CX TORQUE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mazdacx60_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

Mazda enters the larger section of the mid-sized SUV segment with this very premium-feeling CX-60. Jonathan Crouch drives it and looks at the updated version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 70

The Mazda CX-60 aims to establish Mazda in the premium part of the upper mid-sized SUV segment. In this, it'll be aided by sharp driving dynamics, a refreshing different and rather classy cabin and the option of a PHEV powertrain with a 39 mile driving range. This revised version has improved ride quality too. As before, this Mazda's more affordable than obvious rivals, better equipped - and really rather different.

Backgroundword count: 149

Mazda thinks differently - and continues to do so with this car, CX-60. This SUV was launched in late 2022, initially in Plug-in Hybrid form and later in a mild hybrid diesel guise too. Today, it slots into the Mazda SUV range just below the seven-seat CX-80. Both cars share the same snappily-titled 'Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture' platform. It's a chassis that made possible the introduction of a PHEV powertrain - the company's very first. Fast forward to late 2024 and Mazda introduced the first round of CX-60 model updates, the package mainly centred on improving the rear suspension to enhance ride quality, which on the original cars was rather brittle. The end result has created a car that's still worth a long hard look if you're looking for something a little different as an alternative to SUVs in the premium Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC segment.

Driving Experienceword count: 354

Mazda has correctly identified that, with a couple of exceptions, upper mid-sized SUVs are generally pretty uninspiring to drive. So enormous efforts have been made here to deliver something a bit more engaging. Or at least as engaging as a two-tonne crossover is ever going to be. As part of this update, Mazda has revised the rear suspension, softening off the rear coil springs and tightening the rear dampers with the aim of softening the ride without compromising body control. Subtle changes have also been made to the stability and traction systems. Otherwise, it's as you were. This CX-60's stiff 'Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture' platform helps greatly with drive dynamicse. Plus to that sophisticated chassis, the engineers have built in the clever corner-stabilising system from the MX-5 sports car - Mazda calls it 'Kinetic Posture Control'. It all sounds quite promising. There are no engine changes as part of this update, all of them, in typical Mazda style, bucking the industry trend for low capacity sizing and turbocharged tech. All are linked to an 8-speed auto gearbox, which ditches the usual torque converter in favour of a multi-plate clutch and an integrated electric motor/generator. Most customers will want the four cylinder Plug-in Hybrid model we tried, which mates a 2.5-litre petrol engine to a 175PS electric motor powered by a 17.8kWh battery which, when fully charged, offers an EV driving range of up to 39 miles. The system output (distributed to all four wheels via an on-demand AWD system) is 327PS, the highest of any Mazda yet made and enough to get you to 62mph in just 5.8s. It's also enough to give some credence to the brand's claim that this car puts the 'Sport' back into SUV and though slightly vague steering prevents it from claiming overall class honours in that regard, the CX-60 comes close. If you don't want your CX-60 to be a PHEV, one other non plug-in engine is available, a 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D diesel we've also tried, available in rear-driven (200PS) as well as AWD (254PS) forms. It's a large capacity six cylinder unit of the mild hybrid kind.

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