Mazda CX-60

The arrival of the first-ever Mazda CX-60 serves as a turning point for the carmaker because this is the first Mazda crossover to run on a brand new rear-wheel-drive platform, which caused quite a stir for the fans and insiders alike. So, what's it all about the CX-60?

2023 Mazda CX-60

Priced at 2,992,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, roughly the same price as its bigger and soon-to-be-replaced Mazda CX-8, but sharply cheaper to own than the BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC, the Mazda CX-60 is surprisingly a luxury crossover with a not-so-luxury pricetag that demands attention from the motoring world because of what lies underneath rather than its classic Mazda looks.

2023 Mazda CX-60

Thanks to Mazda's Kodo design which has been around for ten years, the CX-60 looks nearly identical to its similarly-sized brother, the Mazda CX-5, from head to toe, but don't try confusing these two because, despite their similar looks, the divergence underneath them will shock you.

2023 Mazda CX-60 interior

The high-quality interior is another one of the CX-60's key points because of the Nappa leather slathered on expensive models, the Mazda Connect system, optional Bose Sound System, and seating for five, among many others. As for the back, it's more spacious than the CX-5 despite its rear-wheel-drive platform running underneath and it even comes with an available power liftgate that allows users to automatically open the rear gate by lifting their foot under the rear bumper. It's all common sense, really.

2023 Mazda CX-60

At launch, the CX-60 is offered with the choice of a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol engine and the first-ever SKYACTIV-D 3.3 diesel engine, all mated to an 8-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic gearbox. The diesel engine can be bolted with a 48V mild hybrid system, which results in 254PS of power and 550Nm of torque, while the fuel economy is up to 21.1kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. This is the most powerful diesel-powered Mazda ever made and looks like the CX-60 is onto something here.

Mind you, there will be a plug-in hybrid variant coming soon, and this first-ever e-SKYACTIV PHEV powertrain mated to an 8-speed AT will be a revolution for Mazda.

The large FR architecture running underneath made the CX-60 drive like never before. It nearly behaves like the BMW X3 while taking through a leisurely weekend drive and looks like insiders are going to enjoy what this rear-wheel-drive architecture delivers. Coupled with the rack-and-pinion steering, front double wishbone, rear multilink suspension, and ventilated disc brakes, the end result is a crossover that drives greatly without the drama. Add a 4WD system to it and it feels capable to drive under the weather.

On the topic of safety, the Mazda CX-60's fully prepared with a wide range of active safety features such as the Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Cruising and Traffic Support, and many others.

The first-ever Mazda CX-60 is promising to be a huge win for Mazda because of its rear-wheel-drive architecture that delivers rewarding dynamics without the drama, not to mention a wide range of engine choices and the tech involved, although the stale looks made the insiders mistake the CX-60 for a CX-5. For an X3 competitor without the luxury car price tag, this is basically the most affordable luxury crossover you can buy and it's a huge freaking win for Mazda.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation