2023 Mazda CX-60 PHEV takes on premium rivals
Mazda has revealed full details for its CX-60 plug-in hybrid SUV, which puts upmarket rivals Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo in its sights. On sale now and starting from £43,950, it will be the most powerful Mazda sold in the UK. The first cars will arrive at showrooms this autumn, and the CX-60 will be joined by a seven-seat CX-80 at a later date, though that model has to be revealed.
The CX-60 features an all-new powertrain, based around a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and using an electric motor to boost the combined output to an impressive 323bhp. It will also get four-wheel drive and an eightspeed automatic gearbox, so 0-62mph comes up in just 5.8 seconds. Despite its similarities to Toyota’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, the two are separate. As well as being quick, a 17.8kWh battery and 39-mile driving range will also ensure it’s economical and ideally suited to company-car drivers. Official figures stand at 188mpg with CO2 emissions of 33g/km, and as with any plug-in hybrid, you’ll need to recharge the battery frequently to achieve the lowest running costs.
Perhaps more surprisingly, given the industry’s rush towards electrification, Mazda is also pushing ahead with plans for potentially the most exciting diesel news of the year – the launch of an all-new 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Unlike the smaller Mazda CX-5, this is likely to be offered in rearand four-wheel drive configurations and will also get an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The CX-60 measures 4,745mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,675mm high, and evolves the brand’s Kodo design language without setting itself too far apart from other models in the range. There’s now a flatter grille which is connected to the headlights by slim LED running lights. The surfacing is clean and sharp, with body-coloured wheel arches and stretched rear lights which almost span the tailgate.
Its interior has a similar, clutter-free layout to recent Mazda models, but there’s a noticeable uplift in material quality. Fabric, wood, and leather have all been carefully chosen to upholster the dashboard, doors and other touch points. Unlike a growing number of rivals, physical climate controls remain, and there’s a dash-top infotainment screen operated by a rotary controller on the centre console.
Practicality should also be plenty for most families, thanks to a 570-litre boot and what looks like a roomy cabin for those in the front and rear seats. Trim levels will include Exclusive- Line, Homura and Takumi, with 18-inch wheels and black exterior trim for the entry-level model. Homura adds 20-inch alloy wheels and colour coding, but with a contrasting dark grille, along with heated rear seats. There’s also a system that recognises the driver and configures the car for them. Takumi includes gloss black detailing and black 20-inch alloys with a machined finish.