Mazda CX60

  • EuroNCAP: Five stars for the Mazda CX-60 EuroNCAP Five stars for the Mazda CX-60

    The Japanese SUV scored 91% in the child passenger category, and 88% in the adult passenger category.

    The all-new model, the Mazda CX-60, received the maximum five-star rating from EuroNCAP in the latest series of tests conducted by the organization. The Japanese SUV scored 91% in the child passenger category, and 88% in the adult passenger category.

    An impressive result of 89% was also achieved in the category for unprotected road users (pedestrians, cyclists...).

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    The Mazda CX-60 achieved the maximum number of points in the 6- and 10-year-old category for performance in the crash test, both for frontal and side collisions.

    In tests for child passengers, the correct installation of child seats also received high marks, leading to an excellent combined score of 91%.

    With high scores in side crash tests and a good level of protection recognized in the full-width rigid barrier test, it also achieved a significant score of 88% in adult occupants.

    In both the side barrier and the – more severe – side pillar impact, the protection of all critical body parts was good, leading to the maximum score in this segment of the assessment.

    The Mazda CX-60 scored an impressive 89% in the category of vulnerable road users. The adequate performance of the intelligent automatic braking system (AEB) made the result one of the best so far for all tested vehicles since the last EuroNCAP ratings.

    The all-new large SUV joins the likes of the Mazda CX-5 (2017), Mazda 6 (2018), Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-30 (both 2019), as well as the Mazda MX-30 (2020) in getting the maximum five star in the EuroNCAP test.

    The Mazda CX-60 achieved an impressive result in the fourth category of the EuroNCAP test: safety systems, where it recorded a score of 76%.

    The five-star rating is contributed by the adaptable Skyactiv architecture on which the CX-60 is based (Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture).

    The wide range of the company's advanced i-Activsense driver support safety technologies that the vehicle is equipped with play another key role in achieving this rating.

    New technologies, including Turn Across Traffic Assist, SBS-R pedestrian detection and BSM Vehicle Exit Warning, which detects vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists approaching from the rear of the vehicle (BSM Vehicle Exit Warning), they help drivers recognize potential risks and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury, while offering high standards of pedestrian protection.

    In addition, Mazda's Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) system additionally stabilizes the vehicle while in motion, facilitating safe driving, and these functions further reduce the possibility of an accident, the Japanese manufacturer explains.

  • First drive: Mazda CX-60 – luxury in every way First drive: Mazda CX-60 – luxury in every way

    Mazda has joined the manufacturers that offer a large SUV according to European standards, or a medium SUV according to American standards. In Leverkusen, we tested the most powerful version, which is also the most powerful production Mazda of all time.

    In recent years, it has been obvious that Mazda is aiming for the premium segment and it has really become that, not only in terms of luxury, quality of finish, rich equipment, but also in terms of technology.

    It is famous for technical solutions that defy general trends; then when everyone was pushing for downsizing, Mazda was increasing engine displacement.

    Today, everyone is following in the footsteps of Mazda's engineers, while they prepare a concept in their laboratories that seriously disturbs other premium manufacturers.

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    To show us what it's all about, Mazda invited us to its European headquarters in Leverkusen.

    In the parking lot, we were greeted by a large number of copies of the latest model - the Mazda CX-60.

    Before the ride, we were given a short presentation where we were introduced to the technology. It is definitely clear that this is a premium approach.

    Mazda has developed a completely new mechanical platform for this model with a longitudinally mounted engine and primarily rear-wheel drive.

    Of course, four-wheel drive versions are also available. The show of power does not end there.

    For this platform, including the Mazda CX-60, engines of large volume are provided! It will be a three-liter e-Skyactiv X gasoline and a 3.3-liter e-Skyactiv D diesel.

    Both have six cylinders and mild hybrid technology with a voltage of 48 volts.

    While the specifications for the petrol are not yet known, they are for the diesel. It will have two power levels. The weaker one, of 200 HP, will have rear drive, while the more powerful one of 254 "horses" will be available exclusively with four-wheel drive.

    The specialties don't end there either; all of these engines will have an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission without a torque converter.

    What Mazda has prepared for a short press trial is the CX-60 with a plug-in hybrid combination of a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with 191 hp and an electric motor with 175 hp.

    The total power of the system is 327 "horses", making it the most powerful serial Mazda of all time.

    Immediately after the presentation, we get into the car. More precisely, we climb into it, since it is quite high.

    This is now the brand's largest SUV model in Europe. The Mazda CX-60 is positioned above the Mazda CX-5 in terms of its dimensions, which can be felt not only in terms of length, but also width.

    This is perhaps most easily visible in the really wide central ridge between the driver and front passenger, while the passengers in the front seats have 44 mm more shoulder room and those in the back even 50 mm more.

    Speaking of the difference in dimensions, it should also be said that in the rear, the Mazda CX-60 is larger than the CX-5, so the tailgate is 35 mm wider.

    The trunk offers 570 liters of volume, which is more than enough for large amounts of luggage.

    The cabin is definitely premium quality; there are upholstered surfaces everywhere, including those lined with real wood, with plenty of interestingly textured materials, especially on the dashboard.

    The fineness of detail and finish also leaves the highest impression.

    Already the settings of the driver's position let us know that the technology is at the top level; as with some German brands, the driver's height is entered here, and the sensors do the rest of the work and adjust the ideal position of the seat, steering wheel, mirrors and head-up display according to eye height.

    We immediately connect the phone; this is the first Mazda with wireless Android Auto connectivity.

    Larger dimensions are particularly noticeable in city driving, and the camera and parking systems are very helpful when maneuvering.

    Plag-in hybrid, weighing about two tons, does not feel quite at home on uneven city roads, due to the wheels with low-profile tires with a diameter of 20 inches, due to the suspension, which does not have adaptive shock absorbers zera a bit harder than we would expect.

    The steering is surprisingly direct for an SUV, which is especially noticeable when you get out onto a winding country road or highway. This is very important, especially considering the maximum 327 "horses" available to the driver.

    Precisely because of the powerful engines but also the elevated concept, Mazda has developed a new torque vectoring system.

    At no point does the "nose" or rear end feel like it's running away, even when accelerating in a corner.

    Moreover, the trajectory in the curve is corrected by the imperceptible activation of the brake at a certain wheel, which the driver does not notice at all, but seriously affects the stability.

    It can be said that this is a great combination of SUV, sports and environmental vehicle. Power is transmitted to all four wheels, but the rear drive is primary.

    Only if the need arises, up to 50 percent is transferred to the front axle.

    This applies to all modes, from purely electric to classic, when the SUS engine is activated.

    Considering that we are driving cars that are practically test series, a slight jerk is felt for a moment when changing the mode, i.e. when switching from purely electric to gasoline and vice versa.

    In general, it is very quiet in the cabin due to the excellent sound insulation, and the silence can only be disturbed by the high-quality sound system of the Bose brand, with well-designed acoustics.

    The test route was short, so we didn't have the opportunity to make sure of the real range on electricity alone, especially since we drove mostly on local roads.

    Mazda promises up to 68 kilometers in the city and 63 on the highway, which is not exactly a top result, but for most buyers it is quite enough for everyday driving.

    Otherwise, the electric motor is in the gearbox, so the complete construction is very compact.

    In order to lower the center of gravity, the batteries are embedded in the floor. All this affected the driving characteristics.

    Apart from highways with a speed limit of 100 km/h, the real testing ground for the Mazda CX-60 is the "autobahn".

    You guessed it, we were looking forward to the section with no speed limit. Although they are very short due to the large crowd, they are quite enough to push the hybrid drive to its limit.

    Full gas and four-cylinder gasoline in combination with an electric motor give their maximum. Only now, the petrol can be heard more clearly, and with a rather powerful sound, which is usually not the case with hybrids.

    It was relatively imperceptible until the throttle was "pathosed", but now... You can simply feel the imposing power that accelerates the over two-ton car to "hundred" in just 5.8 seconds.

    The fact that it accelerates strongly up to the electronically limited 200 km/h, and then suddenly stops, like when you set the speed limiter, shows how powerful the system is.

    This is not so bad, most have started to limit the speed to 180 km/h...

    Until the big six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines arrive, the plug-in hybrid is the only and at the same time the most powerful and fastest option.

    Whichever option you choose, low registration costs await you, given that there is no tax on the use of motor vehicles for hybrids, even if they are light hybrids.

    In any case, Mazda has definitely provided its customers with maximum comfort, practically at the level offered by the famous German trio, and at really affordable prices.

    It is not yet known how much it will cost here, but it is certain that it will be cheaper than in Germany, where it will cost from 47,390 euros.

    Electric up to 140 km/h

    Considering that it is a plug-in hybrid, the Mazda CX-60 allows driving only on electricity with a range of 68 kilometers in the city cycle according to the WLTP standard, i.e. 63 kilometers on local roads.

    Of course, if you drive 140 km/h, which is the maximum on electricity, the range will be somewhat less.

    The first model on a new mechanical platform

    The Mazda CX-60 is just the first model on the new platform with a longitudinally mounted engine and primarily rear-wheel drive.

    A longer Mazda CX-80 with seven seats is expected soon, but also other surprise models.

    Fast charging

    Like most plug-in hybrids, the CX-60 allows charging at 11 kW chargers with a power of up to 7.2 kW.

    A completely empty battery is charged to 100 percent in two hours and 20 minutes, which is quite enough to fill up a good part of the capacity while you are shopping.

    Charging takes longer on the home Shuko socket in the garage, but it is certain that it can be charged during the night.

    By the way, the maximum range of 63, that is, 68 kilometers of electric range in the city is included in the average gasoline consumption, hence the declared 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

    Specific gearbox

    Mazda has developed a specific eight-speed automatic transmission specifically for this platform that is characterized by the absence of a torque converter.

    However, its mode of operation is similar - it changes gears via planetary gears and a multi-plate clutch, but it does not have converter hydraulics as an input clutch, but a multi-plate clutch in combination with an integrated electric motor and generator performs this function.

    By replacing the torque converter with a clutch, torque is transmitted directly, similar to a manual transmission. In addition, friction transmission and clutch cooling have evolved to smooth start-up and high efficiency were achieved.

    The Mazda CX-60's hybrid powertrain enables the independent combination of gasoline and electric motor power.

    For example, when driving on electricity, the gear change is gently felt, just like when driving on gasoline, or with the help of both engines at the same time.

    Such a solution enables a great saving in space.

    Specifications

    • Mazda CX-60 E-Skyactiv PHEV AWD
    • Engine: 4 cylinders, longitudinally mounted
    • Volume: 2488 ccm
    • Power: 141 kW (191 hp) at 6000 rpm
    • Max. about. torque: 261 Nm at 4000 rpm
    • Electric power engine: 129 kW (175 HP) at 5500 rpm
    • Max. about. torque el. engine: 270 Nm
    • Total system power: 241 kW (327 hp) at 6000 rpm
    • Max. about. system torque: 500 Nm at 4000 rpm
    • Battery: Li-Ion, 17.8 kWh
    • Battery mass: 176 kg
    • Battery voltage: 355 V
    • Gearbox: automatic, 8 degrees
    • Dimensions (L/W/H): 4745/1890/1685 mm
    • Intermediate shaft. distance: 2870 mm
    • Trunk: 570/1726 l
    • Tank: 50 l Weight: 2055 kg
    • Max. speed: 200 km/h
    • Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.8 l/100 km
    • Combined consumption: 1.5 l/100 km
    • CO2 emission: 33 g/km
    • Electric range: 68 km city, 63 km outside the city
  • Mazda's CX-60 Provides an Early Glimpse of the Brand's Upscale SUVs Mazda's CX-60 Provides an Early Glimpse of the Brand's Upscale SUVs

    The new Euro model's longitudinal-engine platform will also underpin the upcoming CX-70 and CX-90.

    Sitting on Mazda's new Skyactiv scalable architecture, the CX-60 is the first in a series of longitudinally engined SUVs intended to move the brand positioning closer to premium rivals. The CX-70 will be wider and, we're told, styled with American tastes is mind—meaning it should possess more visual presence than the somewhat timid-looking CX-60, which is roughly the size of a BMW X3.

    However, we have nothing but praise for the quality and style of the CX-60's cabin, which Mazda says contemporary Japanese design has inspired. Our sample car, in the plushest Takumi specification, featured wood door trim, a dashboard faced with woven fabric, and shiny metal accents that seemed inspired by the fenders of a '50s Cadillac. Digital instruments and a 12.3-inch central display screen are standard, but the CX-60 keeps conventional HVAC controls, and the CX-70 likely will too. Strangely, although the large display supports touch input when running Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it doesn't for Mazda's native navigation system, which still needs to be commanded through the click-wheel controller.

     

    2023 mazda cx60 eurospec
     

    Being a Mazda, there is plenty of powertrain innovation. The base powerplant, which has yet to arrive in Europe but should be in the U.S. CX-70 at launch, will be a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six that uses variable compression and foregoes the turbocharging that has become all but standard in this part of the market. In Europe, the CX-60 will also be offered with a new 3.3-liter e-Skyactiv D diesel-six—for which Mazda is targeting an impressive thermal efficiency of more than 40 percent—but this is highly unlikely to make it to the States. Power and torque ratings have not been revealed.

    The car we drove was fitted with the least exciting new powerplant, although the most innovative one. This is a plug-in hybrid, Mazda's first, and we anticipate it will be offered in the CX-70 as well. It uses the 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the CX-5 in conjunction with a 173-hp electric motor that sits between the engine and a new eight-speed gearbox.

    2023 mazda cx60 eurospec
    The transmission uses an electronically controlled clutch pack rather than a torque converter to aid low-speed efficiency, and the same gearbox is set to be offered with the six-cylinder engines. Total system output for the PHEV is 323 horsepower, with a 17.8-kWh battery pack able to deliver up to 39 miles of EV range under Europe's generally optimistic WLTP testing protocol. While an impressive figure, that's still short of the Euro-cycle EV range results for the Toyota RAV4 PHEV or the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Extended Range PHEV. The Mazda's battery can be fully recharged from 240-volt Level 2 equipment in a claimed two hours, 20 minutes or, alternatively, topped off courtesy of the engine burning extra gasoline.

    Under electric power, the CX-60 PHEV is smooth and refined. The motor drives through the gearbox, so there is the unusual (for an EV) sensation of gears shifting, and there is enough urge to keep ahead of urban traffic. But the transition to combustion power is less elegant, even using the blended Hybrid mode, with a noticeable pause as the four-cylinder fires up. As in the CX-5, the 2.5-liter is not a charismatic companion, growing loud and sounding increasingly coarse when worked hard. Although the redline is 6500 rpm, the engine already feels tight and reluctant at 5500 rpm. Once everything is pulling, acceleration is strong—an estimated low- to mid-five-second 60-mph time should make this the brand's quickest car since the RX-7. But it seems likely the six-cylinder gasoline engine will be much more of an experiential highlight.

    2023 mazda cx60 eurospec
    Fortunately, the chassis is more satisfying than the engine, combining compliance and athleticism in the finest Mazda tradition. The CX-60 resists understeer well for a vehicle of its size and shape, although there is little sense of the rear torque bias Mazda claims for the PHEV's all-wheel-drive system. Ride quality is on the firm side but stayed acceptable even when riding on the (largest available) 20-inch wheels, with body control staying tight during hard cornering.

    While the CX-70 will be a different car—as will the related CX-90—our first impression of Mazda's new architecture is positive. And although the company's first plug-in-hybrid system is less impressive, we are still very much looking forward to experiencing the new straight-six engine.

    Source: caranddriver.com

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