Australians love a top-of-the-range mannequin, however there’s usually lots of goodness additional down the vary.
Take the Mazda CX-60, which has had lots of hype across the flagship grades – however little consideration given to the bottom Evolve, which is comparatively attainable at just a little over $60,000 plus on-road prices.
Mazda’s new mid-sized SUV extends past the worth bracket any CX-5 has performed in, however nonetheless has a robust give attention to worth in comparison with German alternate options. It additionally affords a stepping stone past the model’s present core fashions as soon as a CX-5 or CX-8 develop into too vanilla.
Since its launch, Mazda has launched some operating adjustments for the rear suspension and transmission software program following suggestions from the media and clients, and the 2024 Mazda CX-60 D50e Evolve on take a look at is our first style of the revisions, in addition to a primary drive of the bottom grade.
Following the aforementioned operating adjustments in addition to latest value changes, does the bottom CX-60 make extra sense in comparison with its extra premium siblings?
And, is it definitely worth the soar over one thing like a top-spec CX-5? Properly, learn on to seek out out.
How does the Mazda CX-60 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mazda CX-60 in opposition to equally sized autos.
Mazda
CX-60
How a lot does the Mazda CX-60 price?
The 2024 Mazda CX-60 D50e Evolve is the second most inexpensive variant within the vary, priced from $62,550 plus on-road prices. It instructions a $2000 premium over the petrol-powered G40e Evolve in the identical specification.
2024 Mazda CX-60 pricing:
Evolve
- G40e M Hybrid: $60,550
- D50e M Hybrid: $62,550
- P50e PHEV: $73,600
GT
- G40e M Hybrid: $68,550
- D50e M Hybrid: $70,550
- P50e PHEV: $81,600
Azami
- G40e M Hybrid: $73,750
- D50e M Hybrid: $75,750
- P50e PHEV: $86,800
Costs exclude on-road prices
To see how the Mazda CX-60 strains up in opposition to its rivals, try our comparisons device.
What’s the Mazda CX-60 like on the within?
The Evolve with Luxurious Pack isn’t all that completely different to the mid-spec GT by way of presentation.
It’s much less flashy than the obtainable white and tan interiors of the Azami’s Takumi and SP packages, however there’s a basic sense of upmarket-ness to the bottom CX-60’s cabin that additionally comes with some Mazda familiarity.
All the pieces is designed to look strong and strong, with lots of straight strains and flat surfaces. It has an actual impression of dimension and width, and Mazda has accomplished a superb job with the combination of supplies and textures even when every part is 50 shades of black and gray.
It’s a disgrace the Evolve isn’t provided with the Revera Stone leather-based possibility obtainable on the GT, however for these involved about denims and messy youngsters marking a lighter conceal, the black inside could just do nice for many.
As is the Mazda method, there’s a touch of Lexus to how every part is laid out and offered, with extra buttons and switches than most in addition to clear, constant typeface and clear digital shows.
The Evolve comes as commonplace with 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument show flanked by analogue gauges such as you see on most different Mazda fashions, however with the $4000 Luxurious Pack as examined it upgrades to a nicer 12.3-inch absolutely digital unit.
Whereas pretty minimal on the customisation entrance, the Mazda’s digital instrument panel apes basic gauges properly and affords fluid animations. I’m not a fan of how turning on the cruise management locks you right into a driver help structure that minimises the beautiful digital dials.
Evolve-spec fashions additionally get a smaller 10.25-inch Mazda Join infotainment system than the 12.3-inch items provided in GT and Azami fashions, which additionally seems to forego the obtainable contact enter perform for smartphone mirroring.
It’s in any other case decently kitted out, with commonplace satellite tv for pc navigation, DAB+ radio, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My iPhone 15 Professional Max labored flawlessly through wi-fi connection all through our mortgage.
Mazda will probably be launching related providers throughout its lineup progressively within the coming yr or so, that means we must always hopefully see prolonged net-based performance added as a operating replace.
The usual eight-speaker sound system labored properly, with clear sound and respectable bass, although the 12-speaker Bose premium audio setup provided by the GT and Azami is an effective step up.
Seat consolation up entrance is sweet, with properly padded and supportive seats which might be trimmed as commonplace in Maztex faux leather-based, although our Luxurious Package deal-equipped tester options leather-accented upholstery. The Luxurious Pack additionally brings powered entrance seat adjustment with reminiscence presets for the driving force – I’d be ticking this $4000 field, personally.
Storage across the entrance of the cabin is respectable, if not standout. You get respectable door bins and a cubby below the centre armrest – which folds out two methods thoughts you – and there’s a rubberised mat in your telephone on the wi-fi telephone charger below the centre stack.
You additionally get two cupholders below a dampened lid and USB-C charging ports within the entrance console space.
The second row isn’t huge, however it’s bigger than a CX-5 and aggressive with the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC – if not fairly BMW X3 good.
I’m 6’1 and had sufficient head-, knee- and toe room to get snug, with a superb view out the rear home windows. I’d wager two adults will probably be nice, three can be a pinch. The minimal centre tunnel at the very least means a centre passenger isn’t too impeded by way of foot area.
Facilities embrace rear air vents – although no separate local weather controls – in addition to USB-C and 150W AC retailers to maintain gadgets charged. The GT and Azami rating heated outboard seats, however not right here.
There’s a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, map pockets behind the entrance seats, in addition to ISOFIX anchors on the outer positions and top-tethers throughout all three rear seats. Bottle holders within the doorways spherical out the notable practicality options.
Cargo quantity is quoted at 477 litres “to rear bundle tray” with all seats up, increasing to 1726 litres “to ceiling with underfloor space for storing” with the rear seats folded.
That’s just below 40 litres higher than the CX-5 with 5 seats in use, and almost 400 litres higher with the rear seats folded. Not dangerous, however considerably off the tempo of premium rivals just like the Audi Q5 (520L-1520L), BMW X3 (550L-1600L) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (620L) with all seats in use.
Distant levers to drop the rear seats function within the cargo space, and the PHEV provides a 1500W AC outlet there too. Gentle-hybrid variations get a space-saver spare wheel whereas PHEVs get a tyre restore equipment.
What’s below the bonnet?
On take a look at we now have the CX-60 D50e, which is powered by a mild-hybrid six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
| Mannequin | Mazda CX-60 D50e |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.3L 6cyl turbo-diesel 48V mild-hybrid |
| Energy | 187kW (3750rpm) |
| Torque | 500Nm (1500-2400rpm) |
| Electrical motor | 12.4kW 153Nm |
| Battery | 0.33kWh li-ion |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Pushed wheels | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1963kg (kerb) |
| 0-100km/h | 7.3 seconds |
| Gasoline financial system (declare) | 4.9L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 5.5L/100km |
| Gasoline tank dimension | 58L |
| Gasoline requirement | Diesel |
Our indicated gasoline determine was achieved over 860 kilometres of blended driving, together with a return journey from Melbourne to Yarrawonga on the VIC-NSW border.
How does the Mazda CX-60 drive?
Having spent loads of time within the diesel CX-60, I used to be to see if there have been any notable adjustments with the smaller wheels; and naturally the up to date rear suspension {hardware} and powertrain management unit software program.
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Azami SP Package deal proven
The majority of my time with the CX-60 was spent doing my normal commuting to and from the workplace, blended in with a return journey to the Victorian border.
With out having examined this back-to-back with one other CX-60 pre upgrades, I felt a distinction within the smoothness and response of the transmission, which does with out a standard torque converter and as an alternative contains a multi-plate clutch and built-in electrical motor-generator.
Mazda claims this helps to enhance gasoline effectivity and throttle response over a standard automated, because of the actual fact torque outputs of the engine and electrical motor are immediately transmitted to the gearbox “with quick and rhythmic shifting” akin to a handbook transmission.
Whereas the launch calibration provided fairly fast shifts below load, it had the tendency to slur and groan by shifts in low-speed eventualities, at instances feeling elastic or unresponsive at awkward metropolis speeds between first and second.
This explicit CX-60 was a tad smoother and extra refined in these circumstances than I recall of launch examples, although at instances you may nonetheless hear the mechanical sounds from the driveline that could be unsettling for some.
As for the general dynamic character in addition to the trip and dealing with, the steering continues to be heavy and the trip nonetheless fairly agency… however it the revised rear shock absorbers, and smaller wheels and tyres on this base mannequin, take among the edge off.
The CX-60 nonetheless communicates nearly each highway floor imperfection you drive on, and may nonetheless be a bit unsettled over shorter, sharper hits. It offers with undulations fairly properly, and turns in fairly keenly particularly at increased speeds.
It’s properly settled on the freeway. That stated, there have been one or two cases on the Hume the place a pointy be a part of despatched a thud by the cabin. I’d have an interest to see if fashions on 20-inch wheels can be comparable, higher or worse on this situation.
Whereas the CX-60’s very weighty steering makes it really feel sporty and substantial on the freeway or up a winding B-road, it may possibly make decrease velocity manoeuvres in tight suburban streets and carparks a bit extra of a chore.
It requires fairly a little bit of arm work for these on a regular basis duties, and whereas some will arm to it others could discover it a bit too demanding.
The encompass digicam system as a part of the Luxurious Pack makes visibility that significantly better for tight parks or squishy gaps in visitors even when it’s not of the best definition – it’s a disgrace it’s essential to pay minimal $2000 for the privilege.
Insulation from highway and wind noise, in the meantime, is sufficient however not standout. There was a little bit of tyre roar on the Hume Freeway, and greater than one thing like an Audi Q5 or BMW X3.
As for help techniques the Luxurious Pack-equipped CX-60 Evolve is just about decked out with every part obtainable within the flagship Azami.
Mazda’s Cruising and Visitors Assist is likely one of the extra intuitive and pure feeling autonomous freeway assistants of its sort, and the addition of a encompass digicam makes visibility whereas parking that little bit higher.
Entrance and rear cross-traffic alert are helpful when pulling out of tight carparks or T-intersections, although the bong from the warning can grate. Blind-spot monitoring is commonplace, although as is typical of lots of Mazdas, the magnified driver’s mirror can take some getting used to.
The motive force consideration monitoring perform, not like another new autos available on the market immediately, additionally gave the impression to be much less aggressive and didn’t really feel the necessity to chime and visually alert everytime you look away from the highway.
What do you get?
The Evolve is the entry-level trim within the Australian CX-60 lineup.
CX-60 Evolve highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels, Gray
- Auto LED headlights
- Auto high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Physique color exterior mirrors
- Facet mirrors with:
- Energy adjustment
- Auto folding
- Heating
- Auto-dimming
- Honeycomb grille design
- Black wheel arches and decrease cladding
- Distant operated energy tailgate (open/shut)
- G-Vectoring Management Plus
- 10.25-inch Mazda Join infotainment system
- 7.0-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster (G40e, D50e)
- 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster (P50e)
- Head-up show
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 8-speaker sound system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Entrance USB-C charging factors
- Rear console incl. USB-C, 150W AC retailers
- Rear 1500W AC energy outlet socket (PHEV)
- Keyless entry, push-button begin
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Electrical park brake with auto-hold
- One-touch energy home windows
- Leather-based steering wheel
- Leather-based shift knob
- Black Maztex upholstery
- Handbook entrance seat adjustment
Choices
The Evolve is offered with two optionally available packages – our tester was fitted with the Luxurious Package deal.
Imaginative and prescient Expertise Package deal: $2000 (Evolve, GT)
- Encompass-view digicam with see-through view
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (G40e, D50e Evolve)
- Adaptive LED headlights (GT)
- Cruising & Visitors Assist
- Driver monitoring
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
Luxurious Package deal: $4000 (Evolve)
- Imaginative and prescient Expertise
- Exterior mirror reminiscence
- Leather-based upholstery, Black
- Heated entrance seats
- Energy entrance seat adjustment
Is the Mazda CX-60 protected?
The CX-60 wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on Euro NCAP testing in 2022.
The Mazda CX-60 was examined in opposition to 2020-2022 standards by sister organisation Euro NCAP.
It scored 91 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 93 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 89 per cent for weak highway consumer safety and 77 per cent for security help.
Normal security options embrace:
- 10 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Ahead incl. Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
- Reverse
- Junction help (Flip-across Visitors)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Ahead obstruction warning
- Excessive Beam Management (auto high-beam)
- Lane-keep help
- Parking sensors entrance, rear
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Encompass digicam system
- Visitors signal recognition
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Car exit warning
CX-60 Azami provides:
- Adaptive LED Headlights
- Cruising & Visitors Assist
- Adaptive cruise + lane centring
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- 360-degree cameras incl. See Via View
The Azami’s further security gear will be optioned in each the Evolve and GT grades by the Imaginative and prescient Expertise Package deal.
How a lot does the Mazda CX-60 price to run?
Like the broader Mazda vary, the CX-60 is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. The high-voltage battery in PHEV fashions can be lined by an eight-year manufacturing unit guarantee.
Scheduled servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres (whichever comes first) for the G40e M Hybrid and the P50e Plug-in Hybrid; whereas the D50e M Hybrid quotes shorter 10,000km intervals.
Pricing is on the upper facet, and is dearer than the likes of BMW and Genesis.
Mazda CX-60 service pricing:
| Engine | 1st Service | 2nd Service | third Service | 4th Service | fifth Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P40e 3.3L i6 MHEV | $447 | $654 | $568 | $749 | $463 |
| D50e 3.3L i6 MHEV | $478 | $643 | $975 | $643 | $478 |
| P50e 2.5L i4 PHEV | $478 | $643 | $975 | $643 | $478 |
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-60
It could not look as horny because the GT and Azami grades, however the CX-60 Evolve may take advantage of sense.
The place a few of its quirks are arduous to excuse on the dearer Azami’s value level, the bottom mannequin’s distinctive and environment friendly drivetrains give it some respiratory room within the $60,000 value bracket.
Right here you’ve gotten a six-cylinder SUV that’s bigger than most opponents – and to get a equally highly effective drivetrain in an Audi or BMW will price you twice as a lot. Add the Luxurious Pack, and you’ve got a fairly properly featured premium-leaning SUV for just a little over $65,000 plus on-roads.
It’s not good. Regardless of operating adjustments to the rear suspension and transmission, the CX-60 is a harsher and fewer unrefined than you would possibly anticipate of one thing claiming to be a luxurious automobile. On the flipside it’s one of many extra enjoyable and fascinating SUVs to drive.
Add to that the actual fact it affords effectivity that rivals smaller hybrids, and there’s loads to love. Don’t be afraid to take one out for a take a look at drive when you’re in market to see if the trip and dealing with tune fits your tastes.
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