Mazda CX-60 (2024) Launch Review
With a price tag of more than R1 million, the new 3.3D AWD Takumi flagship of the Mazda CX-60 seems to have a VERY specific target market. But, even so, a 6-cylinder turbodiesel is a rarity in the Executive SUV-, let alone the Family Car segment!
This is the Mazda CX-60 3.3-litre (turbo)Diesel Mild Hybrid Takumi; that nomenclature is a mouthful, which is why our New Car Specs page shortens it to 3.3D AWD Takumi. Upon reading this, it may occur to you that the Takumi’s sizeable engine displacement is uncharacteristic for a brand we’ve often goaded for utilising the same dated (and, in the case of petrol, naturally aspirated) motors… for over a decade.
This is a beast of an entirely different kind. Unlike the discontinued CX-5 turbodiesel derivative, the newcomer is not powered by a 2.2-litre 4-pot, but by a more voluminous 3.3-litre turbodiesel powerplant that feels instantly more characterful because of its classic inline-6-cylinder format.
The net result is a meaty 550 Nm of torque and 187 kW, which, in combination with being a mild hybrid (because Mazda’s 8-speed automatic transmission is hybridised through a 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery), results in acceleration that feels so linear you’d guess the motor was naturally aspirated.
Its soundtrack even includes a raspy snarl. Further benefits of the electrically augmented transmission are creamy smooth gear changes and the ability to switch off the diesel motor when coasting to traffic lights (that’s when the electronics take over). I realise that I’ve skipped far ahead because of this novel and interesting powertrain, so allow me to settle into the usual rhythm. Let’s discuss the aesthetics first.
It’s a looker. I’ve long mused that Mazda is Japan’s Volvo – its design language is minimalist yet striking; elegant, but purposeful. With the CX-60, the Hiroshima-based firm even tested my spell checker, which carefully double-checked that I hadn’t accidentally typed XC-60 (a Volvo of similar stature) instead.
Here, the bodywork is large, but not bulky thanks to flanks that feel as though the metal has been poured over them. It’s so delicate, but also stretched tightly from wheel arch to (20-inch alloy) wheel, as though it conceals musculature underneath. There are also ghosts of the Jaguar F-Pace and Alfa Romeo Stelvio in the styling – but no denying the CX-60’s pedigree as a large Mazda. Its look is perfectly cohesive.
Clamber aboard and you’ll encounter a stylish driver-centric cabin swathed in hand-stitched Nappa leather complemented by high-contrast silver garnishes. It is a tech-laden space with the brand’s MI (Mazda Intelligent) drive modes, including Towing and Off-road, a personalised driver and passenger system, a larger (12.3-inch) TFT display, radar-guided cruise control and a wealth of safety equipment.
The list of toys is equally as impressive with audio piped via a 12-speaker Bose system, the addition of a 360-degree view monitor and some nice-to-have upgrades as well, such as the hands-free tailgate.
You may, however, be disappointed to encounter Mazda’s familiar infotainment setup and I’ll cut to the chase, here… it does NOT have a touchscreen. Instead, Mazda insists on using a haptic setup, which is controllable from the rotary dial and switches to the left of the driver, just behind the transmission lever.
Mazda’s stance on the matter is that the MI is a safer way to operate the controls. Swiping through reams of options and settings in the menus may cause you to become distracted and draw your focus from the road for too long, or so the brand argues. Fair enough, and I can certainly appreciate the argument from both sides, but in Mazda’s defence, this CX-60 does have a drivetrain that deserves my full attention.
Our route took us on a mix of highways and freeways before culminating on one of the Western Cape’s finer mountain passes. During that time, I got to appreciate that new powertrain and can report on one of the most enjoyable “turbodiesel driving experiences” that I’ve had in recent times. It sounds properly rorty, pulls strongly (without any sense of lag or boost) and delivers a constant wave of torque to ride on.
The handling is well-weighted, with feedback coming in loud and clear from the rim of the multifunction steering wheel and, while the 3.3D AWD Takumi’s suspension firms up when you coax it into (let’s just call it) a canyon-carving mode, it reverts to buttery smooth when the asphalt straightens out.
How much does the Mazda CX-60 cost in South Africa?
2.5 Dynamic | R739 800 |
2.5 AWD Individual | R844 500 |
3.3D AWD Takumi | R1 049 200 |
The CX-60 ships standard with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a service plan of the same duration.
Summary
I know it may seem that I’m reciting all the flowery prose that Mazda would like me to, but the fact is that this particular CX-60 derivative, powered by a characterful and muscular 3.3-litre inline-6 turbodiesel motor, is a sensory joy to drive. Then again, at this price (R 1 049 200, March 2024) it really needs to be.
There aren’t many rivals at this price point unless you’re looking at the Teutonic trio. The Audi Q5, BMW X3 and even Mercedes-Benz GLC all live here, while the Mazda’s most obvious rival – the Volkswagen Tiguan in R-Line trim – can be had for R845 800, albeit with a smaller 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 130 kW.
But bear in mind that we live in the time of a R1-million Honda CR-V and some Chinese SUVs command prices north of R800k, so perhaps the price of the 3.3D AWD Takumi won’t put you off in the slightest.
And, if that’s the case, and you’re interested in the prospect of owning one of the more exciting cars from the marque with a compelling inline-6-cylinder driving experience, then good for you.
Related content:
Mazda CX-5 Range To Be Trimmed: No More Manual, Diesel or AWD
Opinion piece: Did Mazda give the CX-60 the wrong engine?
Mazda CX-60 Review: Is it good enough for the premium segment?
Mazda CX-5 Range To Be Trimmed: No More Manual, Diesel or AWD