AS WELL AS CLAIMING efficiency champion status in the large SUV segment, Mazda is also suggesting the new CX-90 is the most luxurious model the brand has ever made.
Arriving in Australia from August, the new Mazda CX-90 will be available with a high output petrol or diesel powerplant, with both employing a newly developed inline-six turbocharged 3.3-litre configuration supported by a 48-volt M Hybrid boost MHEV setup.
Both force-fed six cylinders deliver effortless performance, impressive power and torque, as well as exceptional balance and smoothness. The charismatic driving dynamics afforded by the additional cylinders and larger displacement also allow for myriad other benefits, including better real-world fuel economy and cleaner exhaust emissions.
When equipped with the e-Skyactiv D turbo-charged diesel (D50e) engine, the Mazda CX-90 offers best-in-class combined fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km, in conjunction with a low CO2 output of 143g/km – a full 10 percent improvement on both counts compared to the next best vehicle in the large SUV segment, which is also a Mazda – the CX-8 Skyactiv D 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD.
Its 3283cc output also offers a 34 percent uplift in power at 187kW (vs. 140kW), and, crucially for dynamic in-gear response, an additional 100Nm or 22 percent more torque than the CX-8 Skyactiv D, at 550Nm. Zero to 100km/h takes 8.4 seconds from rest, which is 1.2 seconds faster overall.
An equally impressive scoresheet is confirmed for the Mazda CX-90 3.3 L e-Skyactiv G (G50e), which asserts its claim as the most powerful production Mazda powerplant ever with 254kW and 500Nm of available torque.
In comparison to the venerable 2.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder in the Mazda CX-9 AWD, a perennial favourite among Australian car buyers, this represents close to a 50 percent upshift in power and a 19 percent hike in torque, while also equipping the Mazda CX-90 e-Skyactiv G with a zero to 100km/h sprint ability of 6.9 seconds – a full 1.7 seconds quicker overall from rest.
Despite the extra pulling power on offer, the Mazda CX-90 e-Skyactiv G returns 8.2L/100km combined and emits 189g/km of CO2 – an improvement of almost 10 percent vs the CX-9.
These significant efficiency gains are made possible by several technological advancements introduced for the first time in the Mazda CX-60 and CX-90 model ranges.
The 48V M Hybrid Boost MHEV system ensures that in inefficient low load situations (such as during idling and in low speed ranges) the engine is supplemented by the electric motor, improving overall emissions and reducing the frequency of fuel fill-ups, while the e-Skyactiv G also takes advantage of a higher compression ratio for better fuel efficiency.
In the 3.3 L inline-six e-Skyactiv D, surplus air in the engine is used to improve combustion, resulting in a more agile acceleration response, lower nitrous oxide emissions at high rpm and better thermal efficiency due to a greater lean burn speed range.
Additionally, the inline-six e-Skyactiv D engine uses a simple structure to keep engine weight similar to a conventional four-cylinder engine. As a result, drivers notice no discernible difference in handling despite the higher displacement.
“Mazda has an established reputation for pushing the envelope and achieving complex engineering goals in pursuit of driving pleasure,” commented Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi.
“These two fully engaging, high-performance powerplants make considerable advancements, not only in power and performance, but also in overall efficiency, ensuring that the signature ‘Jinba Ittai’ Mazda driving experience delivers involvement and fun without any expense to frugality.”
Full local pricing and specification for the Mazda CX-90 is due to be announced during quarter one of 2023.