Mazda CX-60 (2022 - )

Mazda is targeting the premium big guns with the launch of its latest full-sized, five-door flagship SUV. It’s called the CX-60 and it is the first car from the Japanese manufacturer to feature plug-in hybrid technology, although more traditional diesel and petrol versions with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology will follow.

With the likes of Audi, Mercedes and BMW on its hitlist, the CX-60 is a competitively-priced, dynamically-designed SUV with a wealth of on-board technology and creature comforts.

Buyers can select from three generously-equipped trim levels called Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takuma with all versions, for now, driven by the same PHEV powertrain mated to an eight-speed fully automatic gearbox.

And if a five-seater is not quite big enough, the seven-seat CX-80 will be arriving within the next two years.

The CX-60 has real road presence with the upright SUV stance of its sibling CX-5. But everything is much bigger on this model – as it should be on a flagship.
Our mid-trim Homura model had an imposing look with a huge sculpted bonnet, honeycomb-effect gloss black grille, panoramic sunroof, LED light clusters and 20-inch black alloys. It featured Soul Red Crystal paintwork which really highlighted its quality.
Mazda takes great pride in its Japanese heritage and utilises its craftsmanship whenever possible. The interior oozes charm with the finest materials incorporated to create an elegant, upmarket and clutter-free cabin that is driver-focused.
Power-adjustable seats and steering wheel make it simple getting a perfect driving position and then it’s a case of taking stock of the tech. The nerve centre is a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen offering access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, sat nav and ambient lighting. There is a 12.3-inch tft driver display and head-up display showing all the vital driving data.
Our car was loaded with kit, but move up to Takuma and it gets even more flashy inside the cabin with beautiful stitching along the dash, maple wood trimmings, plus extra technology.  

The combination of a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 17.8kWH battery feeding the electric motor results in 327PS of power and 500Nm of torque. This leads to a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.8 seconds and maximum speed of 124mph.

The battery is positioned centrally and as low as possible, making the CX-60 grounded and balanced when pushed through the fast-moving country lanes. It fizzes through the eight-speed gearbox with paddles for added fun.

Then, it effortlessly cruises at 70mph on motorways and is agile (for its size) in town centres with sensors and a reversing camera for convenience.

Drive modes are accessed via the Mi-Drive switch and include Sport, Normal, EV and Off-road to alter the mannerisms of the vehicle with Sport certainly sharpening up responses and making the engine sound raspier.

There are Normal and High regenerative braking levels to recoup energy that would otherwise be lost under braking, but no single-pedal driving.

The EV range of 39 miles (under 62mph) should be plenty for the average daily commute, with the reassurance of that petrol engine. 

On the downside, there were a few unexpected jolts. We couldn’t determine whether it was the gearbox or the hybrid system being indecisive.

The Mazda CX-60 is a large five-door SUV that is ideal for families who enjoy the great outdoors. It stretches 4,745mm in length, is 1,890mm wide (excluding the mirrors) and 1,680mm tall.

With its ability to tow a trailer or caravan weighing up to 2.5 tonnes, along with the all-wheel drive, this vehicle is perfect for family caravan holidays. The 11.7-metre turning circle also impresses.

There is bundles of space inside the car for two adults (three at a bit of a squeeze) to sit in the back and, although it’s not as impressive as some rivals, the boot is still generously sized with a capacity of 570 litres, increasing to 1,726 litres with the split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

Inside the cabin, you will find plenty of practical storage options, including a glovebox, central cubby, front and rear cup holders, trays, door bins with room for a bottle, seat back pockets, an overhead sunglasses holder and a little secret compartment next to the driver’s door.

Charging the battery takes two hours via a 7kW wallbox charger and all the necessary cables are included with the car.

The Mazda CX-60 is priced from £43,950 for the Exclusive-Line trim, £46,700 for the Homura and £48,050 for the range topping Takumi version. 
There are a number of optional extras and packs available so owners can fully personalise their car. For example, our CX-60 included Soul Red Crystal paint (£900), a Convenience Pack (£1,000), Driver Assistance Pack (£1,000) and a panoramic sunroof (£1,000) with the final cost creeping up to £50,700.
When it comes to day-to day running costs, the car can deliver a combined 188.3mpg with carbon emissions from 33g/km (under WLTP testing).
This low CO2 reading would result in attractive financial savings for both private and retail buyers with a first year Vehicle Excise Duty charge – or road tax as it is known – of just £10, increasing to the standard fee for PHEVs of £155.
Business drivers will be rewarded too with a generous Benefit in Kind rate of 12 per cent.
The Mazda CX-60 Homura, as tested, sits in insurance group 44.

Mazda has taken a very brave step in laying down the gauntlet to the premium carmakers out there. But has it succeeded? In most parts, it’s a resounding ‘yes’ thanks to its looks, build quality, luxurious interior and top-quality craftsmanship.

It is a little let down at times by refinement which comes as a bit of a surprise as most Mazda models excel in this department. But we can overlook the occasional surge or jump in this otherwise splendid new arrival.