Mazda CX-60 Exclusive
Mazda CX-60 Exclusive AWD PHEV review.
For – fast, classy looks, well-priced, sumptuous interiors, impressive quality.
Against – electric range lags.PHEV
****
£43,950
Competition – BMW X3 Mercedes GLC Audi Q5 Volvo XC60 Hyundai Santa Fe Toyota RAV-4
Mazda’s launched its new top-of-the-range CX-60 SUV with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version and its high-quality interior, exceptional performance, high level of specification and keen pricing will challenge German competitors like the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Audi Q5.
The Volvo XC60 and Hyundai Sant Fe will also be feeling the pressure, as will top versions of the Toyota RAV-4.
The battery-only range of 39 miles is a bit below par though.
Mazda has always tried to leverage its Japanese heritage to differentiate itself from the rest and it is raising the temperature with the CX-60 by using Japanese names to designate grade steps, adding “Homura” and “Takumi” to the basic Exclusive-Line, and underlining Japanese craftmanship.
The CX-60 PHEV combines a 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh battery. This combination delivers a total system output of 323 hp and torque of 500 Nm – making it the most powerful road car Mazda has ever produced. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes under 6 seconds.
As well as the PHEV version, Mazda will add a 3.0-litre petrol engine and a diesel.
Mazda is adamant it won’t abandon petrol and diesel power early, on the way to becoming entirely carbon neutral by 2050. Mazda is launching five new electrified products in the next three years.
“After 2025, the company will launch its brand-new EV Scalable Architecture which will allow Mazda to efficiently build electric cars of all sizes using one common platform,” it said.
Mazda says the CX-60 PHEV’s official WLTP combined fuel consumption is 188 mpg, but as with other similar PHEV claims by other manufacturers, this will bear no relationship to the real world. The manufacturers never explain exactly what combination of driving will give you 188 mpg. The battery-only range is claimed to be 39 miles and given that this is well within the accepted daily usage of average commuters, the CX-60 will be a CO2-free zone during local use. But PHEV competitors like the Toyota RAV-4-derived Suzuki Across though have closer to 50 miles of electric-only range. On the highway, perhaps 45 mpg might be possible, but quite where 188 mpg fits into the puzzle is a mystery.
Classier wood
Prices for the Exclusive start at £43,950, the Homura at £46,700 and the Takumi £48,050. The Exclusive has 18” wheels and a huge array of safety aids, high-tech gizmos and entertainment, and powered front seats. The Homura adds 20” wheels, a “driver personalisation system”, more capable electric seats and much bodywork enhancement. The Takumi adds more body stuff, classier wood around the dashboard, and better equality leather.
As well as the PHEV version, Mazda will add a straight-six 3.0-litre petrol engine soon and a 3.3 litre diesel. In 2023, the company will launch the CX-80, larger than the CX-60 and with three rows of seats. The CX-60 PHEV is available this month in the U.K. and the diesel will arrive in the first quarter of 2023.
“The Mazda CX-60 heralds the start of a new chapter for Mazda, not only is it our first car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it also sets new standards for interior quality, design and technology – highlighting Mazda’s uniquely Japanese premium brand direction,” said Mazda Motors UK Ltd, Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson.
“I can’t wait for our customers and dealers to experience the CX-60, with the positioning of the high voltage battery at the centre of the car and as low as possible, this is a PHEV with a particularly low centre of gravity. This, combined with a permanent all-wheel drive system incorporating shaft-driven transfer of torque between the axles, gives the car superior handling characteristics on a par with the best in the premium segment,” Thomson said.
Mazda CX-60 Exclusive
| Mazda CX-60 Exclusive AWD PHEV | |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol |
| Power: | 323 hp |
| Electric motor: | 129 kW |
| Torque max: | 500 Nm |
| Gearbox: | 8-speed automatic |
| Battery: | 17.8 kWh Lithium-ion |
| Claimed battery only range: | 39 miles |
| Claimed overall miles per gallon: | 188.3 mpg |
| Charging time: | 7.2 kW – 80% 1-1/2 hours |
| Drive: | all-wheels |
| Top Speed: | 124 mph (limited) |
| Acceleration: | 0-60 mph 5.8 seconds |
| CO2: | 33 g/km (Euro stage 6d) |
| Length: | 4,745 mm |
| Width: | 1,890 |
| Height: | 1,675 |
| Weight: | 1,981 kg |
| Wheel-base: | 2,870 |
| Suspension: | Double wishbone/multi-link |
| Insurance Group: | 43A |
| Boot capacity: | 570/1,726 litres |
| Competition: | BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV-4. |
| Rating: | **** |
| Price: | £43,950 |
| For: | fast, classy, well-priced, sumptuous interiors, impressive quality |
| Against: | electric range lags |
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