Mazda has introduced the first plug-in hybrid in its history, the new CX-60. This model is one of the two large SUVs that the Japanese brand plans to launch in our market in the next two years (the second, called CX-80, is expected to be slightly longer and have a passenger compartment of up to seven seats, although from a technical point of view it will be identical to its younger brother).
The Mazda CX-60 is located in segment D (medium SUV). It measures 4.75 meters long, 1.89 meters wide, and 1.68 meters high, while its wheelbase is 2.87 meters. The trunk cubic 570 liters. Its design language, although continuous, bets on somewhat rougher lines than other proposals of the brand, which is used to launching sharper and more athletic vehicles.
Among other things, the CX-60 debuts a new grille with a taller design whose frame “merges” with the narrow headlamps. The elongated hood and wheels between 18 and 20 inches reinforce the sporty character of the SUV, which also debuts a new metallic Rhodium White tone for its bodywork. In the cabin, the leading role falls on the digital instrumentation, the large projected Head-up Display, and the 12.3-inch touch screen of the infotainment system.
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV is equipped with the well-known 2.5 Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine associated with a 136 hp (100 kW) electric unit and a 17.8 kWh capacity battery pack, which is located between the axles and in the rear. lowest possible position to improve the dynamic behavior of the car. This powertrain advertises 328 hp (241 kW) and 500 Nm, making the newcomer the most powerful model ever made by the company. It is interesting to note that this version will only be available with an all-wheel drive.
The Mazda CX-60 will be marketed in MHEV and PHEV versions
This performance approach is evident in its 0 to 100 km/h of just 5.8 seconds (the top speed is 200 km/h). Although the autonomy in electric mode is still pending homologation, Mazda estimates that it will be around 63 km WLTP. The battery can be fully charged in four hours connected to a 7.2 kW (alternating current) point.
In 2023, a 3.0 e-Skyactiv X inline six-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology will be added. Although this engine, like the PHEV variant, will be associated with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, it will also be marketed with a rear-wheel-drive configuration. On the other hand, we must not lose sight of the fact that the arrival of a six-cylinder diesel engine is also scheduled for the end of this year.
Mazda has taken special care of the vehicle’s chassis, which will have independent suspension on both axles (double triangle at the front, multilink at the rear) and double pinion steering. The KPC ( Kinematic Posture Control ) system will stabilize the car in curves by braking the inner rear wheel, reducing body roll.
All finishes will include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, navigation, DAB radio, and numerous connectivity options (Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay without cables, Android Auto…) as standard. In terms of safety, Mazda is confident that the new CX-60 will achieve 5 stars in the EuroNCAP crash-test thanks to the i-Activsense battery assistant.
Although Mazda will launch three pure electric cars until 2025, which will join the already well-known MX-30, plug-in hybrids such as the CX-60 will play a fundamental role in the brand’s emissions reduction strategy, which will have to comply with each stricter European regulation. In other markets, Mazda also plans to launch two more full-size SUVs, the CX-70 and CX-90; however, at the moment there are no plans to market them in the old continent, as they could overlap with the CX-60 and CX-80.
