The first member of Mazda’s Large Product group has been revealed: this is the 2023 CX-60.
Destined for markets outside North America (including Japan and the Philippines)
, the two-row SUV joins the line-up above the CX-5 in terms of price and positioning.
The CX-60’s proportions immediate dictate its front-engine, rear-wheel drive architecture. There are at least three styling “packs” available to widen customer choice that vary things from the grille, side mirror finish, and wheel arch moldings. Exterior features include 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and the introduction of a new signature color: Rhodium White.
Underneath, it will be launched with a plug-in hybrid engine which combines a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine with a 100-kW (135 horsepower) electric motor. The result is the most powerful road car Mazda has ever produced with 327 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Zero to 100 km/h is done in just 5.8 seconds, and yet, it produces a fuel economy of 79.9 km/L. It is then mated to an 8-speed automatic.
Joining this engine later on is a 3.0-liter inline-6 e-Skyactiv-X gasoline and a 3.3-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine both of which feature M Hybrid Boost. Both will also have an 8-speed automatic.
In terms of
platform
, the CX-60 features a double wishbone front- and rear multi-link rear suspension engineered to deliver driver engagement. Additionally, the CX-60 also features
Mazda’s Kinetic Posture Control technology
which further stabilizes vehicle posture when cornering by undetectably braking the inside rear wheel to mitigate roll and the draw the car body downwards.
The interior design introduces the ideas of
Kaichou
—an element of disruption which mixes different materials and textures. These materials include maple wood and nappa leather combined with Japanese textile and chrome detailing. The treatment of the maple wood trim reflects the Japanese aesthetic of Hacho – asymmetrical balance, or intentional unevenness. While the woven fabrics’ diverse patterns and yarns respond sensitively to changes in light, and a Japanese stitching technique called Kakenui creates ‘hanging stitching’ seams with spaces between the trim fabrics revealing a glimpse of the material beneath.
The CX-60 also comes equipped with the ground-breaking Mazda Driver Personalization System that will recognize the occupant of the driver’s seat via facial recognition and automatically adjust the seats, steering wheel (yes, it has electronic tilt/telescopic adjust), mirrors, even the sound and climate control settings. Functionalities including front seat ventilation, and wireless phone charging.
A comprehensive range of advanced i-Activsense driver assistance systems ensures active safety at the highest level, too. Several new technologies debut in the Mazda CX-60: See-Through View—a next-generation 360-degree monitor with extended field of view at low speeds; changeable drive modes (Mi-Drive) which incorporates Hill Descent Control (HDC); and Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), which can now incorporate speed limits from Traffic Sign Recognition.
The first-ever Mazda CX-60 will roll off Mazda’s Hofu Plant No. 2 in Yamaguchi prefecture on March 11, 2022 with retail sales starting in Europe by around the third quarter of this year. Meanwhile, the Japanese specification model will be introduced in early April.
As for pricing, Mazda has announced at least two variants with an entry-level price of £43,950 (P 3.01 million) topping out at £48,050 (P 3.2 million). By comparison, the CX-5 range starts at £28,145.00 (P 1.92 million) and tops out at £33,645 (P 2.3 million). In short, if the CX-60 arrives in the Philippines, expect a 40 percent premium. That could mean a price tag reaching P 3.26 million.
Keyword: The 2023 CX-60 Is The Most Powerful Production Car Mazda Has Made