Mazda PH unveils new CX-8, limited-run MX-5 at PIMS 2022

MANILA: Mazda Philippines showcased its latest offerings at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) held on September 15 to 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Mazda’s three-layer pavilion featured a minimalist design with warm lighting elements that exude beauty through the interplay of light and shadow, which is a trademark of the Kodo design language.

“We want to show Mazda’s Human-Centered Design to the public. With this unique way of thinking, we do not offer technology simply for the sake of it, but it must offer a tangible benefit to the driver. This is, ultimately, our brand essence,” Mazda Philippines President Steven Tan stated.

The Mazda3 M Hybrid, Mazda CX-30 M Hybrid, Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo, and the Mazda CX-9 AWD Turbo Exclusive were on display at the motor show. The new CX-8 AWD Exclusive also made its debut, along with the MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition and an accessorized version of the BT-50 4x4. The first-generation MX-5 “NA” of Miata Club of the Philippines Founding President Eddie Salonga was also present at the event.

The new Mazda CX-8 redefines elegance in its class, as it features an enhanced, refined styling and new standard features.

“The CX-8’s genuine approach to luxury has made it one of our best performing nameplates. Its elegant design, spacious interior, and unequalled refinement has made it the best-selling three-row crossover above the P2-million mark. Now with even more features, it will surely continue to captivate buyers,” Tan said.

The CX-8 features the Kodo design language, allowing customers to travel in style. It comes with a new gun-metallic front grille, front bumper chrome garnish, bright silver 19-inch alloy wheels, large dual tail pipes, and new tailgate badging. Its exterior color selection was also expanded.

The CX-8 is available in six- and seven-seater configurations. The seats can be folded down in various arrangements to accommodate items of different sizes.

The Deep Red nappa leather seats, along with the Sen Wood interior trim, adds to the luxurious ambience inside the cabin. The CX-8 also comes standard with an electric glass sunroof and hands-free power tailgate.

The CX-8 is also equipped with a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster meter, frameless rear-view mirror, electronic glass sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Mazda CX-8 is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine that produces 190ps of power and 252Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and cruise control. Other performance-enhancing features include G-Vectoring Control Plus and Off-Road Traction Assist.

G-Vectoring Control Plus helps improve the stability suring and after cornering or when changing lanes by applying a light braking force to the outer wheel. It helps boost driver confidence, especially when driving in bad weather or during emergency maneuvers.

Off-Road Traction Assist, on the other hand, is exclusive to the top-of-the-line variant. It automatically reduces the engine torque and increases braking force on the wheels without traction while transferring power to the wheels to simulate locking differential.

To ensure safety on the road, the new CX-8 comes standard with Mazda’s i-Activsense driver assist suite which includes High Beam Control that switches between high and low beams for improved visibility when driving in the dark without blinding other drivers, Smart City Brake Support - Forward that automatically applies brakes once obstacle is detectedat speeds of 4kph to 30kph, Smart City Brake Support - Reverse that automatically applies brakes when reversing at low speeds, and Driver Attention Alert that monitors vehicle movement and detects driver fatigue. The top-of-the-line variant also comes with Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function.

Other safety features include the six SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, dynamic stability control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera with front and rear proximity sensors.

Mazda CX-8 comes in seven exterior color options: Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl, Platinum Quartz Metallic, and Polymetal Gray Metallic.

The new CX-8 is available in two variants: the CX-8 AWD Exclusive 6-Seater priced at P2.49 million and the CX-8 Signature FWD 7-Seater priced at P2.33 million. Every purchase comes with a five-year free Service Plan that includes labor, parts, and lubricants.

In celebration of the silver anniversary of Miata Club of the Philippines, the oldest single-make car club in the country, Mazda launched the limited-run MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition.

“As the only car manufacturer to officially recognize a car club, the MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition is the culmination of our unique relationship. It is an example of how we want to build Kizuna — a lasting, almost inseparable bond an owner has with his car,” Tan said.

The MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition is available in Platinum Quartz Metallic with a Navy Blue soft top. Navy Blue accents are also added on the side mirrors and roll hoops. This limited-edition model is fitted with 17-inch Satin Silver alloy wheels.

A special Mazda Connect Commander knob finished in Sterling Silver is equipped inside. It also has a Serial Number Plate that is also finished in Sterling Silver. Other interior features include black leather seats, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, and a nine-speaker Bose sound system. Each unit comes with a commemorative car cover and the MCP 25th Anniversary Photobook.

The MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition is available in manual and automatic variants. A special price of P2.25 million for the manual variant and P2.3 million for the automatic variant were offered at PIMS. Deliveries started on September 15, 2022 and final deliveries will be made on September 15, 2023.

Mazda also worked with fashion designer Andrea Tetangco to further highlight their attention to design detail through the couture for the promotional models at PIMS. Tetangco has been known for her minimalist couture pieces that are made with sustainability and innovation.

Photos from Mazda Philippines

Also read: Mazda reveals features, pricing of US-spec 2023 CX-9