The new crossover Mazda CX-60 brought the brand to the premium

After a 23-year hiatus, Mazda returns to the classic design of the main models. And at the same time it rises to the premium segment, where it will compete mainly with Lexus cars. This transformation began five years ago and took a significant part of the company’s resources, for which it was even necessary to extend the production cycle of the existing Mazda 6 and CX-5 models, subjecting them to constant updates.

The last longitudinally-engined, rear-wheel drive mainstream models in production were the Mazda 929 sedan and the first generation Mazda MPV minivan, which disappeared from the scene in 1999. Since then, Mazda has retained rear-wheel drive for sports-only cars. But the new Skyactiv Scalable Architecture platform with a classic design is already ready, which will become the basis for a whole family of large vehicles (Large Product Group). And the Mazda CX-60 crossover became the first production model on this “car.

In terms of size, this is a classmate of the BMW X3 or Jaguar F-Pace models: length – 4745 mm, width – 1890 mm, height – 1670 mm. The wheelbase is 2870 mm compared to 2864 mm for the third X. In terms of design, the Mazda CX-60 did not surprise and was only an extension of the existing branded styling. Of course, adjusted for proportions: the front axle is shifted to the bumper, and the long hood added prestige to the crossover. Wheels can be from 18 to 20 inches in diameter. Trunk volume is an impressive 570 liters, and with the rear row folded down 1726 liters.

The chassis architecture is traditional: double wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear. Suspension can only be spring. The Mazda CX-60 comes standard with the electronic KPC (Kinematic Posture Control) system, which recently debuted on the Mazda MX-5 roadster. Allows you to reduce roll in corners by braking the inside rear wheel. In fact, this is a software add-on to the standard stabilization system: the electronics calculates the difference in the speed of rotation of the left and right wheels and, taking into account the speed of the car, selects the degree of braking of the car for the desired wheel.

The CX-60 crossover was Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid. The e-Skyactiv engine version, which includes the familiar 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and a 136-horsepower electric motor are integrated into a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The system’s maximum output of 327 hp and 500 Nm is also the most powerful road-going Mazda ever. i-Activ AWD transmission: not with a clutch, but with permanent all-wheel drive!

The hybrid is equipped with a 17.8 kWh traction battery, which is located under the cabin floor. A full charge should be enough for 63 km in electric mode, which allows you to move at speeds up to 100 km / h. Passport fuel consumption in hybrid mode is just 1.5 l/100 km. With full impact, such a crossover can accelerate to “hundreds" in 5.8 seconds. In addition to purely electric, there are four more driving modes: Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Trailer.

Later, the Mazda CX-60 will acquire other powertrains – these are in-line six-cylinder engines, the development of which is almost completed. The 3.0-litre e-Skyactiv X petrol engine and 3.3-litre Skyactiv-D turbodiesel will have a 48-volt M Hybrid Boost starter generator and will be paired to the same eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to all-wheel drive, you can opt for rear-wheel drive.

The interior design of the Mazda CX-60 also continues the existing style: the front fascia, (fully virtual) instruments and center tunnel look familiar. The fact is that the transmission selector is no longer fixed. Widescreen display media system: 12.3 inches.

But they promise a very high quality of finishing materials, even in the base Prime-Line. And in the Superior version, with the typical Japanese name Takumi (this word is used for first-class professionals), nappa leather, wood veneer (from maple) and unusual stitching made in the Japanese Kakenui technique are used for interior decoration. The back of the rear sofa is divided into three parts in a ratio of 40:20:40.

Options include adaptive cruise control (with traffic sign recognition), ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, panoramic cameras, a panoramic sunroof and more. And then there is the Mazda Driver Personalization System: electronics can recognize drivers stored in memory by their faces, adjusting all settings for them, including climate control and an audio system.

The Mazda CX-60 will go on sale in the summer and prices have already been announced. In Germany, a hybrid will cost from 47 thousand euros, which is 6-10 thousand cheaper than comparable hybrid crossovers from the German Big Three. Six-cylinder versions will come later. Next in line is a larger crossover Mazda CX-80 with three rows of seats. And for America, similar models of the Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 are being prepared, which will be wider and more massive than their counterparts for Europe and Japan.