2023 Mazda CX-60 new car review

The Japanese brand is one of Australia’s favourites, but its latest machine ushers in a range of changes that will surprise loyal fans.

The new CX-60 SUV ushers in a series of firsts for Mazda.

It’s the brand’s first hybrid-only model, the first to use a in-line six-cylinder engine and its first SUV with a rear-drive bias.

The range starts at about $65,000 drive-away and rises to more than $90,000, $25,000 more than the cheapest version of the CX-5.

Mazda has launched the new CX-60 SUV.

The smooth and elegant design is classic Mazda but it’s taken on a more masculine appearance with a squared off front and a more aggressively styled rear.

It’s longer and wider than the CX-5 and has a significantly longer wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – but is the same height.

There are three engine options: a diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid.

The petrol and diesel engines are both 3.3-litre turbocharged straight sixes with 48-volt mild hybrid tech.

Prices start at about $65,000 drive-away.

The diesel makes 187kW and 550Nm and drinks a claimed 4.9L/100km, while the petrol puts out 209kW and 450Nm and uses 7.4L/100km.

Plug-in hybrid versions are powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, electric motor and lithium-ion battery that combine for 241kW and 500Nm and use just 2.1L/100km on the official fuel cycle. Mazda claims it will travel on electric power for up to 76 kilometres.

All are paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive with power split 45/55 per cent between the front and rear.

It costs $8000 to jump from the cheapest Evolve model to the GT grade and a further $5200 to the Azami.

The diesel costs $2000 more than the petrol version, while the plug-in hybrid is another $10,500.

It is more luxurious than any Mazda before it.

Evolve variants come standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver’s instruments are a mix of analog dials and a seven-inch digital information display. It also has a wireless device charger, multiple USB-C ports covering both rows and satnav.

In the GT and Azami there’s a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a fully digital driver display.

The Evolve has an eight-speaker stereo that upgrades to a 12-speaker Bose unit in higher grades.

Cheapest versions have faux-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, but the driver’s seat and steering wheel are manually adjusted.

It comes with either petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power.

GT versions score leather seats that are heated and electronically adjustable. Step up to the Azami and it has premium Nappa leather trimmed pews with ventilation for the front pair.

The Evolve rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and the others use 20-inch wheels.

They all have remote tailgate open and close and GT and Azami have hands free operation. The Evolve misses out on a panoramic sunroof.

The cabin oozes class, with premium materials, soft-touch surfaces and textured inserts everywhere you look.

It is roughly the same size as the current CX-5.

The cabin feels airy and much roomier than the CX-5, although the boot isn’t as big as Toyota’s RAV4 or the Volkswagen Tiguan.

All the necessary driver aids are included, while eight airbags as standard.

We spent most of our drive in diesel-powered variants of the CX-60 and it’s the pick of the engines, barely breaking a sweat when asked to climb a hill or overtake on the highway.

The eight-speed auto helps, keeping the motor humming along in its sweet spot.

It’s a refined engine with smooth, linear acceleration.

The new inline six-cylinde engines are extremely strong performers.

The ride quality is a bit of a mixed bag, though. Overly firm suspension, combined with large 20-inch wheels, leads to a jittery ride over poor quality roads. There is also significant tyre noise when travelling on some rougher country roads.

This is counterbalanced by above average cornering performance, where the taut suspension keeps the CX-60 from leaning and pitching.

Meaty, direct steering combines with all-wheel drive to inspire confidence in tight corners.

Oddly, the diesel has the lowest tow capacity at 2000kg. The others can tow 2500kg.

Servicing is expensive. The petrol costs $3360 over five years, the diesel $3217 and the PHEV $2590.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Immaculately presented and safe family SUV with punchy engines, although it’s let down a little by the firm ride and high price.

MAZDA CX-60 AZAMI DIESEL

PRICE: About $81,000 drive-away

ENGINE: 3.3-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder diesel, 187kW and 550Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING: Five years/unlimited km, $3217 over five years

SAFETY: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, radar cruise control and driver monitoring

THIRST: 4.9L/100km

SPARE: Temporary spare

LUGGAGE: 477 litres