Latest news with #MazdaCX-60
The Courier
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Courier
Testing the updated Mazda CX-60 SUV on the roads of Tayside and Fife
The CX-60 was Mazda's biggest and most expensive car until the seven-seat CX-80 came along to steal its perch. The sophisticated five-seat SUV was launched in the autumn of 2022 and was an attempt by Mazda to push its brand upmarket and steal sales from the likes of Volvo, BMW, and Audi. I was on the launch event that summer and while I was wowed by the car's good looks, cosseting ride, and luxurious cabin, I found the handling a bit wallowy. Now Mazda has given the CX-60 a mid-life refresh and they sent an updated car to Dundee for me to try out for a week. As well as some subtle styling tweaks inside and out, the suspension has been upgraded to improve ride and handling. It's available as a plug-in hybrid petrol with the ability to cover up to 39 miles on battery power. Or you can have the 3.3 litre diesel version I drove, which pairs a six-cylinder unit with mild hybrid technology. It's available with either 197 or 251bhp. Whether you should go for the PHEV or the diesel depends largely on how you drive. If you charge at home and rarely do long journeys the PHEV version makes sense. Low benefit-in-kind rates also make it a good option for company car buyers. If you can't be bothered plugging in every night or mainly do long journeys the hybrid isn't as good an option – once the battery's drained economy drops to around 35mpg. The diesel, on the other hand, offers spectacular economy. Despite being an enormous 3.3 litres and pushing a four-wheel drive car that weighs more than two tonnes it has an official fuel economy of 53.3mpg. My week saw me take trips to the far side of Edinburgh, and to Kirkcaldy, Arbroath, and St Andrews, as well as some pootling around Dundee. At the end of all that the trip computer read 52.5mpg. Drivers with a gentler right foot than mine should be able to exceed the official fuel economy figure, which is a rare thing to accomplish. The CX-60 is a handsome car outside and in. The exterior is sharp and well proportioned, with plenty of fine details. Meanwhile, the interior has leather seats, high quality switchgear that is easy to use, and a clear touchscreen. All versions are well equipped, with even entry level models having front and rear parking sensors, a rear parking camera, heated seats and heated steering wheel, a head up display, adaptive cruise control, and a power tailgate. All versions have smartphone mirroring and plenty of USB ports, while higher trim levels get a wireless phone charging pad and a 10-speaker Bose stereo. Prices for the Mazda CX-60 start at around £46,000 and the mid-spec Homura version I drove cost £52,500. There's plenty of space for driver and passengers, with even tall people able to sit comfortably in the back. The 570-litre boot is capacious as well. The Mazda CX-60 is a superb car for long journeys. I did a three-hour round trip to Gorebridge, on the other side of Edinburgh, to pick up some furniture. At 70mph on the motorway the big Mazda was whisper quiet and DC Thomson's 'the Stooshie' podcast came through crystal clear on the excellent Bose stereo. Driving along some rural Angus backroads I noticed Mazda has beefed up its anti-roll bars. Where the original CX-60 had a tendency to roll and wallow during cornering the updated car remains far more poised and flat even through tighter cornering. The big engine has plenty of grunt, hurling the big Mazda from 0-62mph in just 7.4 seconds. Overall, however, the Mazda CX-60 is a thoroughly likeable car. Its quality, particularly in its cabin, is a cut above what you'll find in an equivalent Ford, Kia, Hyundai, or Skoda. Equipment levels are excellent and the cabin is well laid out and user friendly. It's a good looking car that's practical enough for most families – anyone who needs a seven-seater should check out its big brother the CX-80. Standard four-wheel drive isn't designed for off-roading but gives the Mazda enough grip to deal with the kind of winters you get in rural Angus or Highland Perthshire. And the 3.3 litre engine is one of the most impressive diesel engines on the market, offering a terrific blend of power, refinement and fuel economy. Price: £52,500 0-62mph: 7.4 seconds Top speed: 136mph Economy: 53.3mpg CO2 emissions: 140g/km
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring review
As far as automotive facelifts go, this is a big one. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert The Mazda CX-60 mid-size SUV arrived Down Under in 2023 with the weight of expectation on its shoulders, and that weight was compounded by a high sticker price. Ultimately, while the new model impressed with premium interior finishes and punchy engine options, it was let down by baffling suspension tuning and low-speed transmission quibbles. Subsequently, Mazda offered a fix that arrived in March last year, when Mazda Australia gave owners the option to have revised rear shock absorbers installed free of charge. But it still wasn't enough. Complaints of discomfort persisted, and the reputation of this shiny new SUV continued to suffer as a result. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert That brings us to this, Mazda's third bite at the cherry. Heavily updated for 2025, the CX-60 still features double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, but it now has softer rear springs, increased rear rebound damping, and firmer front compression damping, aimed at smoothing its ride. Additionally, the car's power steering, all-wheel drive, and stability systems have been recalibrated. Mazda has also addressed complaints about the CX-60's eight-speed automatic transmission. Two new trim grades have joined the range – Pure and Touring. The Pure is the new base model, while our Touring tester slots between the Evolve and GT. In another win for consumers, Mazda's Vision Technology Package is now standard on the Evolve and variants above. It was previously an option on all but the Azami, and brings various tech and safety enhancements like a larger instrument display and additional driver aids. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert So, is the CX-60 finally the car it should've been at launch? Or is it a case of third time, not so lucky. We put a mid-spec, turbo-petrol G40e Touring through a week of rigorous testing to find out. Pricing is down right across the board, while our G40e Touring tester sits in the lower middle of the newly expanded range. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool As the specifications sheet suggests, the new Touring trim grade is geared towards comfort for front seat occupants. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert Bridging the gap between the Evolve and GT trim levels, the Touring variants brings luxuries including leather upholstery, heated front seats and power adjustment at a respectable price point – $58,240 before on-road costs in this case. That's $10,000 less than you would've paid last year for a CX-60 with the aforementioned features, which demonstrates Mazda's shift towards a value focus for the 2025 facelift. And the combination of a range restructure and generous discounting sees this G40e Touring present as a premium option among the mainstream mid-size SUVs. While the front seats are a bit firm for my liking, heating and power adjustability are welcome inclusions. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert Mazda offers a whopping seven different trim options for the CX-60, but the Touring interior is among the least inspiring. It's a sea of black leather and other soft-touch materials, broken up by some brown stitching and silver accents. The colour scheme may leave a little to be desired, but at least the cabin feels premium – there's ample padding where you rest your elbows, and no unwelcome creaks or rattles. Mazda has thrown a raft of upgrades at the CX-60 for this facelift, but the technology suite remains relatively untouched. As one might expect, you get the smaller 10.25-inch infotainment system in this new Touring model, but Mazda's pursuit to widen the CX-60's appeal sees all variants from Evolve up gain the previously optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It's significantly larger than the 7-inch item found in pre-update examples, and makes the most of its added size sporting crisp graphics and several elegant layouts. All information is displayed in a clear manner regardless of cluster layout, and you can easily customise the readouts shown. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert The infotainment screen isn't quite as intuitive, an issue that stretches back years. It sits too far back in the dash, making it hard to reach while driving. That's seemingly how Mazda intended it, as you can only use the touch functionality of the screen when smartphone mirroring is active. Most functions still require use of a chunky rotary controller and physical buttons, which undoubtedly suits tech-averse buyers, and the infotainment menus are organised in a simple list layout. The setup may seem quite old school, but the graphics and processing power remain competitive and we didn't experience any undesirable glitches over the course of our test. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert Similarly, the physical climate controls are familiar and functional, without detracting too much from the cabin design. In addition to the pair of screens in the dash, the Touring features a large head-up display that gives the driver a clear view of their speed, the speed limit, and cruise control settings. Storage up front is adequate, if not spectacular. The split opening centre console is clever but lacking for space, although it does house a pair of USB-C outlets. Additional charging options include a wireless pad and 12V socket, both located at the base of the centre stack. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert Elsewhere you get bog standard door bins sculpted to swallow a large drink bottle, central cupholders, a sunglasses holder, coin tray, and a roomy glovebox. Overall, there are enough cubbies to avoid clutter. For a mid-size SUV, the second row is also reasonably accomodating. Ingress and egress are made easy by rear doors that open to near-enough 90 degrees, so nan and pop will have no issues getting in and out. There's just enough room for taller adults to occupy the outboard seats, and the seats themselves are supportive over long journeys. Anyone taller than six-three may struggle for headroom, but expecting a vehicle in this segment to regularly ferry around the local basketball team is asking for trouble. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert Once comfortably seated, it quickly becomes apparent that the second row isn't lacking for amenities, either. With a pair of USB-C outlets, dual air vents, deep map pockets, ample drink storage, and a proper 220V plug, the CX-60 meets just about all the demands of the modern passenger princess. Step up to the GT and you even get heated outboard seats. The promise of practicality is still betrayed by the boot in the CX-60, which is undersized compared to rivals. Mazda quotes 477 litres of cargo capacity, well shy of the 600L that some competitors boast. With that said, the CX-60 Touring makes up for a lack of space with handy features like a powered tailgate and a 12V socket to keep your appliances running. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert The boot area is also relatively user-friendly, as there's no load lip and the rear bench folds flat. As proof of that point, I was able to load three large kitchen stools without hassle. Parents will take comfort from the fact that the CX-60 is equipped with all the requisite top tether and ISOFIX points needed to safely secure a set of child seats. To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Mazda's three-engine lineup for the CX-60 is unchanged for 2025. On test here is the cheapest of the bunch – a 3.3-litre turbo-petrol inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Let's start by answering the question on everyone's lips – has Mazda fixed the uncomfortable ride that has plagued this model since launch? 2024 Azami shown Credit: CarExpert Now, it's still nowhere near perfect, but the CX-60 is far more settled than before. We had the opportunity to drive both pre-facelift and facelift examples back to back at Victoria's Lang Lang Proving Ground, and the differences between the two across vibration, gravel, and bump testing were stark. To begin with, the retuned CX-60 does a far better job of shielding occupants from vibrations generated by uneven surfaces. Ruts in the road are heard but not felt, and there's less vibration through the steering wheel than before. The cabin is quieter too, with added insulation to dull outside noise. In contrast to the unbalanced suspension characteristics of the pre-facelift CX-60, updated versions also feel more composed. Gravel roads, moguls and other imperfect surfaces still expose the stiffness inherent to the CX-60, but the front and rear suspension now work in tandem to limit discomfort. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert That's a far cry from the the old car, which was overdamped in the front and underdamped at the rear, resulting in harsh initial impacts and a bouncy back end. Instead of bucking like an angry bull in response to undulations and urban speed bumps, the CX-60 now recovers far quicker, which makes for a more relaxing ride. The improvement is felt by both the driver and second row passengers, who benefit most from firmer rear suspension tuning. Attempts to mellow the harshness of the original CX-60 have certainly improved its liveability markedly, but it's still one of the stiffer vehicles in its class. The upshot of that is that the CX-60 remains engaging to drive for a family hauler. There's some weight in the steering, and a sense of stability through high speed corners that you don't feel in other two-tonne SUVs. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert Straight sections of tarmac bring the best out of the beefy turbocharged inline-six under the bonnet, which is an absolute powerhouse. Mazda claims that the G40e can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and I don't doubt that – once rolling the CX-60 pulls strongly through the mid-range and all the way to redline, if you're so inclined. In a world of tiny turbo four-pots, the 3.3-litre donk in this CX-60 is refreshingly muscular, although it still deserves a better transmission. Mazda promised to address complaints of transmission jerkiness for this major update, and while changes have been made, the same issues persist to a lesser extent. The eight-speed automatic still loathes the stop/start grind of heavy traffic, forcing the driver to be measured in their throttle inputs. Mazda's automatic stop-start function doesn't help the cause, instead adding to the difficulty of smooth launches from standstill. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert These issues evaporate once you shift beyond third gear. Indeed, the CX-60 performs best on the highway or a forgiving country road. It's in these situations that you can take advantage of its pulling power, all-wheel drive grip, and intuitive suite of driver aids. The Vision Technology Package is now standard for all variants bar the base Pure, and this Touring certainly felt well equipped to handle long stints on the highway. You can rely on adaptive cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and safe following distance, while the active lane centring function provides a semi-autonomous driving experience. Despite the plethora of safety features on hand, annoying beeps and bongs rarely disturb the peace. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert If your journey takes you off the beaten track, the CX-60 offers an off-road drive mode and hill descent control – both great for camping trips in remote areas. In close quarters, Touring buyers benefit from a high-resolution surround-view camera, reversing camera, and full perimeter sensors. To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool There are now five variants to the CX-60 range with the addition of Pure and Touring trim levels. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mazda CX-60 Pure equipment highlights: 18-inch grey metallic alloy wheels Automatic LED headlights Auto high-beam Rain-sensing wipers Body colour exterior mirrors Side mirrors with: Black wheel arches and lower cladding 10.25-inch infotainment system 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen (six-cylinder) 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (PHEV) Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Satellite navigation Rear console with USB-C and 150W AC outlet Rear 1500W AC power outlet socket (PHEV) Front USB-C charging points DAB+ digital radio 8-speaker sound system Black cloth upholstery 8-way manual driver's seat adjustment Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather-wrapped shifter Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Dual-zone climate control Keyless entry and start Electric park brake with auto-hold CX-60 Evolve adds: Remote-operated power tailgate (open/close) G-Vectoring Control Plus 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Head-up display Wireless phone charger Black Maztex leatherette upholstery 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert CX-60 Touring adds: Exterior mirror position memory Black leather upholstery Heated front seats 10-way driver seat power adjustment with lumbar adjustment Eight-way front passenger seat power adjustment Two-position driver seat memory CX-60 GT adds: 20-inch black metallic alloy wheels LED headlights with 'dark signature' Adaptive LED headlights Rear combination lights with signature illumination Power sliding panoramic sunroof Gloss black exterior mirrors Two-position side mirror memory Body-colour wheel arches and lower cladding Gloss black honeycomb grille 12.3-inch infotainment system 12-speaker Bose premium sound system with amplifier Personalise system (auto restoration of settings) Electric steering wheel adjustment Heated steering wheel Heated outboard rear seats CX-60 Azami adds: 20-inch black metallic and machined alloy wheels Adaptive LED headlights with 'bright signature' Body colour exterior mirrors Front bumper with bar-type grille Personalise system with 'East Entry & Driving' position guide LED ambient lighting Frameless interior mirror Black Nappa leather upholstery Ventilated front seats Leather side door trim with courtesy lamp To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Mazda CX-60 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2022. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: Front, side, curtain, far-side, and knee airbags Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Forward obstruction warning Blind-spot monitoring Vehicle exit warning Rear cross-traffic alert Lane-keep assist Adaptive cruise control Driver attention monitoring Surround-view camera Reversing camera Front and rear parking sensors Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Evolve adds: Surround-view monitor with see-through view Driver monitoring Cruising and traffic support Front cross-traffic alert To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Mazda CX-60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance. Mazda offers seven years of capped-price servicing. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Mazda has invested heavily in this mid-cycle update for the CX-60, and that time and money hasn't gone to waste. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert The CX-60 is now more comfortable, more refined, smoother around town, and more affordable – all improvements that make it a more appealing option in the brimming mid-size SUV market. What's more, our G40e Touring could be the pick of the bunch. It feels premium for the sub-$60k asking price, and that turbo inline-six engine is a peach. There are still a few reasons to look elsewhere, though. Growing families may be compelled to buy something with a bigger boot, and expensive servicing is tough to swallow during a cost of living crisis. Nevertheless, the CX-60 is no longer a hard pass, and well worth considering as an almost-fancy alternative to segment staples. 2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Mazda CX-60? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Mazda CX-60 Inline-six packs a punch Priced right this time Improved ride comfort Expensive servicing Smaller boot than rivals Thirsty in the real world
7NEWS
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 Mazda CX-60 G40e Touring review
As far as automotive facelifts go, this is a big one. The Mazda CX-60 mid-size SUV arrived Down Under in 2023 with the weight of expectation on its shoulders, and that weight was compounded by a high sticker price. Ultimately, while the new model impressed with premium interior finishes and punchy engine options, it was let down by baffling suspension tuning and low-speed transmission quibbles. Subsequently, Mazda offered a fix that arrived in March last year, when Mazda Australia gave owners the option to have revised rear shock absorbers installed free of charge. But it still wasn't enough. Complaints of discomfort persisted, and the reputation of this shiny new SUV continued to suffer as a result. That brings us to this, Mazda's third bite at the cherry. Heavily updated for 2025, the CX-60 still features double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, but it now has softer rear springs, increased rear rebound damping, and firmer front compression damping, aimed at smoothing its ride. Additionally, the car's power steering, all-wheel drive, and stability systems have been recalibrated. Mazda has also addressed complaints about the CX-60's eight-speed automatic transmission. Two new trim grades have joined the range – Pure and Touring. The Pure is the new base model, while our Touring tester slots between the Evolve and GT. In another win for consumers, Mazda's Vision Technology Package is now standard on the Evolve and variants above. It was previously an option on all but the Azami, and brings various tech and safety enhancements like a larger instrument display and additional driver aids. So, is the CX-60 finally the car it should've been at launch? Or is it a case of third time, not so lucky. We put a mid-spec, turbo-petrol G40e Touring through a week of rigorous testing to find out. How much does the Mazda CX-60 cost? Pricing is down right across the board, while our G40e Touring tester sits in the lower middle of the newly expanded range. To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool What is the Mazda CX-60 like on the inside? As the specifications sheet suggests, the new Touring trim grade is geared towards comfort for front seat occupants. Bridging the gap between the Evolve and GT trim levels, the Touring variants brings luxuries including leather upholstery, heated front seats and power adjustment at a respectable price point – $58,240 before on-road costs in this case. That's $10,000 less than you would've paid last year for a CX-60 with the aforementioned features, which demonstrates Mazda's shift towards a value focus for the 2025 facelift. And the combination of a range restructure and generous discounting sees this G40e Touring present as a premium option among the mainstream mid-size SUVs. While the front seats are a bit firm for my liking, heating and power adjustability are welcome inclusions. Mazda offers a whopping seven different trim options for the CX-60, but the Touring interior is among the least inspiring. It's a sea of black leather and other soft-touch materials, broken up by some brown stitching and silver accents. The colour scheme may leave a little to be desired, but at least the cabin feels premium – there's ample padding where you rest your elbows, and no unwelcome creaks or rattles. Mazda has thrown a raft of upgrades at the CX-60 for this facelift, but the technology suite remains relatively untouched. As one might expect, you get the smaller 10.25-inch infotainment system in this new Touring model, but Mazda's pursuit to widen the CX-60's appeal sees all variants from Evolve up gain the previously optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It's significantly larger than the 7-inch item found in pre-update examples, and makes the most of its added size sporting crisp graphics and several elegant layouts. All information is displayed in a clear manner regardless of cluster layout, and you can easily customise the readouts shown. The infotainment screen isn't quite as intuitive, an issue that stretches back years. It sits too far back in the dash, making it hard to reach while driving. That's seemingly how Mazda intended it, as you can only use the touch functionality of the screen when smartphone mirroring is active. Most functions still require use of a chunky rotary controller and physical buttons, which undoubtedly suits tech-averse buyers, and the infotainment menus are organised in a simple list layout. The setup may seem quite old school, but the graphics and processing power remain competitive and we didn't experience any undesirable glitches over the course of our test. Similarly, the physical climate controls are familiar and functional, without detracting too much from the cabin design. In addition to the pair of screens in the dash, the Touring features a large head-up display that gives the driver a clear view of their speed, the speed limit, and cruise control settings. Storage up front is adequate, if not spectacular. The split opening centre console is clever but lacking for space, although it does house a pair of USB-C outlets. Additional charging options include a wireless pad and 12V socket, both located at the base of the centre stack. Elsewhere you get bog standard door bins sculpted to swallow a large drink bottle, central cupholders, a sunglasses holder, coin tray, and a roomy glovebox. Overall, there are enough cubbies to avoid clutter. For a mid-size SUV, the second row is also reasonably accomodating. Ingress and egress are made easy by rear doors that open to near-enough 90 degrees, so nan and pop will have no issues getting in and out. There's just enough room for taller adults to occupy the outboard seats, and the seats themselves are supportive over long journeys. Anyone taller than six-three may struggle for headroom, but expecting a vehicle in this segment to regularly ferry around the local basketball team is asking for trouble. Once comfortably seated, it quickly becomes apparent that the second row isn't lacking for amenities, either. With a pair of USB-C outlets, dual air vents, deep map pockets, ample drink storage, and a proper 220V plug, the CX-60 meets just about all the demands of the modern passenger princess. Step up to the GT and you even get heated outboard seats. The promise of practicality is still betrayed by the boot in the CX-60, which is undersized compared to rivals. Mazda quotes 477 litres of cargo capacity, well shy of the 600L that some competitors boast. With that said, the CX-60 Touring makes up for a lack of space with handy features like a powered tailgate and a 12V socket to keep your appliances running. The boot area is also relatively user-friendly, as there's no load lip and the rear bench folds flat. As proof of that point, I was able to load three large kitchen stools without hassle. Parents will take comfort from the fact that the CX-60 is equipped with all the requisite top tether and ISOFIX points needed to safely secure a set of child seats. To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? Mazda's three-engine lineup for the CX-60 is unchanged for 2025. On test here is the cheapest of the bunch – a 3.3-litre turbo-petrol inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool How does the Mazda CX-60 drive? Let's start by answering the question on everyone's lips – has Mazda fixed the uncomfortable ride that has plagued this model since launch? Now, it's still nowhere near perfect, but the CX-60 is far more settled than before. We had the opportunity to drive both pre-facelift and facelift examples back to back at Victoria's Lang Lang Proving Ground, and the differences between the two across vibration, gravel, and bump testing were stark. To begin with, the retuned CX-60 does a far better job of shielding occupants from vibrations generated by uneven surfaces. Ruts in the road are heard but not felt, and there's less vibration through the steering wheel than before. The cabin is quieter too, with added insulation to dull outside noise. In contrast to the unbalanced suspension characteristics of the pre-facelift CX-60, updated versions also feel more composed. Gravel roads, moguls and other imperfect surfaces still expose the stiffness inherent to the CX-60, but the front and rear suspension now work in tandem to limit discomfort. That's a far cry from the the old car, which was overdamped in the front and underdamped at the rear, resulting in harsh initial impacts and a bouncy back end. Instead of bucking like an angry bull in response to undulations and urban speed bumps, the CX-60 now recovers far quicker, which makes for a more relaxing ride. The improvement is felt by both the driver and second row passengers, who benefit most from firmer rear suspension tuning. Attempts to mellow the harshness of the original CX-60 have certainly improved its liveability markedly, but it's still one of the stiffer vehicles in its class. The upshot of that is that the CX-60 remains engaging to drive for a family hauler. There's some weight in the steering, and a sense of stability through high speed corners that you don't feel in other two-tonne SUVs. Straight sections of tarmac bring the best out of the beefy turbocharged inline-six under the bonnet, which is an absolute powerhouse. Mazda claims that the G40e can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and I don't doubt that – once rolling the CX-60 pulls strongly through the mid-range and all the way to redline, if you're so inclined. In a world of tiny turbo four-pots, the 3.3-litre donk in this CX-60 is refreshingly muscular, although it still deserves a better transmission. Mazda promised to address complaints of transmission jerkiness for this major update, and while changes have been made, the same issues persist to a lesser extent. The eight-speed automatic still loathes the stop/start grind of heavy traffic, forcing the driver to be measured in their throttle inputs. Mazda's automatic stop-start function doesn't help the cause, instead adding to the difficulty of smooth launches from standstill. These issues evaporate once you shift beyond third gear. Indeed, the CX-60 performs best on the highway or a forgiving country road. It's in these situations that you can take advantage of its pulling power, all-wheel drive grip, and intuitive suite of driver aids. The Vision Technology Package is now standard for all variants bar the base Pure, and this Touring certainly felt well equipped to handle long stints on the highway. You can rely on adaptive cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and safe following distance, while the active lane centring function provides a semi-autonomous driving experience. Despite the plethora of safety features on hand, annoying beeps and bongs rarely disturb the peace. If your journey takes you off the beaten track, the CX-60 offers an off-road drive mode and hill descent control – both great for camping trips in remote areas. In close quarters, Touring buyers benefit from a high-resolution surround-view camera, reversing camera, and full perimeter sensors. To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool What do you get? There are now five variants to the CX-60 range with the addition of Pure and Touring trim levels. 2025 Mazda CX-60 Pure equipment highlights: 18-inch grey metallic alloy wheels Automatic LED headlights Auto high-beam Rain-sensing wipers Body colour exterior mirrors Side mirrors with: Black wheel arches and lower cladding 10.25-inch infotainment system 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen (six-cylinder) 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (PHEV) Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Satellite navigation Rear console with USB-C and 150W AC outlet Rear 1500W AC power outlet socket (PHEV) Front USB-C charging points DAB+ digital radio 8-speaker sound system Black cloth upholstery 8-way manual driver's seat adjustment Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather-wrapped shifter Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Dual-zone climate control Keyless entry and start Electric park brake with auto-hold CX-60 Evolve adds: Remote-operated power tailgate (open/close) G-Vectoring Control Plus 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Head-up display Wireless phone charger Black Maztex leatherette upholstery CX-60 Touring adds: Exterior mirror position memory Black leather upholstery Heated front seats 10-way driver seat power adjustment with lumbar adjustment Eight-way front passenger seat power adjustment Two-position driver seat memory CX-60 GT adds: 20-inch black metallic alloy wheels LED headlights with 'dark signature' Adaptive LED headlights Rear combination lights with signature illumination Power sliding panoramic sunroof Gloss black exterior mirrors Two-position side mirror memory Body-colour wheel arches and lower cladding Gloss black honeycomb grille 12.3-inch infotainment system 12-speaker Bose premium sound system with amplifier Personalise system (auto restoration of settings) Electric steering wheel adjustment Heated steering wheel Heated outboard rear seats CX-60 Azami adds: 20-inch black metallic and machined alloy wheels Adaptive LED headlights with 'bright signature' Body colour exterior mirrors Front bumper with bar-type grille Personalise system with 'East Entry & Driving' position guide LED ambient lighting Frameless interior mirror Black Nappa leather upholstery Ventilated front seats Leather side door trim with courtesy lamp To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Is the Mazda CX-60 safe? The Mazda CX-60 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2022. Standard safety equipment includes: Front, side, curtain, far-side, and knee airbags Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Forward obstruction warning Blind-spot monitoring Vehicle exit warning Rear cross-traffic alert Lane-keep assist Adaptive cruise control Driver attention monitoring Surround-view camera Reversing camera Front and rear parking sensors Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Evolve adds: Surround-view monitor with see-through view Driver monitoring Cruising and traffic support Front cross-traffic alert To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool How much does the Mazda CX-60 cost to run? The Mazda CX-60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance. Mazda offers seven years of capped-price servicing. To see how the Mazda CX-60 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Mazda CX-60 Mazda has invested heavily in this mid-cycle update for the CX-60, and that time and money hasn't gone to waste. The CX-60 is now more comfortable, more refined, smoother around town, and more affordable – all improvements that make it a more appealing option in the brimming mid-size SUV market. What's more, our G40e Touring could be the pick of the bunch. It feels premium for the sub-$60k asking price, and that turbo inline-six engine is a peach. There are still a few reasons to look elsewhere, though. Growing families may be compelled to buy something with a bigger boot, and expensive servicing is tough to swallow during a cost of living crisis. Nevertheless, the CX-60 is no longer a hard pass, and well worth considering as an almost-fancy alternative to segment staples. Interested in buying a Mazda CX-60? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here Pros Inline-six packs a punch Priced right this time Improved ride comfort Cons
The South African
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
SIX appeal: Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi review
The Mazda CX-60 is not exactly a brand-new car. Due to the vagaries of global automotive supply chains, the one-million-Rand SUV has been around since 2023 in other markets. However, don't let that dissuade you. Because, as you'll see, this sophisticated family SUV might actually be worth the tall pile of cash needed to purchase one … Principle to the argument is Mazda's ever-evolving 'Kodo' design language. Genuinely, the Mazda CX-60 is something to behold in the metal. Cover up the badges fore and aft, and I believe it could pass for a similarly sized Jaguar, Alfa Romeo or Maserati even. It's handsome in a familiar, yet understated way. Like that person at a party drawing everyone's attention purely because they exude a quiet confidence. Try and tell me this couldn't be an SUV from Jag, Maser or Alfa? Image: Mazda Press This particular test unit is absolutely brand new, with barely 1 000 km on the clock when we began our road test. The Takumi trim adds premium touches like the 20-inch machined alloy wheels, wrapped in Japanese Toyo tyres, 360-degree cameras and a slick double sunroof. Beneath the bonnet of the Mazda CX-60 is its much-talked about party piece – a silky-smooth 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid wizardry. On the move, this Japanese SUV has an uncanny 'BMWness' to it. Like Mazda's engineers went to Bavaria and kidnapped a BMW powertrain designer. Then engineered something even better … The result is an engine that purrs like a contented cat when you're cruising, but snarls like a tiger when you bury your foot and go for an overtake. The claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time is in the seven-second range. However, tractability from 80 km/h to 120 km/h is simply exemplary. That's thanks to 187 kW and 550 Nm of turbodiesel power with that 48V get up and go. On the surface the cabin may seem a little bland, we call it intuitive and user-friendly. Image: Ray Leathern Climb inside, and you're greeted by what can only be described as a solid if slightly austere Japanese interior. As someone familiar with the great CX-5 and other classing-leading Mazdas, I think it's well judged. Ergonomically, everything falls easily to hand. However, new-money buyers courting tech-heavy Chinese cars might find the cabin a little 'old school.' Craftsmanship and fit and finish are top notch though. Japanese cars have a particularly good new-car smell. And despite being so new, there was not a squeak or a rattle to be heard. There may not be extra-wide dual touchscreens or a thousand ambient lighting themes that are so popular nowadays, but it's great place to spend extended periods of time. Likewise, true to brand, the Mazda CX-60 is unerringly practical. For our Southern Cape long-weekend getaway, we made full use of the 477-litre luggage volume and 1 148-litre utility space with the rear seats folded flat. The Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi is the flagship model in the range, retailing for R1 085 100. Image: Mazda Press On the open road to the Garden Route, it's apparent that the six-cylinder turbodiesel sets it apart from its competitors. Interestingly, the Mazda CX-60 doesn't fixate on all the Eco gimmicks that are so popular nowadays. In fact, it's three driving modes are: Sport, Normal and Off-Road, that's it … Nevertheless, the 48V mild-hybrid system with i-Stop slips in and out of assistance with the subtlety of a double agent at a black-tie dinner. Only when you navigate to the powertrain energy display will you catch some semblance of it in the act. It's always helping reduce fuel where possible by switching off the engine completely, even on the move. The claimed economy is 4.9 l/100 km. But that's on a mixed cycle with a lot of stop-start driving. While our test route was mostly steady open road that returned a still impressive frugality of 6.5 l/100 km. Even more impressive is the mild-hybrid boost to aid overtaking when the battery is full. Let's put it this way. When passed many vehicles on the highway and only had to cede to one overtake. And that vehicle was on its way to compete in the Simola Hillclimb! 177 mm of ground clearance is sufficient for steep Garden Route driveways and occasional gravel travel detours. Image: Ray Leathern There's something pleasingly familiar and old-school about the Mazda CX-60. Perhaps this is because it's effectively a two-year old car. But during the test period it proved itself to have thoroughly premium tendencies. Nothing was out of place and it wasn't found wanting in any situation. Chassis balance is excellent, the steering feel is direct and well-weighted. And the ride quality, while firm, finds an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness. As mentioned, any number of premium brands could wish to build a family SUV as well as the CX-60. My only gripe is the size of the fuel tank. It must only be in a 40-litre reservoir (despite Mazda's own brochure). Because something as frugal as the 3.3D should deliver well over 1 000-km range, but we were out by 800 km. So, you'll be pulling into a forecourt more regularly on your holiday, but that's no hardship in this million-rand Mazda. Take a test drive and you'll see it delivers a genuinely premium experience that stands toe-to-toe with established luxury brands. The Mazda CX-60 deserves to find its way into many driveways – assuming those driveways belong to people who value substance over anything else … Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi Price: R1 085 100 R1 085 100 Engine: 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel (+MHEV48) 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel (+MHEV48) Power: 187 kW and 550 Nm 187 kW and 550 Nm Fuel consumption: 4.9 l/100 km (claimed) and 6.5 l/100 km (tested) 4.9 l/100 km (claimed) and 6.5 l/100 km (tested) Performance: 0-100 km/h in 7.3 sec (claimed) and top speed 219 km/h Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
7NEWS
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 Mazda CX-60 gets mechanical upgrades, but here's what's missing
Connectivity tech introduced by Mazda in 2024 and subsequently rolled out across various models isn't part of the latest update for the mid-size CX-60 crossover. The 2025 Mazda CX-60 has received mechanical and equipment upgrades – along with price cuts of up to $5560 – yet buyers will still miss out on the carmaker's Mazda Connected Services. The recent upgrade of the five-seat CX-60 SUV centred around dynamic improvements, with retuned suspension, transmission and steering among key changes in revised lineup with a new entry-level CX-60 Pure grade. Yet despite the CX-60's premium pitch as a rival to German SUVs – including the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Audi Q5 as well as the Lexus NX and Volvo XC60 – it still doesn't include the latest connected services tech. 'Connected Services are not available on the forthcoming CX-60, as this is an update rather than an all-new model, and CX-60 was already available in market before the Connected Services were launched,' said a spokesperson for Mazda Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'The inclusions in mid-life product updates are dictated by a range of factors; largely customer demand and product competitiveness. In this instance, the updates to dynamics were prioritised.' The first vehicle to be fitted with the Mazda Connected Services in Australia was the 2024 model-year MX-5 which – with the current 'ND' generation now a decade old – also pre-dates the tech. Mazda Connected Services includes an SOS button to call emergency services in the event of an accident and also enables users to check the vehicle status – such as location, fuel level, tyre pressures and servicing reminders – via the My Mazda smartphone app. A Stolen Vehicle Assistance tracker is also part of Mazda Connected Services, which shows live vehicle position updates via the app while sharing the location with police. Since its Australian debut in the MX-5 in March 2024, Mazda Connected Services has been introduced to the Mazda 3 and CX-30. It's also now standard on CX-70 and CX-80 SUVs which share the same architecture as the CX-60, meaning few (if any) technical barriers to its fitment. Launched here in 2023, the CX-60 is the best-selling of Mazda's quartet of larger, more premium 'CX' SUVs (CX-60/70/80/90) and has seen sales more than double year-to-date after suspension fixes the car maker brought in 2024. The latest update brings a new CX-60 Pure entry-level grade which is otherwise not short of standard tech, including a 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian/cyclist detection and intersection support, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition. Inside, the CX-60 Pure includes a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen, and head-up display as standard.
