Mazda CX-60 (2023) - First Drive Review

Mazda is coming in hot with the latest large E-segment family SUV to join the local market. We sampled the vehicle, and here are our impressions.

The Mazda CX-60 is the latest large family SUV from the Japanese manufacturer. The CX-60 is a step up from the CX-5 which we reviewed and you can read our thoughts here.

The SUV market is ever competitive and the Mazda CX-60 finds itself in the premium spectrum competing with the likes of Volkswagen and BMW. Can the CX-60 match up to these juggernauts in this space? The short answer: A definite yes. The long answer: read on and see.

Styling

Mazda’s design philosophy of breathing beauty and life into the car while eliminating unnecessary elements is evident in the CX-60. The radicalness of the CX-60 design is actually found in the simplicity of it all. The exterior isn’t busy. It flows with elegance and from a distance the CX-60 is easily recognisable as a Mazda product; it’s bespoke in that respect. In front, the large piano string grille (Found in the Individual model) dominates the front end with semi-circular lights and daytime running lights protruding from them. The side profile features plastic cladding and large 20-inch wheels that are finished in anthracite grey. The rear of the CX-60 discreetly hides its quad exhaust tips. The main feature of the rear styling would be the elongated taillights, complete with an LED light streak.

Interior and Technology

Further following Mazda’s Design Philosophy, the interior of the CX-60 is spacious and most importantly, uncluttered. Screens are kept at a maximum count of 2 to minimise distractions. The focus of the CX-60’s interior is human-centric rather than laced with the latest and greatest technology. For example, jumping into the CX-60 is intuitive and you’re not left wondering where certain features are. Infotainment operation is simple with analogue controls in easy reach of your left hand with a host of dials and necessary buttons nestled in a silver patterned console. Air-con controls are also easy to access and analogue too with switch triggers and buttons.

The design of the dash is clean and tidy and well both the instrument cluster and infotainment are clearly legible and the viewing angles are great. The front and rear seat design is well-considered and comfortable with extra care being given to the back support for those longer journeys. Boot space-wise, the CX-60’s capacity is 570 litres and can be extended to 1270 litres by folding down the rear seats. Overall, the interior of the Mazda CX-60 is something that, in this writer’s opinion, would be considered the pinnacle of premium luxury in this segment.

Technology-wise, for the price, the CX-60 is well kitted out. Apart from your CarPlay or Android Auto-enabled infotainment, you’ll find 8 speakers in the Dynamic variant and a whopping 12-speaker BOSE sound system in the Individual variant. The Dynamic variant isn’t left out with its specifications; you even get an electronically adjustable telescopic steering wheel and power-adjustable seats, to name a few features. Naturally, you’ll find a host of USB-C charging ports, and wireless charging is standard across the range.

Where things stand out, though, is the Individual variant’s driver personalization feature. Using a camera system, the vehicle will configure an individualised driver profile for you or another user, which consists of seat adjustment based on the height of the driver. The profile will also have mirror, radio, steering wheel, and head-up display adjustments saved onto a user’s profile and can be adjusted later once the default profile has been created. Classy.

Drive and Handling

Powering the Mazda CX-60 is a non-turbo 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine pushing out 141 kW of power and 261 Nm of torque. This is paired with an 8-speed wet clutch automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Power is sent to the front wheels in the Dynamic model and all four wheels in the Individual variant. The drive of the CX-60 is brisk enough with linear power delivery even with the all-wheel-drive system. The gearbox is smooth enough even with the paddle shifters, but a kick-down switch would be a good addition to the vehicle. The stop-start system isn’t intrusive and easy to use. The CX-60 comes with Mi Driver drive mode select with normal, sport, offroad and trailer mode. Mazda’s claimed fuel economy is 7.3l /100km on the Dynamic variant and 7.7l /100km on the Individual variant, but this sounds rather low for a 2.5 – once we have the car on test we’ll be able to give you a better idea of realistic fuel usage figures.

Praise must go to the suspension and vehicle handling as the CX-60 is very well balanced with minimal noise, vibration and harshness permeating into the cabin. There’s slight noise from the factory-specced Toyo tyres but the CX-60 glides. The brakes could do with a little more bite as well but the car stops as it should. Paired with the Mazda Design Philosophy, this vehicle is a pleasure to pilot.

Safety

You’ll find the following standout features respectively on the Dynamic and Individual variants:

Verdict

The Mazda CX-60 is one of the more interesting SUV offerings out on the market currently with a good amount of premium feel and specification but it’s something also that feels well-considered in its design and motion. In this writer’s opinion, the CX-60 is a solid contender against its German rivals namely the Volkswagen Tiguan and even BMW X3. It’s well worth a test drive.

Pricing

*The Mazda CX-60 comes with a 5-year/unlimited km service plan and 5-year/unlimited km warranty and roadside assistance.

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