Mazda CX-60 PHEV: Everything we know as of April 2022

The Mazda CX-60 PHEV has been introduced in Europe, featuring Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain. It comes in three variants; Exclusive-Line, Homura, and Takumi. Germany gets an additional base variant called the Prime-Line. Customers can also choose between two packs—Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack, which can be had on all variants. There’s an additional Comfort Pack for the Exclusive-Line variant.

Here’s everything you need to know about Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid model.

Powertrain

The Mazda CX-60 PHEV is powered by the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine that works with a 100 kW (134.1 hp) electric motor and a 17.3 kWh battery. Total output is 327 hp and 500 Nm (368.7 lb-ft), enough to hustle the SUV from 0-62 mph in 5.8 seconds. The pure electric range in mixed environments is 39 miles (62.7 km), with the SUV running at 62 mph (100 kmph). The SUV can run up to 42 miles (67.6 km) in EV mode in the city. WLTP certified combined fuel efficiency is an excellent 188 mpg (79 kmpl).

On its own, the combustion engine produces 189 hp and 261 Nm (192 lb-ft). The electric motor is rated at 134 hp and 250 Nm (184.3 lb-ft). Combined power is naturally higher, as mentioned above. Mazda says two brand new engines will join the CX-60 range in the future. There’s a new straight-six 3-liter Skyactiv X petrol engine and a 3.3-liter Skyactiv D diesel engine that will feature a mild hybrid system. The power plants will be mated to the same 8-speed automatic transmission.

The CX-60 is primarily rear-wheel-drive, but it’s also equipped with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system, which uses the electric motor to power the front wheels when the system detects loss of grip. Monocoque SUVs usually have a front-wheel-drive drivetrain layout, and primarily only luxury brands use a rear-wheel-drive setup in their SUVs. The RWD layout would ensure customers get more driving pleasure in the CX-60 than its traditional FWD rivals.

Mazda CX-60 PHEV Design

The Mazda CX-60 has a fluidic design with curves and smooth surfaces, typical of the ‘zoom zoom’ brand. The brand has incorporated the latest developments in ‘Kodo’ design onto the CX-60. There’s a large radiator grille with vertical slats finished in gloss black, and a premium-looking chrome surround. The headlamp cluster is small and houses projector LED units with integrated LED DRLs. There’s an air intake below and faux intake inserts on the sides of the bumper.

On the sides, the Mazda CX-60 features round wheel arches, curvy mirrors, a chrome window surround, and a rectangular PHEV badge on the side of the front fenders. The roofline smoothly slopes down and finishes on the forward-leaning upper tailgate section at the rear. At the rear, the CX-60 gets wraparound LED taillamps, a sharply raked windscreen, and quad exhaust tips. It also has a skid plate to make it look muscular.

Interior

The dashboard and the door trim are wrapped in high-quality materials. The brand has embodied pure Japanese craftsmanship, with concepts like Ma, ‘the calm and dignified beauty of empty space’ and Kaichou, which stands for the ‘harmony that comes from mixing different materials and textures.’ Soft-touch material on the top surrounds the dashboard, and there is finely woven fabric on the door trim.

On the range-topping Takumi variant, materials like maple wood Nappa leather combine with exquisite Japanese textiles. Mazda has also incorporated Musubu, the art of binding, for the detailed instrument panel stitching.

Features

Unlike most modern cars, there are plenty of physical buttons in the cabin. The base variants include wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, and navigation; all operated through the 12-inch central touchscreen.

There’s also a digital instrument cluster for the driver, which displays information about the hybrid powertrain, EV range, and more. That said, there are many more premium features on offer, including a heads-up display, 360-degree camera, steering, and seat heating, ambient lighting, and more. Customers can also choose the Driver Assistance Package, Comfort Package, and Convenience Package, which add more equipment at an extra cost.

The GBP 1400 Comfort Pack (base Exclusive-Line only) adds 20-inch alloys, electric front seats, seat ventilation, rear seat heaters, and driver personalization. The Convenience Pack (GBP 1,000) adds privacy glass, a 360-degree monitor, and wireless charging. The Driver Assistance pack (GBP 1,100) adds a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Price & Release Date

Mazda will target the CX-60 at European markets and Japan, and the company is unlikely to launch it in the United States. The order book for the new RAV4 Prime rival is open, and European sales will commence in the summer of 2022. In the UK, sales will start in early autumn, around September 2022. The CX-60 PHEV is the first of many Mazda PHEVs lined up for Europe.

Mazda makes the CX-60 at Hofu Plant No.2 in the Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The company commenced series production of the SUV intended for sales in Europe on March 15, 2022. The first consignment of the European-spec CX-60 left the country’s Nakanoseki port on April 26, 2022.

Mazda CX-60 PHEV FAQs

Featured Image Source: Mazda

Suvrat Kothari Freelance Assistant Editor

I’m an automotive journalist with 4 years of experience in magazine and digital publishing, content creation, social media management and YouTube. A car enthusiast who converted my passion into a profession!