ORDERS OPEN FOR MAZDA CX-60

Mazda has announced details of their all-new CX-60, a midsize SUV that's the first product in the Japanese carmaker’s Large Product Group, a new expression of the ‘Mazda Premium’ philosophy and the first Mazda model to be offered exclusively with hybrid drivetrains.

The five-seat CX-60's engine offerings start with Mazda's first ever plug-in hybrid – the eSkyactiv PHEV - that pairs a 100kW electric motor with the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine. Offering EV-only range of 76km and economy of just 2.1lt/100km, the eSkyactiv PHEV is also low on emissions, at just 49g/km.

Beyond the PHEV, there are turbo petrol and diesel engines both 3.3-litres sixes, utilising Mazda’s 48V M Hybrid Boost technology. Despite the larger capacity, these six-cylinder units offer economy comparable to the 2.5 turbo four, according to Mazda.

All engine options are matched to a refined Skyactiv-Drive eight-speed automatic transmission with wider ratios. Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system, standard on all CX-60 grades, has been redeveloped, too, with Mi-Drive enabling easy switching of the five available driving modes – Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV - to suit surface and driving conditions (‘EV’ is only available on the eSkyactiv PHEV).

Styling is on par with other Mazda models, with a honeycomb grille and restrained use of chrome trim across the range, with more specific styling touches added, depending on grade - Evolve, GT and Azami.

A high degree of standard features includes a 10.25-inch centre screen (12.3-inch in GT and Azami), 7.0-inch instrument display (12.3 inches on GT/Azami and standard with the PHEV), 360-degree camera, eight-speaker sound system (12 speakers and Bose amp in GT/Azami), Apple CarPlay /Android Auto, wireless charging, sat nav and more.

Wheel sizes vary from 18 to 20 inches, depending on grade, with things like a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights (adaptive on Azami), leather trimmed interior (Nappa leather on Azami), heated seats (and ventilated on Azami), ambient lighting and more on higher grades. Some features that are standard on the GT and Azami are available for the Evolve as an extra-cost option pack.

It’s a similar story with safety tech, under the i-Activesense system, that is feature-packed on the base CX-60 Evolve and expanded on higher grades, adding things like driver monitoring, Cruising/Traffic Support and Front Cross Traffic Alert, while features making their debut on the CX-60 include Hill Descent Control, a ‘see-through’ view for the 360-degree camera and updated i-Adaptive Cruise Control.