By Rebaneilwe Semakane
The Mazda CX-60 came to our shores in May this year, and despite only spotting a handful of units on the road, proves to be compelling offering from the brand.
The CX-60 is the current flagship model from the Japanese automaker, 170mm longer than the Mazda CX-5. On approach you do notice the vast differences between it and the CX-5, it is quite low to the ground and looks like its hovering when it is in motion.
Mazda has always had a knack for good styling, and the CX-60 is no different. The exterior is minimalistic, you have this large grille upfront and semi-circular headlamps equipped with daytime running lights on either side, giving it a very Escalade type of look and feel. The vehicle sits on 20-inch wheels and our test unit was finished in the Soul Red Crystal metallic color, which will set you back an extra R1,500.
On the interior, you are met by more minimalism, spacious and roomy, which is no bad thing. The infotainment system is quite small, and visibility is limited, especially for someone who is as legally blind as me. It is an apparent Mazda philosophy where they prioritize human interaction more than the latest tech. One needs to use an analogue dial to operate the infotainment system and while they attribute this to being safer, I think the opposite can also be true. You need good hand-to-eye- coordination to operate the thing, and if you are driving, it gets distracting. One does get electric seats, a multifunction steering wheel, heads-up display and a very good reverse parking assistant. The digital cluster is also great, a sort of ‘digitized analogue’ display, which is done in white on black, adding to the clean feel of this car.
The ride quality is good on this large premium vehicle. The 2.5l naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 141kW and 261Nm of torque takes a strain when you put your foot down, but the acceleration is smooth and power delivery is linear. Gear changes are seamless, too. The 8-speed automatic box is smooth, I do, however, think that the engine is too small for a vehicle of this size and a little mismatched. Mazda claims a consumption of 7.3l/100km which they need to rethink because I have been doing 9.3l/100km, lowest being 9.1l. It is quite the guzzler so one needs to be aware of that before purchasing.
The Mazda CX-60 is priced at R739 800 for the Dynamic variant and goes up to R844 500 for the Individual AWD model. Considering that it aims to rival premium champions such as the Mercedes Benz GLC and BMW X3, it may have a fight on its hands. I think the Mazda CX-5 makes for better value, and when the turbocharged powerplant comes to our shoes next year, will make an ever more compelling case for itself.