Mazda Australia has recently announced that it will discontinue two of its popular models, the CX-8 family SUV and the MX-30 compact SUV. The decision comes as Mazda focuses its resources on its goal of producing only electrified vehicles by 2030. Production of both the CX-8 and MX-30 will cease in the near future, but they will remain on sale in Australia until the first quarter of 2024 or until stocks run out.
With the discontinuation of the CX-8 and its twin, the CX-9, Mazda will no longer offer a sub-$70,000 seven-seat SUV in Australia. The CX-90 will become Mazda’s only three-row model, with prices starting at $74,400 plus road tax. However, a smaller seven-seat model called the CX-80 is expected to be unveiled next year, although it is expected to be priced above $65,000 to $70,000 for the base model.
While the CX-8 has seen relatively low sales compared to Mazda’s other models, such as the popular CX-5, the MX-30 small SUV has struggled even more in the market. Since its launch in mid-2001, only 2,232 units have been sold, making it Mazda’s second best-selling model after the MX-5 sports car. In contrast, the conventional Mazda CX-30, which shares the same platform as the MX-30, has sold 13,891 units between January and September 2023 alone, making it one of the brand’s best-selling models.
With the discontinuation of the MX-30, Mazda will no longer offer an electric vehicle in Australia. However, the company has announced plans to introduce a new battery-powered model in 2025. Speculation is that the new model will carry the popular CX-5 nameplate. Mazda is committed to expanding its electric vehicle lineup and contributing to the global shift toward sustainable transportation options.
