By Ian Strachan.
Mazda’s award-winning range of SUVs grew a few months back with the launch of excellent and impressive CX-80. But sitting below that is the stylish, sleek and well-specified CX-60, which has just had the benefit of an upgrade.
The CX-60 gets new trim levels, interior upgrades and improved suspension. Available with diesel power or as a petrol-powered plug-in hybrid, this car challenges more established SUV makers.
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV which I tested is powered by a potent 2.5 litre petrol engine coupled to a 134 bhp electric motor. The combination delivers a combined 327 bhp, giving brisk, sporty performance. Its 0-60mph time is not much above 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 124mph.
This big 4×4 – a lot bigger than the CX-5 – has an electric-only range of 39 miles, so its appeal to the high mileage driver will be limited. But for drivers with low daily mileage and a home charging point it’s a serious contender.
The CX-60 uses electronics which combine advanced engine, transmission and chassis technology to improve efficiency and environmental performance.
The CX-60 – with an eight-speed automatic transmission – handles exceptionally well for a big car, with an intelligent drive system backed up with improved suspension settings. Cornering is sure footed with no body roll, and you get a comfortable ride. Build quality is exceptional.
Performance engines can have a penalty with unimpressive fuel consumption. However, this hybrid Mazda manages a combined 201.8 mpg in mixed driving if you’re prepared to keep the battery fully charged.
The interior is well laid out and spacious with plenty of room for five adults. The large luggage area – 570 litres -can be increased to 1726 litres with the ability to fold the 40-20-40 split rear seats flat. The hands-free tailgate is electrically powered.
I test drove the CX-60 in range-topping Takumi Plus spec, giving you 20-inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels, body coloured mirrors, wheel arches and side mouldings and impressive and comfortable white leather seats. The maple wood and woven fabric trim materials add to the overall feeling of cosseted luxury.
There’s a choice of driving modes for normal, sport, off-road and towing. A host of safety features includes driver attention alert, cruise control with speed limiter, head-up display with windscreen-projected driving and satnav display, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping system and oncoming vehicle collision avoidance.
Standard features on the Takumi Plus include an excellent 12-speaker surround sound Bose DAB radio and sound system with Apple CarPlay, USB ports, a clear navigation system with a 12.3-inch colour display, steering wheel-mounted controls and gear-shift paddles, keyless entry and ignition, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, an excellent dual-zone climate control system with rear vents, and electric windows all round.
This is a solid and enjoyable vehicle that combines good looks, capability, practicality and high specification. In AWD Takumi Plus spec it comes at £53,840 on the road. Eye-catching Platinum Quartz paint comes at an extra £650.
