesel AWD – $63,290
Asaki Diesel AWD – $66,790
Asaki LE Diesel AWD – $69,920
* Prices exclude on-road costs