Mazda presents the CX-60, a premium SUV that tops its range with a propulsion architecture, a 327 hp plug-in hybrid engine and an interior finish that is as original as it is neat. Arrival scheduled for September 2022 from approximately €50,000.
The insolent commercial success of SUVs seems unstoppable, so manufacturers are multiplying models of this type in their ranges. Mazda, independent manufacturer and atypical in some aspects, is no exception on this point. The Hiroshima firm even spends the second in the matter, and launches an offensive which will see it add no less than five SUVs to its catalog by the end of 2023, including two in Europe. The CX-60 is the first to land on the Old Continent. Positioning itself above the CX-5, and at the top of the Mazda range at the same time, it marks a new start for the brand. This one announces to become premiumand to do this she started from scratch.
Premium architecture at Mazda
4.75 m long, 1.89 m wide and 1.68 m high with a 2.87 m wheelbase, the Mazda CX-60 competes with the BMW X3, Mercedes GLE, Audi Q5 and others. It is based on a brand new modular platform designed for large thermal, hybrid or electric vehicles, with high or low floors. This architecture is designed to accommodate an engine in the longitudinal position driving the rear wheels by default, and can also be combined with four-wheel drive. The CX-60 is Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid model in Europe. It is launched with a four-cylinder 2.5 L atmospheric gasoline developing 192 hp (261 Nm of torque), associated with a 136 hp electric motor (250 Nm of torque) placed to the left of the transmission. The set develops 327 hp, which makes the CX-60 the most powerful road Mazda in history.
The combined torque, which tops out at 500 Nm, is sent to permanent all-wheel drive via an eight-speed automatic gearbox entirely designed and manufactured by Mazda. This will be common to all engines of the CX-60, but not only. ” Several models will be based on this platform and will share this transmission, so given the production volumes it was appropriate to produce this one in-house “, explains Joachim Kunz, director of engineering for Mazda in Europe, stressing in passing that the development of the CX-60 has ” no connection with the partnership between Mazda and Toyota.
The gearbox does without a hydraulic converter, replaced by a multi-disc clutch for more responsiveness. But it is not a DSG-type dual-clutch gearbox since only one gear is engaged at a time. Note that the torque distribution between the axles passes through a shaft.
Mazda has therefore not associated a motor with each axle as is becoming the norm, and thus promises real all-road skills, aided by a ground clearance of 17 cm and dedicated functionalities.
A heavy but dynamic SUV
The lithium-ion battery that powers the electro-motor has a capacity of 17.8 kWh and accounts for 175 kg of the CX-60’s 2,055 kg empty. It is placed under the rear seats, which allows it not to burden the volume of the trunk (from 570 L to 1,726 L with 93 L under the floor). Mazda announces an electric range of 63 km in the WLTP combined cycle with a speed limited to 100 km/h, and foresees a duration of 4 hours for a full charge on an AC 220 V socket thanks in particular to a voltage of 355 V. Via the on-board computer, it is possible to determine a level minimum load to maintain, in anticipation of arriving in a “zero emission” zone after a long journey, for example. If needed, the battery can be slowly recharged by the combustion engine to reach the set level.
Using all its mechanics, the CX-60 reaches 100 km/h in 5.8 s towards a top speed limited to 200 km/h. Its power is served by a double wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link rear axle, a configuration similar to that of the MX-5 and which therefore promises a certain dynamism. At the rear, metal ball joints replace traditional rubber mounts for improved responsiveness, and the KPC (Kinematic Posture Control) system brakes the inside rear wheel in turns to limit body roll and improve handling.
Joachim Kunz, senior director of Mazda’s engineering center in Europe, shares some of the design secrets of the CX-60.
” SUVs generally take too much body roll, but we didn’t want the car to corner totally flat because we think a little body roll helps feel good. So we looked for a sporty behavior without stiffness, and we made great progress in terms of comfort compared to the CX-5.“says Joachim Kunz.
Mazda is changing its style
On the design side too, the CX-60 marks an evolution in Mazda design, while still being part of the Kodo aesthetic language, dear to the brand. Its small front lights encased in the body evoke the MX-30 and inaugurate double superimposed “L” shaped light sources. They are linked to the grille by luminous edging. Said grille is more imposing than that of a CX-5, the hood is more horizontal and the passenger compartment further back, more statutory proportions being permitted by the new architecture. The diameter of the rims ranges from 18 to 20 inches. The horizontal rear lights also adopt an “L” signature.
” We tried to incorporate some of the elegance of the Vision Coupe concept into this SUV, which was no easy task. “, tells us Jo Stenuit, design director of Mazda Europe. With the CX-60, Mazda succumbs to the trend of dummy exhaust pipes in the rear fascia. ” We will offer several engines, each with a specific exhaust system. And if we had to adapt the design to each engine, the costs would be too high. But we keep this evocation in the shield to indicate that it is a thermal engine vehicle », explains the designer.
A unique and neat interior finish
It’s inside that the Mazda CX-60 stands out the most, particularly in its most opulent finish called Takumi. This one is inspired by various Japanese crafts, a filiation that Lexus also claims but which is expressed differently here.
The dashboard is covered with a canvas woven according to traditional patterns, a metal bead underlines it and continues on the door trims, and maple veneers with visible veining blend with the leather of the upholstery. The central console, very imposing, is supposed to evoke the mechanical architecture that is below.
But the layout avoids visual overload. The Takumi version is also fitted with a specific front bumper and body-coloured rocker panels, such as the sporty Homura finish which will constitute an alternative at the top of the range with black aesthetic details.
When a person sits behind the wheel, he is asked to indicate his height. A camera then detects the position of his gaze to cause the automatic adjustment of the driver’s seat, the mirrors, the steering wheel but also the air conditioning and the audio system. These settings can still be changed manually. Up to eight driver profiles can be saved. The CX-60 can be equipped with a 12.3″ digital instrument panel, an advertised head-up display three times larger than on board the MX-30, and a 12. 3″ which is tactile only when stationary. Otherwise, it is controlled via the console wheel.
“We focus on driving. We want to make sure that when someone is driving they are not distracted.“
” That’s why the central display is placed high and very forward, and we don’t want people using it with their fingers while driving. (…) When you’re driving, the head-up display is almost all you need “, details Jo Stenuit. Audio volume and ventilation have dedicated buttons. Dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation system and LED lights are standard equipment, and the CX-60 can be fitted with a panoramic sunroof.
A six-cylinder in 2023
The Mazda CX-60 will be produced in Japan, at the manufacturer’s Hofu-2 plant. Its plug-in hybrid version will arrive in dealerships in September 2022 at prices ranging from €50,000 to €70. 000 € approximately, enough to make this newcomer a little more affordable than its rivals, which start between €60,000 and €65,000 with an equivalent engine. Among these is the Volvo XC60; we imagine that their lexical proximity may cause some confusion.
In 2023, the Japanese SUV will also be offered with a six-cylinder 3 L gasoline SkyActiv-X micro-hybrid. Some countries, including France will not be part of, will also be entitled to a “six in line” diesel 3.3 L with light hybridization. ” For people who love six-cylinder engines, there’s not much choice left. “Slips Joachim Kunz. Then the CX-60 will be followed by a seven-seater CX-80 based on the same architecture.
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