Motoring: All-New Mazda CX-60 – First Drive Review

Motoring journalist Declan Glynn with everything you need to know

by Gazette Reporter
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The all-new Mazda CX-60 is the Japanese manufacturer’s first ever Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and it embodies the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship along with Mazda’s enviable reputation for outstanding driving dynamics. Exquisitely designed inside and out, Mazda’s master craftsmen have shaped the flowing lines by hand, achieving the perfect balance of refinement and aerodynamics in the process. An all-new vehicle platform has enabled Mazda to create a large 5-seat SUV with generous space for all occupants and their luggage. Best-in-class boot space means there is an impressive 570-litres behind the rear seats, with a cavernous 1,726-litres available when the rear seats are folded down. Rivals to the CX-60 PHEV (Mazda’s most powerful production car ever) include the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60 and the Toyota RAV4 PHEV.

Striking Kodo Design.

The exterior design of the CX-60 is characterised by warm, precise surfaces that benefit from Mazda’s striking Kodo design language woven into the toughness of an SUV. A distinctive new front lighting signature, a long bonnet and a rearward cabin design ensures  the Mazda CX-60 stands out from the crowd, and it is supremely elegant when viewed from every angle. Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy continues inside the CX-60 where the Japanese concept of ‘Ma’ – the calm and dignified beauty of empty space – is truly evident. Inside the spacious cabin, carefully curated materials like maple wood, high-quality leather, Japanese textiles and chrome detailing are combined in perfect harmony, with the highest levels of quality throughout.

Pioneering Personalisation.

Featuring a pioneering range of personalisation functions to keep you comfortable and safe, the Mazda CX-60 features the Mazda Driver Personalisation System (model dependent). A camera embedded in the centre display recognises and identifies the driver’s face. The system is then able to automatically calculate the best position for that person based upon the driver inputting their height and then the camera uses the position of their eyes to automatically adjust over 250 settings to fit their physique and personal preferences. Seating position, steering wheel, mirrors, the angle of the head-up display, even the sound and climate control settings are all personalised for you before your drive even begins.

Zero Range Anxiety.

The CX-60 PHEV is equipped with a powerful 2.5-litre e-SkyActiv petrol engine and a battery-powered electric motor for maximum flexibility and zero range anxiety. The highly-efficient powertrain is paired with an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission, which has been developed for better acceleration, lower emissions and a seamless driving experience. Producing 323bhp and 500Nm of torque (combined), the large SUV can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.8 seconds, while emitting just 33g/km of Co2 in the process. Additionally, It can reach up to 140km/h with zero emissions, and travel up to 60km in all-electric mode. Drivers who will use their CX-60 for towing will be delighted to hear that it can comfortably tow a braked trailer up to 2,500kg – even at a gradient of 8%, which is truly impressive indeed.

Premium-Level Driving Dynamics.

My recent brief drive in the new Mazda CX-60 PHEV proved to me just how upmarket the SUV is in terms of its premium appeal, outstanding cabin comfort, impressive standard equipment, and terrific driving dynamics. The new CX-60 is available in four highly-specified grades: Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi. The entry-level Prime-Line grade offers a wide range of attractive features, with a relaxing interior which is backed up by a host of safety features from Blind Spot Monitoring and parking sensors to Smart City Brake Support. With Exclusive-Line grade you get an extra level of comfort and convenience features, while the CX-60 Homura comes with many dynamic features to create an extra sporty appearance, along with the ingenious Mazda Driver Personalisation System. The range-topping Mazda CX-60 Takumi features white Nappa leather, unique textiles and chrome details to create the most comfortable and satisfying environment for drivers and their passengers. I am really looking forward to spending a week behind the wheel of a new Mazda CX-60 PHEV soon, and I will compose a full road test review then.

Competitive Pricing.

The all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV is available to order now, with pricing from €54,100 (ex-delivery). A comprehensive 6-year/150,000km warranty comes as standard, along with an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.

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