Keeping with the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) theme of “Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good,” Mazda Philippines brought its latest product offerings, highlighting the brand’s Human Centric approach to design and engineering.
“In line with this year’s theme, 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,” said Steven Tan, President of Mazda Philippines.
Pristine condition! | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
The Mazda pavilion at the recent PIMS was a three-layer affair, where the minimalist design of warm, nature-inspired elements such as wood was juxtaposed with the technical sophistication of steel and glass. Together with the use of warm lighting elements, it was meant to convey beauty through the interplay of light and shadow—a defining trademark of the KODO design language.
The waterfall-inspired design features Mazda’s latest premium models: the 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 4×4, 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, was also on display in the not-so-hidden room within the booth.
Further highlighting their attention to design detail, Mazda collaborated with fashion designer Andrea Tetangco to create one-of-a-kind couture for the promotional models. Known for her minimalist design that empowers women, Tetangco is also focused on crafting pieces with sustainability and innovation in mind.
The MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
Mazda MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition
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, was shown to the public for the first time.
“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,” said Tan.
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, while 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 include black leather seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 9-speaker Bose sound system. Each unit will also include a commemorative car cover and the MCP 25th Anniversary Photobook.
The MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition is available in both manual and automatic variants and is priced at Php 2,250,000 and Php 2,300,000, respectively.
To further ensure its collectability, the MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition will only be available for one year, with deliveries starting on September 15, 2022, and final deliveries slated for September 15, 2023.
Mazda Philippines President Steven Tan introducing the CX-8 AWD Exclusive during the Mazda presentation at the #PIMS2022 | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
New Mazda CX-8
The new Mazda CX-8 made an appearance at PIMS. Shown in the top-of-the-line AWD Exclusive trim, 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.
It is available in seven colors: Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl, and two new shades: Platinum Quartz Metallic and Polymetal Gray Metallic.
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 190 PS and 252 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic. For enhanced handling performance, G-Vectoring Control Plus is standard, while the all-wheel drive variant adds Off-Road Traction Assist.
The new Mazda CX-8 FWD Signature 7-Seater is priced at Php 2,330,000, while the CX-8 AWD Exclusive 6-Seater is priced at Php 2,490,000. It is available colors include Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl, and two new shades: Platinum Quartz Metallic and Polymetal Gray Metallic.