With the 2023 CX-60 D50e Azami, Mazda believes it has created a premium SUV that may rival established European rivals just like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Genesis GV70. That’s a tall order contemplating that almost all shoppers higher know Mazda as a rival to extra mainstream manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, and VW. So, has Mazda achieved what it got down to do?

To seek out out, we not too long ago lived with the top-of-the-range CX-60 Azami to see what it’s all about. What we found is a medium-sized SUV that’s extraordinarily well-rounded however one which could possibly be made even higher with some small and simple to implement refinements.

The main points

Mazda Australia sells the CX-60 in three completely different grades, all of that are supplied with each the corporate’s 3.3-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol and diesel inline-sixes. The vary begins with the Evolve accessible from AU$65,829 ($44,291), the GT from AU$74,165 ($49,899), and the Azami which kicks off from AU$79,584 ($53,545).

Fast info

Many trade consultants have been fairly shocked when an investor report from Mazda in early 2019 revealed the carmaker was growing a pair of recent 3.3-liter inline-sixes at a time when a lot of its opponents have been downsizing. Within the case of the turbo petrol, this engine is sweet for 209 kW (280 hp) between 5,000 rpm and 6,000 rpm in addition to 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque from 2,000 rpm to three,500 rpm. Respectable figures, certainly. Within the diesel that we drove, the three.3-liter pushes out 187 kW (251 hp) at 3,750 rpm and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm to 2,400 rpm.

No matter which engine prospects select, each come mated completely to an eight-speed computerized transmission that Mazda developed in-house. A 48-volt mild-hybrid motor has additionally been sandwiched between the engine and the transmission and helps to enhance gas financial system.

Whereas the petrol 3.3-liter has extra energy, it’s AU$2,859 ($1,923) cheaper than the diesel, though it’s fairly widespread for diesel fashions to be priced a little bit increased than petrol choices. These looking for the last word in efficiency and gas effectivity may also order the CX-60 with a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid for AU$92,609 ($62,309), the identical mannequin that our personal Chris Chilton has been residing with over within the UK.

A cabin to die for

The CX-60 D50e Azami that we examined was geared up with the non-obligatory SP Pack for AU$2,000 ($1,345). It provides tan Nappa leather-based via the cabin, 20-inch metallic black alloy wheels, dark-colored facet signatures, a gloss black honeycomb grille, gloss black wing mirrors, darkened LED headlights, a dashboard with a suede end, and a two-tone steering wheel. Those that don’t just like the tan can go for the AU$2,000 ($1,345) Takumi Pack with white Nappa leather-based, a material dashboard, and white maple wooden accents.

In early 2020, I helped my mom choose a brand new automobile to exchange her outdated VW Golf. We finally settled on the Mazda3 hatchback, primarily due to how good its inside was. Just like the Mazda3, the inside of the CX-60 with the SP Pack is the spotlight and maybe probably the most stunning a part of it.

Upon getting into the cabin for the primary time I used to be instantly greeted by a big 12.3-inch infotainment display screen that prompted me to arrange my private driver profile. I used to be then requested to enter my top and identical to that, the steering wheel and the seat began to maneuver, trying to position me into the best driving place.

I had heard about this function earlier than choosing up the automobile and anticipated it to be inaccurate. It was, putting me in a weird place with the seat far too excessive and reclined an excessive amount of for my liking. Nonetheless, after making a number of changes, I used to be capable of finding the right driving place. This method additionally scans your face and can save your settings and face to a customized profile, robotically readjusting every little thing again to your choice ought to anybody else drive the automobile. With all of this arrange, I used to be then capable of absolutely respect the attractive cabin that I discovered myself in. It blows something from Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and VW out of the water and feels simply as premium as a BMW and a Mercedes-Benz.

Learn: Mazda Launches 28 Official Equipment For The CX-60 In Australia

Mazda is an knowledgeable with regards to soft-touch surfaces and they’re present in abundance within the CX-60. The higher portion of the doorways are clad in pretty black leather-based whereas the mid-section of our tester had plush tan-colored suede and steel handles. The highest of the dashboard can also be tremendous spongy and the tan suede within the middle of the sprint feels premium. We had combined emotions in regards to the two-tone tan and black end of the steering wheel however did discover it to be the right dimension and the buttons on it very straightforward and intuitive to make use of. It additionally has a heated operate, not that I used it fairly often.

Consolation for all

When adjusted appropriately, the seats are nice, too. These up entrance supply electrical adjustment with reminiscence for the driving force’s facet in addition to heated and ventilated features. Positioned forward of the driving force is a high-definition 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It is extremely vivid and detailed however affords little or no scope for personalization which is a disgrace. Mazda has additionally included a big head-up show, bigger than many different choices on this phase and loaded with options, together with turn-by-turn navigation.

The central 12.3-inch infotainment show rocks the model’s present and acquainted UI and affords each wired and wi-fi help for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though we couldn’t get both system to work wirelessly throughout our time with the CX-60 and imagine it wanted a software program replace. The display screen can be utilized as a contact show with smartphone mirroring or utilizing the rotary dial whereas the Mazda UI solely affords help for the bodily dial. Curiously, the contact show of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is disabled when driving, except you discover the well-hidden setting to allow it.

Just like the entrance row, the second row of the CX-60 D50e Azami is a snug place to spend time. I had loads of legroom with the driving force’s seat in my most popular place and located headroom to be superior to the GV70. These sitting on the again have heated seats, entry to USB-C charging ports, and even a standard family energy socket, a welcome and sudden function. A notable unique are rear local weather management switches, a function we imagine must be current on a automobile at this value level.

Cargo area is rated at 477 liters (16.8 cubic-feet) with the rear seats up and 1,726 liters (60.9 cubic-feet) with them folded down. Discovered beneath the trunk is the subwoofer for the excellent 12-speaker Bose audio system and a spare tire.

The driving expertise

Driving the CX-60 D50e Azami is a pleasure however there are some issues that Mazda will hopefully enhance when it decides the time is correct to launch a facelifted mannequin. First, the great.

Mazda’s 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel is not like every other I’ve pushed. In actual fact, it took me a couple of minutes of driving it to understand there was certainly a diesel beneath the hood, slightly than the petrol 3.3-liter. The explanation for this? The sound.

The second you depress the accelerator of the CX-60 greater than about 20%, a cacophony begins to slowly construct within the cabin. It’s completely artificial however builds and builds because the revs climb and also you begin to stand on the throttle. Loads of different autos on the market pump faux engine sounds into the cabin and for probably the most half, they sound fairly silly. Not the case right here. From behind the driving force’s seat, it sounds just like the D50e has a big capability petrol engine and it’s so convincing it initially fooled me into pondering I used to be certainly driving the petrol mannequin. It’s solely when you crack open the home windows that the everyday truck-like sound of the diesel could be heard.

Straight-line acceleration is nice. Mazda says it wants 7.3 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) however the sturdy throttle response and torque make it really feel faster than that. Overtaking is a breeze and the acceleration, paired with the sound, makes for an SUV that’s surprisingly enjoyable and exhilarating to drive.

The dealing with dynamics of the CX-60 D50e are additionally excellent. Though it suggestions the scales at 1,990 kg (4,387 lbs), it likes to be pushed quick via corners do you have to want whereas remaining poised and cozy when pushed at common speeds. The steering is well-weighted and the braking is confidence-inspiring. Mazda has lengthy constructed some very fantastic driver’s vehicles and whereas the D50e isn’t essentially a efficiency SUV, it seems like being on the verge of 1.

Pushed: Mazda CX-60’s Hybrid Drivetrain Spoils Premium SUV Newcomer

Then there’s the unhealthy. The primary is the transmission. It isn’t poor by any means and for many customers in most driving eventualities, it would do the job simply fantastic. Nonetheless, it feels jerky at sluggish speeds and delivers a stable thump every time it shifts. Additionally it is sluggish to reply while you’re at full throttle and at all times seems like it’s one step behind the engine. There was additionally a couple of event when it robotically downshifted slightly violently, sending a shudder via the cabin.

Many of those complaints could be ironed out utilizing the paddle shifters however there’s no devoted guide mode, so it’ll at all times revert to altering gears for you. Most consumers will most likely by no means use the paddles both.

The experience additionally must be improved. For probably the most half, it’s fairly agency and whereas that’s not essentially a foul factor, it turns into rapidly unsettled by any giant imperfections within the street. It additionally bounces over velocity humps and takes some time to settle.

Whereas we thought the engine was good more often than not, it’s fairly tough at low speeds, sounding and feeling like a giant truck engine. Thankfully, it comes alive at 20% throttle as talked about and immediately feels extra premium and responsive. Mazda’s mild-hybrid system additionally works seamlessly to close off the engine when coasting and at a standstill, serving to to enhance gas effectivity.

Mazda quotes a mixed gas consumption ranking of 4.9 l/100km (48 U.S. mpg). We got here near matching that, returning 5.6 l/100 km (42 U.S. mpg) throughout our time with the SUV, a formidable determine given its dimension, weight, and huge capability engine.

The decision

The Mazda CX-60, when geared up with the three.3-liter inline-six diesel is a compelling SUV in its phase. It affords most of what premium consumers will probably be in search of in a lovely and distinctive package deal that has numerous street presence. With some tweaks to the transmission, suspension, and throttle response, it could be virtually faultless.

Picture Credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops