Driving report: Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactive D

A six-cylinder- Only a few manufacturers can afford engines in the middle class of automobiles. And when they are, they usually are Premium brands like Audi, Porsche, BMW or Jaguar. Mercedes has it six-cylinder even completely banned from the C and GLC class. Volvo drivers have had to be satisfied with four cylinders for years.

It is all the more astonishing when suddenly a Japanese car manufacturer like Mazda comes around the corner with such an extraordinary unit, and one at that Line six-cylinder. The order applies in the industry physically as the best because it guarantees particularly smooth running. Besides now Mazda still put BMW and Jaguar in line.

With them and the others premium manufacturers Mazda also wants to compete. The dignified interior of the at least 46.150 euro testifies to this CX-60. Processing, technical details, surfaces and materials are exemplary and are absolutely at the level of other top brands. The customer immediately feels in good hands in the CX-60. This does not change even after pressing the starter button. The six-cylinder diesel delivers one sonorous Sound and runs as expected with very little vibration.

Mazda's engineers linked the 3,3-liter unit with a Eight-speed automatic, in which instead of torque converter an electric motor is seated. So, conceptually, it is one Mild hybrid. The e-machine starts the six-cylinder, boosts and recovered. In the basic variant, the CX-60 drives with 147 kW/200 hp and rear-wheel drive. The performance is wonderful in daily use. Only with a few short sprints could for ambitious motorist the feeling arises: Hmm, it could be a bit more. After all, it weighs 4,75 meters long SUV proud two tons. They want to be moved appropriately.

Therefore, the recommendation is the more powerful version with 187 kW/254 hp. Although it costs almost 51.350 euros more at 5.000 euros, it is worth the extra charge, especially since four-wheel drive and more lavish equipment are standard on board. The boom through the higher torque (550 instead of 450 Newton meters) is clearly noticeable, driving pleasure increases. In general, everything in this car is very cultivated and smooth. The CX-60 turns out to be an extremely pleasant travel companion, especially on the motorway. seat and steering wheel position fit perfectly, that sense of space is generous, also for the guests in the rear. In addition, all are common today assistance systems installed, the CX-60 can be moved semi-autonomously, what the long-distance comfort additionally increased.

However, the suspension tuning got a bit too tight as soon as the asphalt was not quite as smooth. Impacts come through quite dry. On the other hand, the CX-60 does not want to be a sedan chair based on the American model. The European and German drivers in particular tend to appreciate the sporty touch. Mazda's developers have zeroed in on this.

Amazing at first test drive was the low consumption of the six-cylinder, which was primarily due to its special combustion chamber shape (egg-shaped recesses in the piston crown) and the specially metered injections. Even with not exactly more defensive Depending on the driving style, the display remained below six liters per 100 kilometers. Considering the performance, size and weight of the car, this is quite a respectable figure. Officially (WLTP) Mazda specifies 5,0 for the base model and 5,2 l/100 km for the more powerful four-wheel drive version. For comparison: six-cylinder competitors such as the BMW X3 xDrive 30d, the Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro and the Jaguar F-Pace 300 AWD consume 6,2, 6,7 and 6,9 l/100 km.

Mazda launched the CX-60 as a plug-in hybrid last year. The SUV is well received by customers. Mazda expects a share of 40 percent for the diesel that is now to be added. One is quite proud in sales, around 42 percent of buyers from German Premium brands pick up. The Line six-cylinder-Diesel could even amplify this trend. The CX-60 as a six-cylinder petrol engine should help him. Mazda will probably introduce him later this year. The same applies to the CX-80. The seven-seat variant is scheduled to go on sale in 2024 and the new one Flaggschiff become in the portfolio.

Michael Specht / SP-X