THE PRIDE OF HIROSHIMA
Among the Japanese manufacturers, one brand from the southern parts of this mighty island nation stands proud, doing things differently: Mazda.
The Hiroshima-based manufacturer has a very rich history of innovation, and is the only Japanese brand to continuously produce a rotary engine, plus the first Japanese manufacturer to win at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is also the manufacturer of one of the most well-loved and best-selling roadsters of all time, the MX-5 Mazda Miata or Eunos Roadster as it’s called in Japan (trivia: MX-5 stands for Mazda Experimental #5).
The company truly loves driving. So much so that a core philosophy in their engineering and design brief is “Jinba Ittai,” which translates to horse and rider as one; a feeling of togetherness, the steed acting as an extension of the rider’s limbs, delivering full mastery of the horse’s movements.
While readily apparent with the latest ND4 generation Mazda Miata MX-5, does that philosophy also translate to their excellently equipped, highly refined crossovers too?
Let’s digress a wee bit.
SOPHISTRY UNDERNEATH THE SKIN
Mazda’s CX-60 and the rest of their new family of crossovers sits atop Mazda’s new Large Product Group platform, shared with the other CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 crossover SUVs. An equally new family of longitudinally mounted inline-six cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines power to all four wheels via Mazda’s SkyActiv Drive multi-plate clutch automated transmission coupled with i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
The Mazda CX-60 Turbo D Sport HEV with the e-SKYACTIV D which I tested features a 3.3-liter inline 6-cylinder common rail direct-injected turbocharged diesel engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It produces a combined output of 250 hp and 550 Nm of torque, with the electric motor adding 12.4 kW (16.9 PS) and 153 Nm of torque that helps particularly during initial acceleration, coasting, recovering energy under braking and very light loads and throttle openings.
Top speed is a heady (for a cross-over) 219 km/h and it sprints to 100 km/h from rest in rather quick 7.3 seconds. The suspension is composed of double wishbone fronts and a multi-link rear, suspension bits you normally expect to find on a proper sports saloon or a true blue sports car.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Very supple Nappa leather with Leganu Suede in tan greets you inside. It is absolutely gorgeous, relaxing to the touch, particularly your backside. In fact it is too beautiful and somewhat delicate, you worry about damaging the seats! Even cars costing ten times as much as the CX-60 don’t have leather interiors as opulent as this. The luxurious interior is easily transformed into a plush concert hall thanks to the 12-speaker BOSE surround sound system that broadcasts your Spotify playlists exceptionally better than the last time you heard them in your own car. Truly, Mazda knows how to tickle the senses.
On the open road, the engine is massively torquey: the 8-speed multi-plate clutch automated transmission shifts firmly and positively at speed. It’s smooth enough yet offers a reassuring clunk to let you know that the next cog has been engaged and allows the engine’s output to meet the ground. The steering? Beautifully intuitive, firm, and feelsome. It’s excellently weighted, made for keen drivers.
The CX-60 flows from corner to corner, belying its size and heft. Comfortable gobbling up highways as well as fast and flowing A-roads and challenging B-roads.
UNCOMPROMISING SAFETY STANDARDS
As with any modern vehicle, safety equipment is a serious matter, regardless of intended use. The Mazda CX-60 comes with the latest Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies whicih consist of: Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) which is Mazda-speak for adaptive cruis control, High Beam Control System (HBC), Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) which helps prevent or mitigate low-speed collisions. Additionally, Mazda includes Pre-Crash Safety systems which aim to reduce the severity of accidents if they occur. These are the Smart Brake Support (SBS) which automatically applies the brakes to help avoid or mitigate collisions and the Driver Attention Alert (DAA) which monitors driver behavior and alerts the driver if it detects signs of drowsiness or fatigue.
INTO THE FINER DETAILS
Complaints? Well, the suspension is a bit lacking if you really lean on it. It loses composure when the speeds climb past the legal limit and the roads become undulating. Mazda tried their best to find the perfect compromise of comfort and control and thus ended up with legs that feel a tad overwhelmed. Surprising considering how excellent the engine, chassis, brakes, and steering are. Thankfully, Mazda’s tuning arm, Auto-Exe, offers a suspension upgrade that rectifies this matter. But truthfully, you will only notice it in extremis. Drive the CX-60 normally, and the suspension is fine for the most part.
Another concern is the transmission algorithm: it still needs some fine-tuning, particularly at low speeds and low-throttle openings, and when transitioning from light throttle rolling into more power. You notice its harshness and indecision trundling in low-speed traffic. It’s not particularly bad, but considering how polished the rest of the car is, this minor flaw unfortunately stands out.
Overall, it’s nitpicking, splitting hairs trying to find a chink in the CX-60’s formidable armor.
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE, AMAZING VALUE
Ultimately, the CX-60 is exceptional. When the road beckons, traffic is free and flowing, the big Mazda is a capable, enjoyable and enthusiastic steed. Minor foibles aside, there is nothing better, more pleasing, plush and more engaging at this price point offering this much space, pace and poise. Indeed, the CX-60 embodies the Jinba-Ittai spirit in a more practical and liveable package. You’ll always want to take the driver’s seat and follow the long and enjoyable way home.
