Mazda has often done things differently than its competitors. The MX-5 Roadster is a shining example of this. With the new models Mazda CX-60 and next year CX-80 the Japanese are now strengthening their way. And do not shy away from opulence or the completely new development of combustion engines.
Mazda For several years now, it has been pursuing the strategy of upgrading its products through design, equipment and interior quality, and thus defining a certain premium claim, especially in comparison with Japanese competitors. Even with the most expensive model, the SUV CX-5, but the 40.000 euro barrier was only just exceeded and only in the top version. With the CX-60 available from June and the larger sister model CX-80 announced for next year, Mazda is now expanding its model range upwards in terms of price and dimensions. Both stand on a new platform developed for rear-wheel drive.
New figures are reached
This year, the CX-60 will initially only be offered as a plug-in hybrid. The combination of 2,5 liter petrol unit (141 kW/192 hp) and electric motor (100 kW/136 hp) delivers 241 kW/327 hp and delivers up to 500 newton meters of torque to the two driven axles. Record figures for a production Mazda. This also applies to the prices: They start at 47.390 euros for the Prime-Line variant and end at 52.890 euros for the Takumi special model. The innovation bonus, which amounts to just under 7.180 euros for the basic model and 5.980 euros for the other versions, must be deducted from this. With its 17.8 kWh battery, the plug-in can travel up to 60 kilometers purely electrically and reaches a top speed of up to 140 km/h in E mode.
Mazda will then deliver a petrol engine in 2024, this in-line six-cylinder will also be completely redeveloped 
Another engine will follow in the coming year: the newly developed 3,3-liter diesel with six cylinders will probably produce around 300 hp
Another engine will follow in the coming year: the newly developed 3,3-liter diesel with six cylinders will probably produce around 300 hp and have even more torque than the plug-in. Mazda will then deliver a petrol engine in 2024, this in-line six-cylinder will also be completely redeveloped. It may come as a surprise that Mazda is still offering all-new combustion engines at this point, especially six-cylinder ones, but the company believes there will be a market for this type of powertrain for years to come.
Both combustion engines will have a fuel-saving 48-volt mild hybrid system. A new eight-speed automatic transmission developed in-house by Mazda and an all-wheel drive system with a multi-plate clutch are also used in all three drive variants. The manufacturer has not yet provided any information on consumption. The standard driving program Mi-Drive offers five driving modes - normal, sport, off-road, towing (towing) and EV (plug-in only).
Much remains the same
With a length of almost 4,75 meters and a width of 1,90 meters, the CX-60 breaks new ground in terms of dimensions and surpasses the CX-5 by 17 and 5 centimeters respectively. The CX-2023 announced for 80 will probably be around 15 centimeters longer and thus offer space for a third row of seats. Technology, drives and equipment are identical to the smaller sister model. The trunk volume of the CX-60 is 570 liters and can be expanded to up to 1.726 liters with the rear seats folded down and the vehicle loaded to the roof. The interior offers good space both in front and on the three-seater bench in the back.
When designing the interior, Mazda relies on premium; it is characterized by a wide center console and careful selection of materials and workmanship, especially in the higher equipment lines. Real maple wood, nappa leather, chrome accents and woven textiles provide intentional breaks and create a reference to Japanese craftsmanship. From the outside, the cabin, which is relatively far to the rear, and the long front hood catch the eye, which makes the large vehicle look quite dynamic, at least in the front area.
premium comfort?
The standard equipment includes a head-up display with a large information area. There are also two other main instruments – a 12-inch display in front of the driver and a 12,3-inch central instrument in the center of the cockpit.
The Premium Comfort package, which includes a special feature, is only reserved for the two highest equipment lines, Homura and Takumi: the so-called driver personalization system is intended to enable automatic setting of the best seating position for the driver. To do this, the driver has to enter their height, the system takes this information and uses it and the placement of their eyes to calculate the ideal setting for the seat, the steering wheel and the exterior mirrors. It will be interesting to see how precisely the system will work in practice.