Driving Mazda CX-60 eSkyactiv PHEV 327 HP: A difficult equation 

We've come to expect Mazda to be a sports car manufacturer, and they've kept that philosophy in their newest SUVs. However, the premium shift in recent years has whetted the appetite for the Japanese company to explore and try its luck in new categories. One of them is the E-SUV segment, with its representative, the new CX-60 eSkyaktive PHEV. The week-long symbiosis with it highlighted its different character, leaving mixed impressions!

Enhancing Mazda's prestige 

The Mazda CX-60 launched in March 2022, it is Mazda's European flagship (as there is also the larger CX-90 for other markets) and aims to reinforce the prestige of its brand identity and establish itself in the difficult Premium market! 

It does not hide the size 

Exuberant in dimensions, with clean lines and muscular surfaces, it forms a symmetrical silhouette, the volume of which does not go unnoticed. 

The vertical front end is imposing, closely following the Mazda corporate identity. The large bonnet rises to a vertical position and the chunky bumper incorporates the large nickel-plated grille. The LED headlights, on the other hand, are extremely small compared to the size of the car. They are divided into two parts, one is integrated into the nickel frame of the grille as a continuation of the grille, reminiscent of a starburst! The second is semi-circular and is located at the wing tips, as a natural continuation of the first.  

The profile is characterised by a massive rectangular silhouette with clean lines and muscular surfaces that highlight the volume and size of the car.  

The most elegant aspect is the back, which is almost vertically closed. Large horizontal wedge-shaped lights, with LED graphics, extend inside the fifth door, on top of which there is a beautiful spoiler. The bumper, with a low loading sill, gives a practical touch and is brought to life by the black distinctive Off-Road diffuser, flanked by the quad exhaust tips, two on each side!

Bright and sustainable 

Mazda has taken great care with the interior of the CX-60. The finish has a taste of Japanese tradition, following the philosophy and decoration of Japanese homes! Top quality and sustainable materials have been selected, forming a welcoming and bright cabin, in which the white colour dominates, aiming for simplicity. The eye-catching and eye-catching feature is the maple wood panelling! The assembly is dominated by the Japanese Musubu style, the art of binding with detailed stitching, completing a luxurious and beautiful ensemble. 

The 12.3-inch multimedia system's 12.3-inch screen appears in the centre of the dashboard, slightly tilted towards the driver. The system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple AirPlay. Control is not via the touchscreen, but by the rotary switch mounted on the center console. The instrument panel behind the steering wheel is also fully digitized. 

Ergonomically, the Mazda CX-60 does not tire the driver, with all the necessary switches in places so as not to distract the driver. 

Comfort reigns supreme thanks to the generous dimensions. The seats could be described as armchairs, thanks to the high levels of comfort they offer, providing exemplary support for the body of the passengers. 

Practicality is also at a high level, with plenty of compartments for items inside. Luggage space is 570 litres, and with the seats fully folded it reaches 1,726 litres.

The most powerful Mazda ever 

Under the bonnet is the 2.5-litre, 192bhp Skyactiv-G four-cylinder atmospheric engine, which is mated to a 175bhp electric motor. In total, it delivers 327 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Power is distributed to all wheels via the 8-speed automatic transmission with multi-clutch. Energy is stored in an efficient 355 V, 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery.

Mansion 

Being exuberant in dimensions, with an intriguing character and full of driving promise, it challenges us to try it in every possible circumstance. 

In the city the exuberant dimensions of the Mazda CX-60 limit it. Avoiding narrow roads and opting for main arteries is unavoidable. The car's only advantage in the urban environment is the possibility of pure electric drive with zero consumption, thanks to the rechargeable hybrid system. 

In the mountain and rural network the robust framework is highlighted. It is based on the rear-wheel drive Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture platform, which gives ultimate control of the exuberant body. Thanks to the i-Activ AWD all-wheel drive system, it distributes torque to both axles in real time, achieving exemplary active safety. The suspension performs superbly on our country's demanding rural network, while ventilated front and rear disc brakes guarantee absolute safety. The steering system with a 10.8m turning circle acts as a dipper. Despite its bulk, the car behaves superbly in corners, keeping its centre of gravity low. This is achieved by placing the battery on the floor. 

On the motorway is driven with comfort and safety in mind, with top-quality ride quality and excellent sound insulation. The car remains stable, even at very high speeds, making the journey a pleasure! 

General the i-Activ AWD permanent four-wheel drive due to the rear-wheel drive architecture transmits up to 90% of torque to the rear axle. It thus achieves a pleasant driving experience. The five driving modes are Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV. Average fuel consumption ranged from 3.1 litres per 100 km, to 6.5 litres per 100 km on the motorway. Although four-wheel drive, it is not challenging for Off-Road use, but it does compromise on simple dirt roads. The reason is mainly the wheelbase and the weight of more than 2 tons. 

Alternative luxury

Mazda dares to go toe-to-toe with the German competition on their home turf. It is aimed at the consumer, who has a fairly substantial amount of money to spend on a car purchase, wants a large car with excellent space, quality and geared for getaways. An SUV that differs from the direct competition, with its fair identity, which is not inferior in any way to the other models put against them. For those who want a luxury and Sport SUV, with an alternative character.  

For expensive tastes 

The starting price of 58.087,00€, automatically classifies it among the expensive models. However, it remains within the reasonable limits of the competition. In conclusion, the Mazda CX-60 is a great SUV for expensive tastes. 

Technical characteristics 

photo gallery  

Conclusion

With the CX-60, Mazda finds a solution to a difficult equation, maintaining its sporty philosophy in an exuberant SUV. The car stands on an equal footing with the German establishment, with the Japanese culture it constantly touts unchanged. The CX - 60 is a modern Sport - Premium SUV, with its own distinctive character, leaving its own personal mark in its class.

Interior & practicality

8.9

Current expenditure

7.2

Road behaviour

6.9

Performance

6.6

Enjoyment factor

6.2

value for money

6.3

Comfort

7.9

What grade do you give him?6 Votes

9

SYN

PLEEN

7.1