Mazda’s crossover blitz continues with the unveiling of the new CX-60 for the European, Japanese and Australian markets, highlighted by the introduction of a new platform and the brand’s first straight-six gasoline and diesel engines as well as plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The two-row, mid-size CX-60 is slightly larger than the CX-50 unveiled for North America last year. It utilizes Mazda’s new rear- and all-wheel drive Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture measuring 4,745 mm (186.8-inches) long, 1,890 mm (74.4-inches) wide, and 1,680 mm (66.1-inches) tall while rocking a 2,870 mm (112.9-inch) wheelbase.
Exterior and interior design
The exterior of the CX-60 builds on Mazda’s ‘Kodo-Soul of Motion’ design philosophy and sports a deeply-sculpted front fascia with an aggressive rear end. Catching the eye are the vertically stacked headlight lamps and the L-shaped daytime running lights. Customers will be offered eight colors: Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Platinum Quartz, Arctic White, Rhodium White Premium Metallic, Machine Grey, and Soul Red Crystal. The CX-60 is available with 18-inch and 20-inch wheels.
Found inside are a number of features unique to the CX-60. For example, it features a full TFT-LCD digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a large Head-Up Display that is three times larger than that of the CX-30. There is also an intriguing Driver Personalisation System that incorporates an automatic driving position guide which uses a camera to detect the position of the driver’s eyes and input about their height to automatically adjust the seat, steering wheel, Head-Up Display, and wing mirrors into the perfect position.
There is also ample storage with the CX-60. With the rear seats upright, it can carry 570 liters (20.1 cubic-feet) and that increases to 1,148 liters (40.5 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded flat and 1,726 liters (60.9 cubic-feet) when loaded to the ceiling.
Powertrains, transmissions and performance
While Mazda hasn’t confirmed specifics for all markets, we do know that the CX-60 will be available with three engine options in Europe. The first of these powertrains is Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid that pairs a modified version of its pre-existing 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The 2.5-liter pumps out 189 hp (141 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft (261 Nm) of torque while the electric motor adds an extra 134 hp (100 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm), resulting in a combined 323 hp (241 kW) and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm). This makes the CX-60 PHEV the most powerful road car that Mazda has ever produced.
The Japanese automaker says this variant can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in an impressive 5.8 seconds and continue through to a limited top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h). The PHEV offers up to 60 km (37 miles) of all-electric range and the battery can be fully charged in four hours via normal AC charging. WLTP combined fuel consumption sits at just 1.5l/100 km (156 U.S. mpg) with the 18-inch wheels and 1.6l/100 km (147 U.S. mpg) with the 20-inch wheels.
The second powertrain option consists of a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder e-Skyactiv X petrol that also rocks a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Mazda will also sell the CX-60 with a 3.3-liter e-Skyactive D diesel inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Performance specifications for these powertrains haven’t been announced.
All Mazda CX-60 models rock a new eight-speed automatic transmission that features a multi-plate clutch and an integrated electric motor/generator that replaces a traditional torque converter. An i-Activ AWD system also comes standard. Various driving modes are available, namely Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing, and EV. The CX-60 PHEV has a towing capacity of 2,500 kg (5,511 lbs).
Mazda also invested a lot of time on the suspension system of the CX-60. Up front, the CX-60 features double wishbones and a multi-link setup at the rear. Mazda says the suspension “enables drivers to experience smooth vehicle movement no matter what the driving situation.” The SUV also features Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) that stabilizes the CX-60 under high G-forces by braking the inside rear wheel slightly to mitigate roll.
Tech and equipment features
Various safety features come standard, including Mazda’s new 360-degree View Monitor, Vehicle Exit Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Advanced Smart City Brake Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection and intersection function, Rear Emergency Brake Assist with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist with Steering Assist, and Drowsiness Detection. There is also a Lane-Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, i-Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Launch Assist, and an Emergency Stop Signaling System.
The new CX-60 is expected to launch later this year with specific details to be released at a later date. It will be followed by a three-row, seven seater model called the CX-80 for the same markets, while wider-bodied versions of both SUVs are in the making for the North America, branded CX-70 and CX-90.
Keyword: 2022 Mazda CX-60 Debuts As Brand’s Most Powerful Production Car, Gets Straight-Six Engines And PHEV Option