First Drive: Mazda CX-60 PHEV
The Japanese manufacturer has gone big with its plug-in hybrid technology, finds John Challen.
IN BRIEF
WHAT IS IT? SUV
HOW MUCH? From £43,950
ECONOMY? 188mpg
EMISSIONS? 33g/km
There’s no doubt that Mazda is setting its sights high with its latest SUV, the CX-60. The company’s largest product to date, the CX-60 is gunning for Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, representing a shift in positioning for the brand. Further down the line will be the CX-80 bigger brother but, right now, the latest SUV is setting out to convince drivers that Mazda is the right choice for plug-in technology, married with high levels of interior luxury and exterior good looks.
Drivers get a choice of three model lines: Exclusive-Line; Homura and Takumi. All three grades can incorporate two option packs (Convenience and Driver Assistance – £1,000 each), while a Comfort pack is available on the base Exclusive-Line model cars.
Clearly there’s a lot of competition in the SUV arena and it’s a sector that now accounts for 70% of Mazda’s sales (up from 2% in 2012). Therefore, there is a high level of quality and luxury throughout each of the grades, in order to tempt drivers into the CX-60. Every model, for example, gets heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, head-up display and a 12.3-inch central infotainment display screen.
Move from Exclusive-Line to Homura and the visual differentiators include body-coloured wheel arches, a honey-comb grille and 20-inch black alloys. Inside, there’s front seat ventilation, heated rear seats and the option of a panoramic roof (also available as an option on the range-topping Takumi). Add in the Convenience Pack and drivers will get privacy glass and a 360° camera.
The Takumi adds in more chrome elements on the outside, as well as colour-coded rear mirrors. A black bar radiator grille also makes these cars stand out. Inside, the Takumi’s attention to detail is most apparent with the materials. Maple wood and Nappa leather feature, alongside traditional Japanese textiles and stitching techniques. It’s a nice touch that creates an authentic vibe throughout the cabin and reminds drivers of Mazda’s heritage as it moves into new areas with its vehicles.
While the smaller CX-5 is slightly hampered by a lack of a hybrid, in the CX-60 the technology is front and centre. The petrol-electric powertrain comes in the form of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which works with a 173hp electric motor and a 17.8kWh battery.
The result is a total output of 323hp and 500Nm of torque. Those numbers mean that the CX-60 isn’t just the largest road-going model Mazda has created, it’s also the most powerful. However, when used efficiently, the CX-60 can return 188mpg (WLTP) and emits just 33g/km of CO2.
As long as they keep to under 62mph, drivers can eek out just over 39 miles of electric-only driving, according to Mazda. Driving the car in varied conditions, our test car almost delivered on the promise. In reality, we covered around 38 miles before the petrol unit kicked in.
On the road, the big Mazda does feel every bit of its 4.7-metre length, but body roll is minimised and it’s good fun to drive, helped by precise steering. But the ride quality could be better and rivals offer more EV mileage, which could be a deal-breaker for some drivers.
Key fleet model: Homura
Thumbs up: Standard equipment; driving dynamics
Thumbs down: Not as refined as rivals; ride quality
Seven-word summary: Details and dynamics make a big difference
Also consider: Audi Q5 / Mercedes-Benz GLC / Volvo XC60
John Challen
John previously edited International Fleet World magazine, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having been in automotive journalism for more than 20 years. Over those two decades, he has researched and written about a vast range of automotive topics, including fleet, EVs, engineering, design, retail and the aftermarket.
