Mazda reveals brand new CX-60 SUV
Mazda has revealed its brand new CX-60 SUV overseas, the first Mazda model to be powered by a straight-six engine.
That part will have to wait though, because Mazda is teasing us by letting the plug-in hybrid version hit the market first.
The plug-in CX-60 combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, which produces a rather healthy 241kW/500Nm. It’ll hit 100kmh in 5.8 seconds thanks to all-wheel drive with a limited top speed of 200kmh, and have an electric-only range of up to 63km on the WLTP test cycle.
Mazda has built the electric motor straight into the transmission, working directly on the input shaft for quicker response.
In the future, Mazda will sell the straight-six powered versions. There will be a 3.0-litre petrol option and a 3.3-litre diesel, both paired with Mazda’s 48V mild hybrid system. They can both be had inAWDorRWD configurations as well. Unfortunately, we don’t have any more information on those just yet.
All three powertrains get a new eight-speed automatic transmission that uses amultiplate clutch instead of a torque converter. The PHEV also has a choice of drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV.
As for dimensions, the CX-60 is 4745 millimetres long, 1890mm wide, and 1670mm tall, with a wheelbase measuring 2870mm. That puts it roughly on par with theBMWX3, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC60 in terms of size.
Inside is quite a swanky affair, with lots of high-quality materials and a pair of digital screens up front. Depending on spec, the CX-60 will get 20-inch alloy wheels, increasing amounts of black trim dotting the exterior, heated rear seats, and a facial recognition system that recognises the driver and adjusts the seat position, steering wheel, mirrors, head-up display, sound and climate control settings to fit their physique as well as their personal preferences.
The interior actually looks almost Volvo-like with vertical side air vents, stubby gear selector and minimal approach. Mazda has been shifting to a more premium position recently, so it makes sense.
The fabric stretched across the dash responds to changes in light, Mazda says, with a stitching technique called Kakenui creating ‘hanging stitching’ seams with spaces between the trim fabrics and revealing a glimpse of the material beneath.
Higher grades get extra maple wood, nappa leather and special textiles to further increase the luxe feel. Mazda also mentions Musubu – the art of binding which was the inspiration for the dash stitching.
Optional extras include privacy glass, a panoramic roof, wireless phone charging, and an improved active safety pack.
Standard safety stuff includes adaptive cruise control, which can now incorporate speed limits from Traffic Sign Recognition; Hill Descent Control; and SeeThrough View, a new 360-degree monitor that allows better vision at low speeds.
It bears mentioning that the only specificationswe’ve seen so far are for the UK, so what is optional over there might be standard fit here. We’re waiting on word from Mazda NZ to be sure.
In any case, European sales will kick off later this year, with the CX-60 to be ‘‘gradually introduced globally, including to the New Zealand market’’.