New Mazda CX-60 diesel 2023 review

Mazda's efficient six-cylinder diesel has joined the CX-60 line-up, but is it the pick of the bunch?

Verdict

It’s an unusual choice to launch a six-cylinder diesel SUV in 2023, but combined with Mazda’s breakthrough with its clever engine tech, the CX-60 diesel delivers performance and efficiency. In lower-power trim it’s well priced and steers and handles sweetly; but we’d like a little more comfort. Still, it’s an intriguing choice alongside the PHEV.

With the automotive world turning its back on diesel power, launching an all-new straight-six turbodiesel engine might seem like an unusual strategy. But nonetheless, Mazda has done just that with its CX-60 premium SUV.

In any case, smooth, six-cylinder diesels have always worked well in cars like this, so while it’s an individual move for Mazda to do such a thing, it’s a tried and tested recipe to sit alongside the brand’s company car tax-busting CX-60 PHEV; diesel will account for just 13 per cent of sales.

There are two 3.3-litre diesel options (a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol will follow), and the UK will take this 197bhp version in base-spec Exclusive-Line trim only, offering the more powerful 254bhp option in Takumi and Homura specs.

As with many diesels, though, the power figure doesn’t tell the whole story. Instead, it’s the 450Nm torque output that contributes towards the engine’s character. Officially, the 197bhp CX-60 will clock the 0-62mph sprint in 8.4 seconds, but it’s much nicer to drive around at lower revs and using less accelerator travel, making use of a clever new technology Mazda has developed.

It’s (not so snappily) called Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition. It’s an advanced system that delivers tangible results, Mazda claims.

A new piston design splits the air-fuel mixture into two areas in the cylinders. This has many benefits, including achieving the most efficient combustion over as wide a rev range as possible (Mazda has also broadened the ‘lean burn’ range in which the engine operates), as well as reducing diesel clatter. Ultimately, Mazda has unlocked how to make a big engine more frugal, the theory being that using a larger capacity in a specific range is more economical than working a smaller four-cylinder engine harder.

The engine is joined by an eight-speed automatic transmission with a multi-plate clutch set-up. The gearbox is electrified as part of the 48V mild-hybrid system, which provides a small electrical boost to help lighten the load on the engine in certain circumstances, further contributing to the gains in efficiency. The result is a claimed 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

Compared with the 2.5-litre PHEV, which is sometimes jerky when the battery charge is low, and the four-cylinder petrol engine sounding coarse, the diesel is more muted and muscular, even if there does seem to be some sound trickery to mask what still isn’t the most musical note. It’s superbly smooth though, and overall engine refinement – especially at a cruise – is good. The gearbox holds ratios, the engine’s spread of torque helping to deliver an easy-going nature. And this is where the CX-60 e-Skyactiv D is at its best, cruising around at a leisurely pace.

The lack of the PHEV’s big battery means the CX-60 diesel is 110kg lighter than its petrol-electric sibling, so handling is even sharper. It’s surprisingly agile for a big SUV.

However, there is a firm edge to the ride (our car featured 20-inch wheels rather than the standard 18-inch items), but it’s not as fidgety as the PHEV. It’s more settled on the move, particularly at speed; when dealing with town roads it’s firmer, but not by much.

Mazda knows how to do steering, and the same is true here, with plenty of precision to what the front end is doing. You can tell there’s more of a dynamic focus, because the car doesn’t quite offer the same level of comfort as some premium SUV rivals. Otherwise, the diesel CX-60 is the same as the PHEV, which means legroom in the rear is fine, but headroom is even better, while you get a 570-litre boot, which is 20 litres larger than a BMW X3’s load bay.

Some of the trim could feel more premium on this Exclusive-Line model, whose cabin is dominated by black plastic with a mix of textures. But the infotainment is fine and easy to use, while even this £42,990 model features LED lights, a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital dash and infotainment, the latter featuring sat-nav, Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto, plus heated seats, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, a reversing camera, full keyless go and plenty of advanced safety and assistance kit. It’s well specced for the price.

Now read our long-term test of the Mazda CX-60 PHEV…

Keyword: New Mazda CX-60 diesel 2023 review