MY colleagues appreciated the Mazda CX-60’s styling cues and its muscular design.
And a bit of jealous, I could read on their faces…
CX-60 is comparatively open based on a new architecture tailor-made for longitudinally-orientated engines and rear- and all-wheel drivetrains.
Having debuted in SA in 2023, it comprise of 2 derivatives – both powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine – and one its entitled to choose between 2 spec levels, rear- and all-wheel drive.
During my weeklong with this Takumi- Japanese word loosely translated –master craftsman, it offered adequate punch and scintillating performance, to such an extend on-lookers and other drivers were in awe!
It boast sportier front bumper with a wider intake, piano-black grille, diamond-cut 20-inch alloys, as well as “Inline 6” badges on the flanks and an “e Skyactiv D’” emblem on the rump.
Loved the colour- but in all honesty, the Mazda CX-60 is a distinctively styled and handsome Executive SUV.
The interior features a new-generation inline-6 turbodiesel engine with hybrid tech, plus additional spec, the top-of-the-range derivative.
Takumi’s interior is smartly finished and expansively equipped, and comprehensively specced- the front seats are ventilated, as my colleague experienced when we took a turn at FNB Stadium for Soweto Derby- which controversially AmaKhosi lost at the last minute of the game. Since all and sundry were in no good mood to say much, I decided to spoil him by attending the annual Liberty music event at Montecasino for the Soul II Soul fest, as a solace.
It’s rear occupant space is generous – with an acceptable amount of headroom and legroom for adults. Rear passengers get 2 USB-C ports to charge their mobile devices.
The claimed load-bay capacity comes at 477 litres, which increases to 1 726 litres when you fold the 2nd-row seats down, of which there was no need since no luggage was carried.
Loved the superbly fitted super 12-speaker Bose audio system, a panoramic sunroof, leather trim, adaptive LED headlamps, an electrically-operated tailgate, as well as a comprehensive safety suite, including 360-degree parking camera/sensors, adaptive cruise control, rear-cross traffic alert.
In an era where Medium- and Executive SUVs’ fascias are dominated by large infotainment screens, the Mazda’s dashboard design is refreshingly minimalistic.
Performance- Takumi comes with the 3.3-litre inline-6 turbodiesel, assisted by a mild-hybrid setup, which comprises a small 0.33 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 12.4 kW/153 Nm electric motor built into the 8-speed automatic transmission.
At times I switched to Sport mode that adds a red theme to the display of the digital instrument cluster.
As expected the flagship CX-60, is packed with 187 kW and 550 Nm driving all 4 wheels, to deliver compelling performance, as it hurtled from zero to 100 kph in 8.42 sec – making it faster than its maker’s claimed time. To such an extent my colleague was surprised with the torque “this things goes, mos” he chuckled as I gave him a taste to sit behind the wheel.
Under hard acceleration, the Mazda emits a pleasant engine note, even if it is partially synthesised by the audio system. Given the motor’s inline-6 configuration, it sounds positively BMW-like!
Thanks to electric assistance, the powertrain never seems to lag and can turn on the pace whenever you demand it. If you lift off the accelerator pedal, the revs drop to zero as the engine switches off to save fuel. Yes, it does try it…
These 20-inch wheels look the part, but the Mazda CX-60’s overall ride quality is too firm.
We’ve found most of Mazda’s SUV models very satisfying to drive because they blend a generally pliant ride quality with engaging dynamics.
This 7-seater Adventure SUVs is a joy to drive, from handling and performance perspective to safety and steering setup that is perfect – quick and direct, but well-weighted.
The CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi retails for R1 049 200 .
Provides a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/unlimited km service plan are included in the price.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Fuel 1-10 (7)
Image SLM (The CX-60 Takumi, a joy to ride and drive).
