THE POSH TREATMENT
Mazda's new CX-70 is light on its wheels, with all the style, tech and luxury of the CX-90
Mazda's march upmarket began when the company launched its next-gen crossovers. It started with the CX30 and CX-50, and moved on to the CX-90. What separates these newbies from their single-digit siblings, like the CX-5, is Mazda shifted its portfolio away from its traditional roots and towards the near-luxury segment. The latest to be given the posh treatment is the all-new CX-70.
The CX-70 is Mazda's new mid-size crossover. It has more in common with the CX-90 than there are differences. The two share the platform, engines, technology and style, including a 21inch wheel option. However, the difference is found in the fact the CX-70 is a two-row ride; the CX-90 has three rows.
The mid-size next-gen crossovers ride on Mazda's large rear-drive-based platform. This format does a number of good things. First, it allows the engine to be mounted longitudinally rather than transversely, which brings a better balance to the layout. A sideways engine is typically mandated by a front-drive design. The plus is Mazda's format promises to give the CX-70 better driving dynamics because there's less of a tendency to understeer and the ability to send more power rearward is always entertaining. This left me wondering if it's coincidence the CX-70'S platform just happens to be the preferred choice of luxury makers like BMW, Genesis and Mercedes-benz. I think not!
At this point, it would be speculation to talk ride and handling. However, one thing is for sure — the CX-90 is lauded for its trueto-mazda road manners. Unlike the old CX-9, which rode on a platform derived from the Mazda3, the new rear-drive-based platform manages to keep more of the mechanical stuff between the axles. This makes it crisp and responsive in spite of its size and three-rows of seating. The CX-70 should be as good if not better, as it will be slightly lighter.
WHAT'S UNDER THE HOOD?
There are two basic powertrain choices. It starts with Mazda's e-skyactiv-g engine. This 3.3 litre turbocharged in-line-six works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. In base form, the turbo-six produces 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The plus is the mild-hybrid side, which sandwiches the electric motor between the engine and transmission, chips in with 16.6 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque, so it helps initial takeoff. The more powerful version of this engine ramps the peak output up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Mazda production engine yet.
The second choice is the eskyactiv-phev (plug-in hybrid). It combines a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 17.8-kilowatt hour battery that should deliver around 42-kilometres of electric-only driving. The engine produces 185 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque; the electric side chips in with 173 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. With both power sources working together the PHEV has a net system output of 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. It sends most of the power rearward under normal driving conditions, but can send power forward to improve traction and handling when needed. The distribution of power is based on wheel slip, steering input and the weight transfer that comes with acceleration, braking and cornering. There are also Normal, Sport, Towing and Off-road driving modes.
A PREMIUM HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Where the upmarket thing really surfaces is in the cabin — the CX-70 will have similar trims and features as the three-row CX-90, so you know it's loaded. The models on display had buttery-soft Nappa leather wrapping the contoured seats — a tasteful two-tone blue/grey in one and an eye-catching red inspired by the 100th Anniversary Special Edition MX-5 in the other.
The instrumentation differs depending on trim level. In one of the display models the instrumentation was an analog/digital blend; the other featured the fully digital setup. The latter adds some real visual sizzle to its look. The infotainment displays will also likely mirror those of the CX-90. This means a 10.3-inch screen in the lower models and a larger 12.3-inch screen in the higher trims. Both work with wired/wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto and, in the top models, a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Operating the multimedia setup is through the touchscreen, a central controller on the console or, in a first for Mazda, through Amazon Alexa. This now-familiar assistant reduces driver distraction while improving the ease of use by giving the driver hands-free operation of many functions — from changing the temperature or radio station to, believe it or not, controlling smart home devices.
No cargo numbers were given, but the CX-70 has a large and open area with the rear seat upright and it will more than double with the remote-folding seats are lowered.
There's also an underfloor cargo bin that keeps prying eyes off valuables. The other thing that struck me was the width of the CX-70 — there's enough room for three adults to share the back seat without needing to be the best of friends.
Where some manufacturers roll their two- and three-row rides into a single vehicle with the extra seating being a drop-in option, Mazda has two different vehicles that have similar space and flexibility along with a high-end interior. Similarities aside, the CX70 should appeal to a very different customer base.
The First Drive of the Mazda CX-70 promises to be an enlightening experience if the CX-90 is anything to go by. Full specifications and pricing will be announced closer the CX-70'S launch.