The CX-60 is the first in a line of longitudinally engineered SUVs designed to move the brand's positioning closer to premium competitors. It is built on Mazda's new Skyactiv scalable architecture. The CX-70 should have more visual presence than the fairly timid-looking CX-60, which is about the size of a BMW X3 because it will be broader and, according to what we've been informed, fashioned with American preferences.
We can't say enough good things about the CX-60's cabin, which Mazda claims was inspired by modern Japanese design. The most luxurious Takumi specification was applied to our model car, which included wood door trim, a dashboard covered in woven fabric, and shining metal highlights that looked like they were taken from a 1950s Cadillac's fenders. Although the CX-60 and CX-70 both come equipped with digital instrumentation and a 12.3-inch central display screen, the CX-60 retains traditional HVAC controls. Strangely, while running Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the huge display permits touch input, but not for Mazda's built-in navigation, which still requires use of the click-wheel controller.
Being a Mazda, it has a lot of innovative powertrain technology. The basic power plant should be in the United States but hasn't arrived in Europe yet. At launch, the CX-70 will have a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that is naturally aspirated, uses variable compression, and forgoes turbocharging, which has all but become standard in this sector of the market. The CX-60 will also be available with a new 3.3-liter e-Skyactiv D diesel-six in Europe, but it is highly unlikely that this model will be sold in the United States. Mazda is aiming for an impressive thermal efficiency of more than 40%. Ratings for power and torque have not been made public.
This is Mazda's first plug-in hybrid, and we think it will also be available in the CX-70. It utilizes a new eight-speed transmission along with a 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the CX-5 and a 173-hp electric motor that is located in between them.
The transmission, which will be available with the six-cylinder engines, replaces a torque converter with an electronically controlled clutch pack to improve low-speed efficiency. With a 17.8-kWh battery pack capable of providing up to 39 miles of EV range under Europe's often optimistic WLTP testing standard, the PHEV's total system output is 323 horsepower. Even if it's an excellent number, the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Extended Range PHEV and the Toyota RAV4 PHEV both have longer ranges according to the Euro-cycle EV test. According to claims, the Mazda's battery can be fully recharged using 240-volt Level 2 equipment in two hours and 20 minutes, or it can be topped off by the engine burning additional fuel.
The CX-60 PHEV is quiet and elegant when running on electricity. The temptation to shift gears is strong enough to keep ahead of urban traffic because the motor drives through the gearbox, which is unique (for an EV). Even when employing the blended hybrid mode, the transition to combustion power is less seamless and involves a halt while the four-cylinder fires up. The 2.5-liter is not a charismatic partner, sounding louder and coarser when pushed hard, much like in the CX-5.
The engine feels constrained and hesitant at 5500 rpm even though the redline is 6500 rpm. A predicted low- to mid-five-second pace to 60 mph should make this the fastest car from the brand since the RX-7 once everything is pulling. The six-cylinder gasoline engine, though, appears to be much more of an experiential high point.
Fortunately, the chassis is more enjoyable than the engine because to its perfect balance of compliance and agility. Although there is little evidence of the rear torque bias Mazda claims for the PHEV's all-wheel-drive system, the CX-60 exhibits good understeer resistance for a car of its size and shape. Even while using the (biggest possible) 20-inch wheels, the ride quality was still good and the body control remained tight during sharp turns.
Although the CX-70 and the associated CX-90 will be different vehicles, we have a favorable initial impression of Mazda's new architecture. We are also really interested in testing out the new straight-six engine, despite the fact that the company's first plug-in hybrid system is less spectacular.
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