If you live in the U.S., you may be wondering why we are telling you about the Mazda CX-60 since it will not be available in America. Of course, our readership is global, so there is value in examining the CX-60 because the platform will be shared by the upcoming CX-70 and CX-90 that will be heading to our shores.
In particular, Mazda UK has just announced the CX-60 e-Skyactiv D that features an all-new 3.3-liter inline-six diesel that is making its debut in the CX-60. It will be available in a choice of 200 or 254ps (PferdStarke), a metric measure of horsepower that’s approximately 98.6 percent of our horsepower ratings. The lower-ps engine will power the RWD (!) version while the high-ps version powers the CX-60 featuring Mazda i-Activ AWD. Both diesels will be assisted by a new 48v Mazda M Hybrid Boost system. Mazda’s Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition combustion technology makes this new engine among the cleanest diesels in the world and helps achieve a thermal efficiency of over 40 percent.
Additionally, thanks to lightweight construction, the new diesel weighs similar to the 2.2-litre Mazda Skyactiv D four-cylinder diesel that has been available for the Mazda CX-5 in other markets.
According to Car and Driver, the CX-60 is the first of several Mazda SUVs that will feature a longitudinal engine layout that is part of Mazda’s move towards more premium brands. The CX-70 that Yanks will receive will reportedly be wider and with slightly different styling to cater to American tastes (perhaps more aggressive like the CX-50?). The interior cabin is typical Mazda, meaning it’s at least a notch above the class standard. For C&D’s sampler, which was the top trim level, wood, fabric and metal trim accented the cabin. A 12.3-inch central display is standard for the CX-60 and, like it or not, the click-wheel dial is still present. That being said, Mazda is to be commended for keeping HVAC controls conventional and analog, so we can only hope that continues for the CX-70 and CX-90.
Of course, being a Mazda, the chassis is the part that makes enthusiasts swoon, including those stuck with utilitarian needs. “The CX-60 resists understeer well for a vehicle of its size and shape, although there is little sense of the rear torque bias Mazda claims for the PHEV’s all-wheel-drive system. Ride quality is on the firm side but stayed acceptable even when riding on the … 20-inch wheels, with body control staying tight during hard cornering,” says C&D.
Though the CX-60, which is sized like a BMW X3, is made of unobtanium for many of us, the CX-70 and CX-90 feature the same underpinnings and, so far, the first impressions are positive in what Americans can expect.
