MAZDA SHOWS OFF REFRESHED CX-8, SPECIAL EDITION MX-5

Mazda brings its latest product offerings at the Philippine International Motor Show highlighting their Human-Centric approach to design and engineering.

Mazda brought in their latest models: Mazda3 M Hybrid, CX-30 M Hybrid, CX-5 AWD Turbo, and CX-9 AWD Turbo Exclusive. Making their debut at PIMS are an accessorized version of the BT-50 4x4, the new CX-8 AWD Exclusive, and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Miata Club of the Philippines (MCP), the MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition.

A first-generation MX-5 “NA” owned by the founding president of the MCP, Eddie Salonga, is also on display.

Making a debut at PIMS is the new 2023 Mazda CX-8. Shown in the top-of-the-line AWD Exclusive trim, the refinements to its design and features further elevates the three-row midsized SUV experience.

Exterior changes include a new gun-metallic front grille, a chrome garnish on the front bumper, redesigned 19-inch alloy wheels, and dual tailpipes with larger openings. New colors, Platinum Quartz Metallic and Polymetal Gray Metallic join the available palette as well.

The new CX-8 also offers a higher level of equipment including Deep Red Nappa leather seats, a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster meter, frameless rear-view mirror, Sen Wood interior trim, electronic glass sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless device charging.

Mazda’s i-Activsense driver assist suite is now standard across all variants. This offers functionalities such as High Beam Control (HBC), Smart City Brake Support – Forward (SCBS-F), Smart City Brake Support – Reverse (SCBS-R), and Driver Attention Alert (DAA).

Both CX-8 variants—the FWD Signature and the AWD Exclusive—use a powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine with 190ps and 252Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic. For enhanced handling performance, G-Vectoring Control Plus is standard, while the allwheel drive variant adds Off-Road Traction Assist.

The new Mazda CX-8 FWD Signature 7-Seater is priced at Php2,330,000, while the CX-8 AWD Exclusive 6-Seater is priced at Php2,490,000.

Meanwhile, celebrating Mazda’s special relationship with the Miata Club of the Philippines, the oldest single-make car club in the Philippines, a limited run MX-5, exclusive to the Philippine market, is shown to the public for the first time.

The MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition is exclusively in Platinum Quartz Metallic with a Navy Blue soft top. Navy Blue accents are also found on the side mirrors and roll hoops. Satin Silver 17-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation.

Inside, the MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition has a special Mazda Connect Commander knob finished in Sterling Silver. It also comes with a Serial Number Plate also finished in Sterling Silver. Additional features such as black leather seats, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, and a 9-speaker Bose sound system are installed. Each unit will also include a commemorative car cover and the MCP 25th Anniversary Photobook.

The MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition are available in both manual and automatic variants with an introductory price of Php2,250,000 and Php2,300,000 respectively.

Further ensuring its collectability, it will only be produced for a limited time with deliveries starting on September 15, 2022 and final deliveries slated for September 15, 2023.