The new Mazda CX-60 is the largest and most expensive SUV offering from the Japanese brand locally and is bigger than the long-serving CX-5.
The US and other markets get the even larger CX-70 and CX-90 models.
Two models of the CX-60 are on offer in South Africa: the 2.5 Dynamic (the subject of this test) for R739,800, and the premium 2.5 Individual for R844,500.
Physically undifferentiated in their Mazda “Kodo soul of motion” styling, it’s a larger family SUV than the CX-5 but also carries five passengers. The emphasis is on extra roominess for occupants, quiet operation and high quality tactile surfaces. At 4,745mm from nose to tail it is 170mm longer than the CX-5.
Both CX-60 models come equipped with leather seats and head up display as standard and the powered seats are plump and comfortable, with the multifunction steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake. With the recent cold snap in mind, seat and steering wheel heating aren’t available in either model, though.
Front and side views are generous and though the rear field of vision involves headrests, it’s clear enough and there’s also a rear camera and parking pings front and rear as assistance. A 477l boot increases to 1,726l with the rear seats folded and the tailgate is powered.
Luxuries and conveniences in the Dynamic model include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto operated through a mouse-controlled display screen (no touchscreen). Keyless start and lock, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control and lane-keep assist are also standard, but you’ll need the more expensive Individual model if you also want adaptive cruise control, LED lights and navigation.
Power is from a naturally aspirated petrol 2.5l four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed gearbox. It produces 141kW and 261Nm and has normal and sport modes. These figures are adequate to shift the big Mazda from standstill to 0-100km/h in 9.6 seconds and on to a 203km/h top speed.
The range-topping CX-60 Individual has all-wheel drive, whereas the Dynamic model on test has rear-wheel drive — an unusual configuration in a crossover market segment dominated by front- or all-wheel drives.
On the occasions where I sharpened the horns and drove it spiritedly, the CX-60 felt agile and with a responsive turn-in on the corners.
But I enjoyed its laid back character more, basking in the lush damping and silence provided by superb noise insulation and smooth operating drivetrain. The 9.7l/100km fuel consumption returned is fair but a bit off the mark from the 7.3l/100km claimed by Mazda.
Quality foibles don’t come easily in Mazda products. The workmanship and engineering are usually of a high calibre and it’s largely the same in this big SUV except for rattles that emanated from the rear bulkhead, especially when driving on bumpy surfaces.
The CX-60 is practical with a fair number of luxury features and decent internals, but there’s a heap of rival SUVs — some with seat warmers and AWD and others offering space for seven occupants. There’s also a few genuine off-roaders for roughly the same money.
Considering what rivals offer in luxuries and configurations, on paper the Mazda CX-60 2.5 Dynamic appears quite expensive. But it’s still a lot of SUV for the money and a good proposition for the Mazda faithful upgrading from the CX-5 and for anyone looking for a large and stylish SUV.
Tech Specs
Engine
Type: Four-cylinder petrol
Capacity: 2.5l
Power: 141kW
Torque: 261Nm
Transmission
Type: Eight-speed auto
Drivetrain
Type: Rear-wheel drive
Performance
Top speed: 203km/h
0-100km/h: 8.9 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Consumption: 7.3l/100km (claimed); 9.7l/100km (tested)
Emissions: 174g/km
Standard Features
Seven airbags, ABS, stability control, hill-start assist, central locking, keyless operation, rear view camera, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, cruise control, Bluetooth, head up display, electric windows, infotainment system, leather electric seats, automatic air conditioning, leather seats, electrically adjustable driver seat, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, rain sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear park distance control
Warranty: Five years/unlimited km
Service plan: Five years/unlimited km
Price: R739,800
Lease*: R16,458 per month* at 11.75% interest over 60 months no deposit
Mazda CX-60 2.5 Dynamic
We like: Styling, consumption, refinement
We dislike: It could do with seat warmers
Verdict: Spacious family SUV
Star rating
Design * * * *
Performance * * * *
Economy * * * *
Ride * * * *
Handling * * * *
Safety * * * * *
Value For Money * * * *
Overall * * * *
Competition
Toyota Rav4 2.0 VX, 127kW/203Nm — R712,500
Opel Grandland 1.6T Ultimate, 121kW/240Nm — R720,900
Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus, 132kW/265Nm — R723,995
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.5 GLS, 135kW/245Nm — R729,995
Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4x4, 110kW/400Nm — R731,100
Nissan X-Trail 2.5 Acenta, 135kW/244Nm — R731,200
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4TSI 110kW Life,110kW/250Nm — R734,200
Peugeot 3008 1.6T GT, 121kW/240Nm — R739,900
Subaru Forester 2.5i S ES, 136kW/239Nm — R749,000
Honda CR-V 1.5T Executive, 140kW/240Nm — R755,900
Hyundai Tucson 2.0D Elite, 137kW/416Nm — R764,900
Support independent journalism by subscribing to TimesLIVE Premium. Just R20 for the first month.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.