Mazda8 unveiled alongside facelifted Mazda6
The all-new Mazda8 MPV was launched for the Malaysian market today alongside a refreshed version of the Mazda6 sedan. Both cars were unveiled to media and public at Centre Court of MidValley Megamall, where they will remain until Sunday as part of a roadshow organized by distributor Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd.
At the post launch press conference, members of the press were informed that as of today, 80 pre-launch orders have already been received for the Mazda8. Customers ready to meet Bermaz’s asking price of RM195,404.20 on-the-road inclusive of insurance will have to wait one and a half months for their car if they place a booking now.
Positioned above the Mazda5 mid-sized MPV, the Mazda8 is powered by a 2,261cc MZR DOHC engine with Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT). This engine is an evolution of the unit found in the previous generation Mazda6 2.3. For the 8, boffins in Mazda’s engineering department have tuned the motor to produce 161hp @ 6,500rpm and 203Nm @ 3,500rpm. Input from the driver’s right foot is channeled to the engine using a drive-by-wire system.
Paired to the engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual override, dubbed Activematic in Mazda-speak. Suspension is independent all-round while stopping power is provided by a quartet of vented discs, aided by ABS, EBD and BA. In collisions, front occupants of the Mazda8 are protected by one frontal airbag and one side airbag each, while rear passengers get a curtain airbag either side of the cabin.
In the cabin is a lengthy list of creature comforts that starts with the Super Relax Seats for the second row, which is not unlike those found in commercial flights. The third row seats split fold in a 60:40 ratio. It folds down manually by pulling a strap, but a motor is in place to return them to sitting position. Rear cabin access is via a pair of electric sliding doors and tailgate.
Meanwhile, the refreshed Mazda6, launched in Japan January this year, continues to be offered in two engine options – 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre – but with far more goodies bundled in. The 2.0 sees a RM5k price increase to bring its on-the-road price with insurance to RM153,016.90, while the 2.5 now goes for RM1k more than before at RM179,663.20.
The additional features now makes the 2.0 look less like a poor sibling of the 2.5. Standard equipment now includes reach and rake adjustable steering, paddle shifters, steering-mounted controls, Bi-Xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), dual-zone climate control, and auto cruise. The 2.5 still gets more goodies though, being equipped with a BOSE sound system, sunroof, leather seats, keyless entry, and push-start button.
