Mazda makes stylish plug-in debut with fast yet efficient CX-60 model
THERE’S an air of sophistication and craftsmanship to the all-new Mazda CX-60.
This is the Japanese marque’s flagship model in the UK and it’s a showcase of intent towards the direction Mazda is moving.
The leather which wraps the seat looks, feels and smells like it’s from a Range Rover while the interior plastics and fabrics are arguably now ever-so-slightly in a league above the comparable Audi.
Tech-wise, it’s a similar story too. There’s a new large central touchscreen with full connectivity but Mazda’s intuitive rotary controller remains to ensure safe navigation between functions.
Despite the technology, there’s proper buttons too for key controls such as heating and ventilation,
And the CX-60 takes Mazda into new territory in more than just size and premium ambition for this is the company’s first plug-in hybrid model.
At the heart of the matter is the firm’s familiar 2.5-litre petrol engine but, electrified, it delivers a massive 323bhp. That equals 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds.
On the 17.8kWh battery alone, official figures claim almost 40 miles of range but 30 is a more realistic expectation.
The flawed combined economy test cycle suggests 188mpg but it’s a pointless figure that’s irrelevant and dependent on how often the driver charges up and how far they travel.
Company car drivers though will also be interested in the 33g/km CO2.
What is interesting, however, about the CX-60’s plug-in drivetrain is that, on a longer journey, it really is possible to charge the battery back to about 80 per cent on the car’s regenerative system alone.
I also liked the fact that the car has a proper automatic gearbox, rather than a nasty CVT affair and the performance is notably better than comparably priced alternatives. Four-wheel-drive is a bonus too, particularly for Scottish buyers given our harsh winters
“...the CX60 takes Mazda into new territory in more than just size.”
and frequent wet weather.
It’s not perfect though, for the switch between electricity and petrol isn’t as seamless as it could be and the sat nav did seem to have a mind of its own. These were the first cars to arrive on UK soil so there’s every possibility a simple software update will address these foibles.
Three trim choices are available – spanning from £43,950 to £48,050.
Exclusive Line versions boast cruise control, smartphone mirroring, leather upholstery, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera and plenty of safety technology.
The next-level-up Homura – my pick of the range – has larger alloys, gloss black exterior detailing, Bose sound system, electrically adjustable front seats (ventilated as well as heated), a heated steering wheel, selectable drive modes and head-up display.
Top grade Takumi models have white leather seats and white maple-wood trim and stitched cloth dash inserts but the interior ambience is definitely an acquired taste.
Regardless of the trim level chosen, the CX-60 is a lovely thing to sit and drive.
Dynamically, the car hits something of a sweet spot between the softness of a Toyota RAV4 and the hard ride of an Audi Q5 and the cabin is well insulated from the outside world.
The really good news though for those who like the look of the CX-60 is still to come, for next year a straight-six 250bhp 3.3-litre diesel will be added to the line-up.
While a brand new diesel in today’s world may seem like a strange move, Mazda is a brand that has always defied convention. So don’t be surprised if this is a powertrain that’ll be adaptable to plant-based fuels of the future.