Auto Insider Malaysia

As I have mentioned yesterday, today Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd will unveiled the all new Mazda 8 MPV to the media and also the public at Centre Court MidValley Megamall. The showcase will be there till this Sunday as part of Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd road show.

I was there during the launching and during the post launch press conference where members of the press were informed that as of today, Bermaz Motor has received 80 pre launch orders of this new Mazda 8. The waiting period for the Mazda 8 as indicated by the CEO of Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd Dato’ Ben Yeoh is one and a half month if the buyers place their booking now. You can view the press conference video at the bottom of this post.

So the highlight of the day was the Mazda 8, which is positioned above the Mazda 5 midsized MPV which is powered by 2,260cc MZR DOHC engine equip with Sequential Valve Timing (SV-T) which electronically controls continuously varying intake valve timing according to engine speed and load. The engine produces 161hp with a massive torque of 203Nm achievable at a low 3,500rpm which is very essential for a people mover type of vehicle. This torque amount can be achieved by implementing Mazda’s Variable Induction System (VIS) that adjusts the intake manifold in accordance with engine speed. Input from the driver’s right foot is then channelled to the engine using a drive-by-wire system.

To further enhance the driving feeling, Mazda has employs a smooth gear shifting as being informed during the launching highlights which essentially employs the use of electronic control five speed automatic transmission dubbed Activematic in Mazda terms. As being mention in the media press kit, the gear ratio is equivalent to or better then a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) where the ratio are closely spaced to minimize changes in engine speed during gear changes, with first through fourth gear providing a comfortable driving experience and fifth gear set to high for quitter high speed cruising.

In terms of suspension setup, the Mazda 8 employs the use of MacPherson strut at the front and Multilink type at the rear and to ensure good stopping power, Mazda 8 are equip with 4 ventilated disc brakes with the help of gadgets such as ABS (Anti Lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist). In an event of a collision, passengers are rest assured that the Mazda 8 are ready to protect the occupant by having a dual front air bags, a side airbags for each front seat and also a curtain airbag which extends from the front passenger’s side till the third row of the vehicle.

In terms of creature comforts, the main attraction would be the Super Relax Seats on the second row which allows both seats to slide sideways up to 80mm and slide for fore and aft up to 80mm to provide ample legroom for tall passengers. This is further enhance with large headrest with swing mechanism to support the head at three points and the seat cushion angle adjuster lets you raise the front of the cushion to prevent sliding forward when the seat is reclined. For the ‘towkay’ out there, you will be heart please to know that the Mazda 8 second row seat also includes a freely adjustable ottoman and angle adjustable armrest to offers a truly first class comfort and relaxation.

Other creature comfort that is a must in an MPV is a good air condition system especially for the hot weather here in Malaysia. The Mazda 8 cabin air conditioning are three zone types where the driver and front passenger’s enjoy an independent temperature control while there is also a separate climate control unit for the second and third row seat. Besides that, cool air is also directed to the feet of the passengers in the rear to add further comforts for its occupant. To help combat the outside heat besides having a three zone air condition, Mazda also employs a green tinted UV shield glass to further pampers the occupants of this car.

As in terms of seating configuration, the third row seats split fold in 60:40 ratio and it folds down manually by pulling a strap and since this MPV is quite big, to help lift up the third row seat, Mazda added a novel idea of having a motor to help return the third row seat upward with a push of a button. To access the rear cabin can be done via a pair of electric sliding door and also a powered liftgate which both the sliding door and liftgate employs the use of sensor to prevent unnecessary accident when the electric door/liftgate is being operated.

From the features that has been offered for the Mazda 8, I think Bermaz Motor has employs a good pricing strategy to win the hearts of the potential buyers with the retail price of RM195,404.20 OTR which is nearly RM 41,000 cheaper than the nearest rival Honda Odyssey. With its lengthy list of equipment it surely will rock the sales of Honda Oddssey here in Malaysia.

So the next question, for the potential buyers, does the Mazda 8 drives as good as the list of equipment it offers. Does the transmission deliver a smooth changing character of a CVT transmission as being touted by Mazda? It can only be answered by a full test drive review. So for the people of Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd who might be reading my blog post, it will be great if you can provide me a full test drive session where I can evaluated the car and further clarify this burning question of your potential buyers. I can be contacted at autoinsidermalaysia[at]gmail[dot]com. Enjoy the pics I have installed for you readers of Auto Insider Malaysia