2024 Mazda CX-60 PHEV evaluation: Mazda has been telling us for years it needs to be a premium model. The CX-60 medium SUV is proof of that within the steel.
It’s the first of 4 SUV fashions it’s launching to the world based mostly on a brand new platform with all-new engines and that includes Mazda’s first petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
After all, it’s the latter we’re focussed on right here, so let’s get into it.
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What does the Mazda CX-60 PHEV value?
There are 9 Mazda CX-60 fashions, three of that are plug-in hybrid.
The PHEV (or P50e) is on the market in three gear trims – Evolve, GT and Azami. It’s the identical story for the mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol (G40e) and turbo-diesel (D50e) CX-60s as properly.
In every gear grade the PHEV is the most costly mannequin, charging a $12,500 premium over the P40e and a $10,500 premium over the D50e.
The most cost effective CX-60 PHEV Evolve kicks off at $72,300 plus on-road prices, the GT is $80,300 and the Azami $85,500.
Given Aussies are choosing hybrids or EVs and aren’t that fascinated by PHEVs – not to mention high-priced ones – it’s no shock there isn’t that a lot competitors for the CX-60 PHEV.
The Kia Sorento PHEV and Lexus NX 450h+ are within the pricing neighborhood. However so is the Tesla Mannequin Y battery electrical SUV, which really dominates gross sales within the premium medium SUV phase. Simply saying…
What do you get within the Mazda CX-60 PHEV?
All CX-60s get alloy wheels, keyless entry, dual-zone local weather management, embedded satellite-navigation, wi-fi Android Auto and Apple Carplay connection, wi-fi smartphone charging and 4 USB-C factors.
Security gear normal throughout the vary consists of autonomous emergency braking and suite of airbags that features near-side (to stop head knocks between entrance passengers) and rear facet airbags. It launches in Australia with a 5 star ANCAP ranking based mostly on 2022 protocols.
The CX-60 can adaptively set its velocity, self-steer in its lane, monitor blind spots, keep away from or minimise junction and reversing collisions, warn the motive force if it judges consideration is wandering, learn visitors indicators and advise passengers if it’s protected to exit.
![2024 Mazda CX-60 Azami.](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CX-60-29-1024x658.jpg)
The GT provides leather-based seat trim and energy adjustment of the entrance seats, a bigger 12.3-inch totally digital infotainment display screen and 12.3-inch instrument cluster, powered steering wheel adjustment, a panoramic sunroof and a brand new facial recognition system that units driver preferences for seat, steering wheel, exterior mirror positioning and the pinnacle up show.
Amongst different issues, the flagship Azami provides seat air flow, Nappa leather-based, ambient lighting, a extra refined type of the facial recognition system and a brand new see-through view for the 360 diploma digital camera.
All fashions include an area saver spare tyre supported by tyre strain monitoring.
What’s powering the Mazda CX-60 PHEV?
The CX-60 PHEV is powered by a 141kW/261Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed moist clutch (versus torque converter) transmission that drive all 4 wheels completely.
It’s supplemented by a 100kW/270Nm e-motor fed by a 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Mixed, the CX-60 PHEV boasts essentially the most highly effective powertrain Mazda has ever offered in Australia (till the bigger CX-90 launches), providing 241kW at 6000rpm and 500Nm at 4000rpm
![2024 Mazda CX-60 Azami.](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CX-60-38-1024x641.jpg)
The PHEV prefers 95 RON petrol and claims a miserly 2.1L/100km. After all that’s based mostly on numerous EV-only working. In the true world we noticed a nonetheless wonderful 3.5L/100km.
The claimed electrical consumption price is 14.8kWh/100km. Throughout our drive – which included nation and concrete roads – the common got here in at 21.8kWh/100km.
How huge is the Mazda CX-60 PHEV’s battery, what’s the driving vary, and the way lengthy will it take to cost?
The 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack within the Mazda CX-60 PHEV is claimed to ship a driving vary as much as 76km at speeds as much as 100km/h.
Utilizing a 7.2kW AC charger it may be totally recharged in 2.5 hours. On 220-240V it ought to take round 9 hours.
How does the Mazda CX-60 PHEV drive?
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV doesn’t drive in addition to anticipated contemplating how a lot tech and energy Mazda has thrown at it.
Mazda has established a popularity for itself within the final couple of many years because it has risen up the gross sales charts for constructing top quality, properly resolved automobiles which might be enjoyably cohesive to drive.
The CX-60 PHEV feels prefer it nonetheless has some option to go to succeed in that degree of decision.
The drivetrain doesn’t really feel as robust because it guarantees to be on paper with a 5.9 seconds 0-100km/h declare. It isn’t particularly refined both.
![2024 Mazda CX-60 Azami.](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CX-60-113-1024x695.jpg)
It shuddered and clunked and typically reacted with pauses and surges when requested to speed up with vigour.
The journey high quality was additionally compromised considerably as soon as off clean surfaces. It was aggressively agency and with out adaptive dampers, not tuneable by the motive force.
The journey points have been exacerbated by the 20-inch wheels and tyres utilized by the GT and Azami. The Evolve’s 18s supplied a calmer expertise.
On clean roads the CX-60 hinted at what it might be; dealing with neatly and steering precisely. Hassle is, Australia has heaps of tough roads…
![2024 Mazda CX-60 Azami.](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CX-60-42-1024x682.jpg)
Contained in the cabin the rear seat supplied much less house than you would possibly anticipate from a car 4740mm lengthy. The boot is 477 litres, which is nice however not distinctive within the class. It appears the choice to observe the premium route and place the engine longitudinally fairly than transverse throughout the engine bay has eaten into cabin house.
The CX-60 cabin is at its greatest upfront the place the straightforward, elegant presentation is recognisably Mazda with higher-grade supplies added to the same old Japanese construct high quality.
A key side of residing with a Mazda is knowing the corporate’s technique of conserving driver distraction to a minimal. So the infotainment display screen just isn’t a touchscreen, the instrument show doesn’t have limitless configurations and a HUD on the windscreen relays important info with out eyes having to be diverted from the highway.
What’s possession of the Mazda CX-60 PHEV like?
The CX-60 comes protected by a five-year/limitless kilometre guarantee and 5 years roadside help. The battery pack is protected by an eight 12 months/160,000km guarantee.
The service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. All three powertrains include capped value servicing applications. The primary 5 companies common out at $518 for the PHEV.
![2024 Mazda CX-60 Azami.](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CX-60-56-1024x666.jpg)
The Mazda CX-60 PHEV evaluation: verdict
You may debate the fundamental proposition that Mazda ought to have gone EV fairly than PHEV with the CX-60. You may learn Mazda’s rationalization right here.
However whichever means it judged the best option to proceed as an automotive enterprise, Mazda ought to have executed a greater job of the primary of its vital new-generation fashions.
It’s a disappointing drive that comes throughout as unfinished. There might be an awesome automotive in right here, however Mazda is but to unlock its full functionality.
Mazda CX-50 PHEV specs
Value: From $59,800 plus on-road prices
Fundamentals: PHEV, 5 seats, 5 doorways, SUV, AWD
EV vary: 76km (ADR)
Battery capability: 17.8kWh
Battery guarantee: 8 years/160,000km
Vitality consumption: 14.8kWh/100km (ADR)
Gasoline consumption: 2.1L/100km (ADR)
E-motors: One in transmission tunnel, most output 100kW/260Nm
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder, most output 141kW/261Nm
Mixed output: 241kW/500Nm
Most output: 100kW/270Nm
AC charging: 7.2kW, Kind 2 plug
0-100km/h: 5.9 seconds (claimed)