It appears the CX-60 has inveigled its way into the Mazda sports utility vehicle family
with the bearing of an imperious European aristocrat. Indeed, an industry specialist
who deals with vehicle brands daily says, at first sight, the CX-60 reminded him a lot
of a Jaguar.
Mazda makes no bones about taking the Yellow Brick Road to a spot ‘over the
rainbow’ inhabited by the best mid-size SUVs around and the CX-60 debuts
with three sophisticated new powertrains – inline-six turbocharged petrol and diesel
engines, in mild hybrid guise, plus Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid.
In keeping with Mazda’s Premium philosophy there are three highly specified grades
– Evolve, GT and Azami – which can be customised further with safety and styling
option packs. The Azami test car included the SP Pack, adding even more luxury to
the car’s character inside and out.
Naturally, this new-found Mazda style and sophistication come at a cost: $75,000 if
you want the test car equivalent. In contrast, the similar grade cousin CX-5 peaks at
around $55,000. The flagship CX-60 petrol Azami is the first Mazda plug-in hybrid –
the e-SkyActiv PHEV – which tips the scales at $85,500.
Full range is covered by Mazda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with
roadside assistance, and five years of fixed price servicing, .
STYLING
Mazda CX-60 Azami G40e SP M Hybrid is a handsome beast, worthy of the
segment known as Japanese Premium. Mazda never tires of telling us about
traditional Kodo design principles and the new CX-60 is no exception. Finished in
Machine Grey Metallic, the test car, with front-engine and rear-biased all-wheel drive,
exhibited a powerful connection to the road.
The long bonnet provided more than ample cover for the workings of the in-line six-
cylinder petrol engine, which was designated by a dark ‘In-line 6’ signature on both
wings. Rear combination lights provided signature illumination
The SP option pack, with 20-inch alloy wheels in black metallic finish, dark-coloured
side signature front bumper with gloss black honeycomb-type grille, gloss black
exterior mirror and LED headlamps with dark signature was well worth the $2000
extra.
INTERIOR
‘Clubby’ can best describe the cabin. Luxury surroundings are matched by space,
especially in the back, with the panoramic sunroof opening up the area. Major leg
and toe room complement the soft leather feel.
As with the CX-60 Azami exterior finish, the SP pack added a suede-style dashboard
panel, tan Nappa leather seat trim and contrasting stitching, plus a matching two-
tone steering wheel. Boot room is 407 litres with the rear setbacks raised and 477
with them folded (not quite flat). A hands-free remote operated power tailgate does
the job when loading / unloading.
INFOTAINMENT
While the 12.3-inch infotainment screen is new, it is still controlled by a knob /
joystick behind the gearshift and not the touchscreen while on the move. I’m a fan. At
rest the screen comes to life, by touch, with Mazda Connect.
Satellite navigation and digital radio are included and there is a 12.3-inch TFT LCD
multi-information meter, plus a head-up windscreen display.
The Driver Personalisation System, another Mazda innovation, debuts, making it
easy for drivers to achieve their ideal driving position. Entering their height via the
infotainment centre display, the automatic driving position camera detects the
location of the eyes and automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, active driving
display and door mirrors to match the driver’s eye position.
The system uses facial recognition to remember each driver’s preferences. Once the
driver is detected, the Mazda CX-60 automatically restores more than 250 stored
settings. Premium Bose audio system boasts 12 speakers.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The six-cylinder 3.3-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are both first-timers,
with each utilising Mazda’s 48V mild hybrid boost technology. The large capacity
improves efficiency with the higher volume of air enabling more complete
combustion and a wider lean-burn range leading to lower fuel use and reduced
nitrogen oxide emissions
All engines in the range are mated with a newly developed Skyactiv-Drive eight-
speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY
The CX-60 recently won a five-star ANCAP rating thanks to such things as adaptive
cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection,
junction assist (turn-across traffic), blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring,
forward obstruction warning, high beam control (auto high-beam), lane-keep assist,
parking sensors front and rear, cross-traffic alert, surround camera, traffic sign
recognition, tyre pressure monitoring and vehicle exit warning.
Azami adds adaptive LED headlights, cruising and traffic support, adaptive cruise
plus lane centring, front cross-traffic alert, 360-degree cameras, including see-
through view. The CX-60 ‘wears’ 10 airbags, including. front-centre airbag across the
range.
DRIVING
The Driver Personalisation System, another Mazda innovation, debuts, making it
easy for drivers to achieve their ideal driving position. Entering their height via the
infotainment centre display, camera detects the location of the eyes and
automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, active driving display and door mirrors
to match the optimum position.
The system uses facial recognition to remember each driver’s preferences. Once the
driver is detected, the Mazda CX-60 automatically restores more than 250 stored
settings.
The e-Skyactiv turbo petrol engine is smooth and responsive, using a wider gear
range that delivers a balance between driving and environmental performance.
However, the stubby gearshift lever requires firm action between ‘park’ and ‘drive’
positions. The ride’s a bit lumpy too.
The use of a clutch in place of a torque converter is said to produce clean switching
between gears, at the same time enabling accurate control of the hybrid boost
electric motor in the 48V mild hybrid system.
Mazda claims fuel consumption of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the urban /
highway cycle. In city and suburbs, with i-Stop in action, the test CX-60 clocked up
9.6 litres per 100 kilometres and 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres when let loose on the
motorway.
Mazda CX-60’s unique composition, with front-engine and rear-biased all-wheel
drive give you a feeling of stability and confidence with a powerful connection to the
road. Mi-Drive modes – Normal, Sport, Off-road and towing- bring a unique
versatility to the CX-60.
SUMMARY
There’s much (too much in this space) to say about the mid-size five-seat CX-60 and
most of it is good. The innovation and styling, plus little luxuries, have the CX-60
vaulting into the premium SUV segment. Pity the price bar might be a bit too high for
some.
RATINGS
Looks: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 6/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Mazda CX-60 Evolve G40e M Hybrid: $59,800
Mazda CX-60 Evolve D50e M Hybrid: $61,800
Mazda CX-60 Evolve P50e PHEV: $72,300
Mazda CX-60 GT G40e M Hybrid: $67,800
Mazda CX-60 GT D50e M Hybrid: $69,800
Mazda CX-60 GT P50e PHEV: $80,300
Mazda CX-60 Azami G40e M Hybrid: $73,000
Mazda CX-60 Azami D50e M Hybrid: $75,000
Mazda CX-60 Azami P50e PHEV: $85,500
Options:
Azami SP Package ($2000) 20-inch alloy wheels, Black metallic, dark-coloured side
signature, gloss black honeycomb-type grille, gloss black exterior mirrors, LED
headlights with dark signature, suede dashboard panel, tan Nappa leather
upholstery, two-tone steering wheel.
Azami Takumi ($2000) Bright decoration panel, cloth dashboard panel with Kakenui
stitching, white maple wood console panel, white Nappa leather seat trim.
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact
your local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda CX-60 Azami G40e SP 3.3L turbo 6-cylinder petrol, 8sp
automatic, AWD SUV)
ENGINE
Capacity: 3.283 litres
Configuration: Six cylinders inline
Maximum Power: 209 kW @ 5000-6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 2000-3500 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.4 L/100km
EV: 48V 12.4kW / 153 Nm electric motor; 0.33 kWh lithium battery
DRIVELINE: Eight-speed integrated electric motor-generator automatic transmission,
all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4740 mm
Wheelbase: 2870 mm
Width: 2134 mm
Height: 1680 mm
Turning Circle: 10.8 metres
Kerb Mass: 1949 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
