2020 Mazda CX-8 facelift announced, pre-orders already open

The Mazda CX-8 is a crossover vehicle which is based on the same platform as the CX-9 and only sold in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, China and Malaysia (and produced in the latter two). The model turns two years old in December, and the company felt like giving it a slight refresh.

In pure technical terms, this isn’t even a facelift, because the exterior stays unchanged. On the other hand, the engine range has been expanded to incorporate a 2.5-liter, non-turbo gas engine with 190 hp (142 kW) and 252 Nm (186 lb-ft), its turbocharged counterpart with 230 hp (172 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft), and a 2.2-liter diesel unit good for 190 hp (142 kW) and an impressive 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission type is six-speed automatic for all configurations, but you can choose between FWD and AWD.

The new CX-8 may now be purchased with the optional Off-Road Traction Assist system that can help distribute the torque between the axles properly. The multimedia screen is now eight inches across (up from 7), the third seat row now has access to USB ports, and the options list now includes a panoramic glass roof with a power-assisted hatch.

The trunk space has grown by between 8 and 19 liters to between 56 and 84 liters total, depending on whether you opted for a bulky Bose subwoofer.

The new top trim level, called the Exclusive Mode, ships with a cabin for six people. The second seat row is represented by two individual, power-adjusted, ventilated premium seats separated by armrests with cup holders and USB outlets.

You may pre-order the 2020 Mazda CX-8 right now, and the sales launch on November 28, 2019.