THE DEMAND FOR LARGE SUVs shows no signs of slowing, so the arrival of another from Mazda is sure to be met with interest.
Arriving in June 2023, Mazda CX-60 is the debut vehicle from Mazda’s Large Product Group and introduces three sophisticated new powertrains. All hybridised, this includes inline-six turbocharged petrol and diesel engines and Mazda’s first-ever plug-in hybrid.
The powerplants can be mated to any one of three highly specified model grades – Evolve, GT or Azami – and customised further with safety and styling option packs.
Commenting on the new flagship model’s significance, Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi said: “The Mazda CX-60 is more than an exciting new SUV; it’s the evolution of Mazda Premium – a high-quality concentration of design, driving dynamics, technology and comfort developed around our customers and what they want from a mid-sized SUV.”
Powertrains
Launching with a hybrid-only powertrain line-up, at the top of the range is the very first Mazda plug-in hybrid – the e-Skyactiv PHEV. With a combined 241 kW system output and peak torque of 500Nm from its 100kW motor and Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre, four-cylinder direct injection petrol, the Mazda CX-60 earns the title as the most powerful road-going Mazda to date. Its 100 km/h sprint time from rest takes just 5.9 seconds.
Overall range in EV mode is up to 76 km at speeds of up to 100 km/h – comfortably exceeding the average Australian daily commuting distance by almost five times without the need to revert to the petrol engine.
Fuel consumption is also rated at a remarkably low 2.1L/100km, corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 49g/km.
The 355V 17.8 kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery onboard battery, which is situated low in the car between the front and rear axles for an optimised centre of gravity, can be fully recharged from empty in 2.5 hours using a 7.2 kW AC charger.
The six-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel both share a 3.3-litre capacity and join the line-up for the first time, with each utilising Mazda’s 48V M Hybrid Boost technology.
The large capacity actually improves efficiency with the higher volume of air enabling more complete combustion and a wider lean-burn range leading to lower fuel use and reduced NOx emissions.
In the e-Skyactiv G turbo petrol engine, this results in performance well above that of the Mazda CX-5’s 2.5 litre turbo (0-100 km/h takes 6.9 seconds – a full eight-tenths quicker), but with much better fuel economy – closer to a naturally aspirated 2.5 litre.
Mazda’s right-sizing approach to engine design gives the e-Skyactiv D turbo diesel a similar weight to that of a conventional four-cylinder diesel. It also offers a broad speed range at which lean burn can occur.
The results are impressive: the 3.3 litre e-Skyactiv D delivers a maximum power level of 187kW and a remarkable 550 Nm of torque at 1500 – 2400 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km/h from rest takes 7.3 seconds, with robust in-gear performance at highway speeds for brisk overtaking and manoeuvrability. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 4.9L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 128g/km.
All engines in the Mazda CX-60 range are combined with a newly developed Skyactiv-Drive eight-speed automatic transmission. Smooth and responsive, it uses a wider gear range that delivers an optimal balance between driving and environmental performance. The use of a clutch in place of a torque converter means switching between gears is clean and rhythmic. It also enables accurate control of the M Hybrid Boost electric motor in the 48V mild hybrid system (where fitted).
The new rear-biased i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system is also fitted to all versions of the Mazda CX-60. This is supported by Mi-Drive, which helps the driver easily switch between five different driving modes, each to suit a different driving situation: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV (PHEV only). This allows drivers to optimise traction, performance, handling and safety in the widest possible range of driving environments.
Mazda CX-60 Price List
| Grade | Powertrain | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (inc. LCT, but plus on road costs) |
| Evolve | 3.3L I6 e-Skyactiv G petrol turbo with M Hybrid Boost | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $59,800 |
| 3.3L I6 e-Skyactiv D diesel turbo with M Hybrid Boost | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $61,800 | |
| 2.5L I4 e-SkyActiv PHEV | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $72,300 | |
| GT | 3.3L I6 e-Skyactiv G petrol turbo with M Hybrid Boost | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $67,800 |
| 3.3L I6 e-Skyactiv D diesel turbo with M Hybrid Boost | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $69,800 | |
| 2.5L I4 e-Skyactiv PHEV | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $80,492 | |
| Azami | 3.3L I6 e-Skyactiv G petrol turbo with M Hybrid Boost | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $74,154 |
| 3.3L I6 e-Skyactiv D diesel turbo with M Hybrid Boost | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $75,000 | |
| 2.5L I4 e-Skyactiv PHEV | Eight-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic | i-Activ AWD | $87,252 |
Option Package Pricing
| Package | Model Grade | Price |
| Vision Technology | Evolve | $2000 |
| GT | $2000 | |
| Azami | Standard | |
| Luxury | Evolve | $4000 |
| GT | Standard | |
| Azami | Standard | |
| Takumi | Evolve | – |
| GT | – | |
| Azami | $2000 (+LCT if applicable) | |
| SP | Evolve | – |
| GT | – | |
| Azami | $2000 (+LCT if applicable) |