Take A Close Look At The New Mazda CX-60 That Introduces Us To Straight-Sixes And RWD

One of the latest weapons in Mazda’s arsenal is the new CX-60 plug-in hybrid SUV and now we’re getting the chance to see it up close and in person thanks to our friends at Autonocion who toured the crossover during a media presentation in Europe.

There are a lot of things to talk about but what really stands out about the CX-60 is that it’s Mazda’s first vehicle to ride on a new architecture with a longitudinal engine layout allowing for RWD and AWD configurations as well as being the first to be (eventually) offered with inline-six powertrains.

It’s all part of Mazda’s push to offer more upscale vehicles, including a wider variant of the CX-60 named CX-70 for the North American market and according to rumors, a platform-related successor to the Mazda6.

Read: 2022 CX-60 Is Mazda’s Most Powerful Production Car, Offers Straight-Sixes And PHEV

As far as the CX-60 is concerned, the SUV is full of supple surfaces, offers good fuel economy, and can rocket from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5.8 seconds with the standard plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder connected to an 8-speed automatic with a 134-hp (100kW) electric motor for a combined system output of 323-hp and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of peak torque.

Mind you, this is Mazda’s most powerful production engine ever. In addition to the quick acceleration it offers, buyers will enjoy up to 63 Km (39 miles) of all-electric range at 100 km/h (62 mph) or less. That’s a great combination of features and should excite buyers in the European market.

Inline-Six Engines And RWD Availability

Mazda is planning a full complement of engines for the CX-60 including a pair of straight-six units, a 3.0-liter ‘e-Skyactiv-X’ naturally-aspirated gasoline engine and a 3.3-litre diesel six that the company says weighs as much as a four-cylinder. Nice work Mazda. Both will be connected to a mild 48v hybrid system and will be available with rear-drive as well.

Upscale Interior

We’ve known that this SUV was coming for some time but these photos prove that Mazda really is trying to punch above its weight. Even the base trim, Prime-Line, gets a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as dual-zone automatic climate control and LED headlights.

The unit we’re getting a closer look at here seems to be the Takumi trim which sits at the top of the range. It features white Nappa leather, 20-inch wheels, as well as natural wood trim. All of those features are on display here. We also get the chance to see the spacious back seats and cargo area with a total area of 570 liters (20.1 cubic feet) too.

The interior has been described in the past as minimalist and we would have to agree. Instead of a dominant touchscreen or a bevy of hard angles and creases, the dash and center console is simplistic and straightforward.

What about North America?

Expect the CX-60 to remain as a two-row model while a larger CX-80 will debut with a third row and similar design aesthetics for the European and other markets outside of North America. Here in the USA Mazda will launch a wider equivalent named CX-70 as well as the larger three-row CX-90.

What do you think of the way this CX-60 looks in person? Is it refined enough that it might pull you away from a BMW X3 or a Mercedes Benz GLC? With a starting price of £43,950 ($57,311), it sure seems like a proper rival.

Thanks to Autonocion for providing the live images to us!