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The new Mazda CX-60 may not be available in North America as of yet, but these reasons might just nudge you to import one anyway.
We've become accustomed to Mazda vehicles being stylish, reliable, fun-to-drive, and nicely equipped. To excite new possibilities, interests, and expectations, the Japanese manufacturer has thrown an all-new 2023 Mazda CX-60 into the mix, reaching into luxury territories. The CX-60 is a midsize crossover SUV and the first Mazda vehicle to use the brand's new Skyactiv scalable architecture. It is also the first to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder borrowed from the CX-5 with an electric motor and a 17.8-kWh battery pack capable of providing up to 39 miles of electric-only range.
Sadly though, the CX-60 won't be available in North America, as Mazda is aiming to launch the CX-70 here instead. This means that US and Canadian consumers shopping for an SUV will have to import the 5-door SUV if they want to own one. Luckily, there are many motivating factors that will nudge you along to act in that direction. Here are ten reasons why you should consider the 2023 Mazda CX-60 as your next vehicle.
With an estimated selling price starting at $51,100 (after tax in the U.K.), the 2023 Mazda CX-60 is one of the cheapest luxury midsize crossover SUVs you can buy. And, considering the amenities you get in return, it is quite literally a load of car for the cash.
To put into perspective, pricing for rivals such as the BMW X4 starts at $53,400 for the base xDrive30i model, while the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid S Line 55 TFSI e model begins at $55,400. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic Coupe is priced similarly, with an MSRP of $52,500.
The Mazda CX-60 is equipped with a wide array of silky-smooth engines that take the pain out of a long journey thanks to their polished performance. As standard, the CX-60 utilizes a plug-in hybrid engine consisting of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 100kW electric motor, and a 17.8 kWh battery pack. Together, they generate 323 total hp and around 369 lb-ft of torque. This configuration has 39 miles of electric-only range, while the sprint from zero to 60 mph is achieved in 5.8 seconds.
CX-60 will also be available with a 3.0-liter straight-six petrol engine and a 3.3-liter diesel option. Both powertrains will be available with mild-hybrid technology that enhances efficiency.
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The Mazda CX-60 is based on a capable new chassis platform called Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture. This platform has a longitudinal engine layout that is adaptable in terms of dimensions and engine variants, accommodating a wide array of powertrains, including flex-fuel engines that work with any blend of ethanol and petrol, low-emission diesel powertrains, and hybrid systems.
In addition, the architecture supports rear-wheel and all-wheel drive systems. However, the CX-60 has a rear-biased, full-time all-wheel drive system that assures well-handling performance no matter where it's being driven.
Like a typical Mazda, the CX-60 is sure-footed and confident, with sharp steering and outstanding driving dynamics that guarantee fun behind the wheel.
To endow this SUV with incredible driving manners, Mazda's chassis engineers focused their development efforts on reducing weight while keeping its center of gravity as low as possible. This, alongside the CX-60’s accurate steering, snappy eight-speed automatic gearbox, and road-hugging all-wheel drive, makes for a sharper and more responsive car than many of its contemporaries.
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No matter where you go, you're sure to stand out from the crowd, thanks to the CX-60's elegant design and strongly distinguishing contemporary cues.
When viewed from the front, the CX-60 has bold styling and offers an imposing road presence, emphasizing the essence of the Kodo design concept. Vertically stacked lamps and an L-shaped lighting signature combine with a long bonnet and raked-back roofline to produce a particularly dynamic silhouette. At the rear, The taillights feature an L-shaped lighting pattern to match the front design. Meanwhile, shoppers can choose 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels to add character and draw eyes to the sides.
Inside, the CX-60 is impeccably built and has many features that fit perfectly into Mazda's upmarket move strategy. The dashboard is treated with irresistibly soft, plump materials that improve its look and feel, while the seats come generously proportioned to provide soft, cushioned relaxation for hours of comfortable driving.
In addition, the CX-60's upmarket cabin is practical, integrating compartments that can be reached easily from the driving position. These include long cubbies in the doors, a roof-mounted sunglasses holder to keep your spectacles safe and sound, a pair of cupholders, as well as a large glovebox with a phone slot.
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Another appealing aspect of buying a Mazda CX-60 is that it is well-equipped, even in base trim. There are plenty of interior amenities, including vinyl leather dashboard panel, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, 40:20:40 fold-flat rear seats, and a heated, leather-wrapped with manual telescopic and tilt adjustment.
Outside, the CX-60 features heated side mirrors, LED headlights with High Beam Control, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, a power liftgate with hands-free function, as well as rain-sensing front wipers with adjustable sensitivity and speed.
For the CX-60, first-class travel does not preclude practicality, as its rear seats fold down to create lots of space for your cargo when necessary.
The five-door, five-seater midsize crossover SUV has 20 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats and, if that's not enough, around 61 cubic feet with them down. This is more than what you get with rivals such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5, or Lexus NX.
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In order to make journeys much more attractive and pleasant, Mazda offered the CX-60 with some of the finest information and entertainment amenities on the market today. The newest Mazda Connect is quick and delivers the razor-sharp graphics consumers need for a world-class experience.
CX-60's system includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch driver's digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, two USB C points, and an eight-speaker audio system.
The Mazda CX-60 comes with a slew of advanced driver assistance technologies that make long and monotonous journeys bearable while also ensuring passengers' safety.
These include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and more.
Monday Goma delights in writing about cars. He has written buyer's guides, car reviews, product reviews, etc., for a bunch of car dealership sites in the U.S. When not writing about cars, Monday can often be found either playing FIFA or researching new automotive technologies. Monday is married to a very devout, hardworking, strong-willed, and truly remarkable woman.