Purposeful Power Under the Bonnet

The star of the show is undoubtedly what’s under the bonnet. The CX-60 3.3L houses Mazda’s first-ever straight-six diesel engine – a 3.3-litre turbocharged unit that delivers 187kW of power and a commanding 550Nm of torque. This powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, deliberately eschewing the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that have become commonplace in the segment.

On the road, the inline-six provides effortless acceleration, with peak torque available from just 1,500rpm. The engine’s smooth character is immediately noticeable, especially when compared to four-cylinder competitors. Whether overtaking on the N1 highway or navigating the winding passes of Mpumalanga, the CX-60 responds with assured confidence. The engine’s refinement is particularly impressive, with diesel clatter well-suppressed even under hard acceleration.

The real revelation, however, comes in the CX-60’s handling characteristics. Mazda’s decision to adopt a rear-biased drivetrain configuration pays dividends in the way this sizeable SUV tackles corners. There’s a balance to the chassis that’s reminiscent of premium European offerings, with precise turn-in and impressive body control for a vehicle of this size and weight. The Mi-Drive system offers customisable driving modes including Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Towing, with each noticeably altering the vehicle’s character.

Fuel economy is respectable for a vehicle in this class. During our testing on a mix of urban and highway routes, the CX-60 3.3L returned approximately 8.2L/100km, impressively close to Mazda’s claimed 5.9L/100km combined figure.

Premium Interior Execution

Step inside the CX-60, and it’s immediately apparent that Mazda has moved upmarket. The cabin follows Mazda’s ‘less is more’ design philosophy with a clean, uncluttered dashboard that eschews the trend of overwhelming digitalisation. High-quality materials abound, with genuine wood trim, Nappa leather, and precise aluminium (or is it chrome?) accents creating an ambiance that wouldn’t feel out of place in vehicles costing substantially more.

The front seats deserve special mention, offering 10-way electric adjustment with heating and ventilation functions in the top-spec Takumi trim we tested. The driver’s seat features Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System, which uses facial recognition to automatically adjust seat position, steering wheel, side mirrors, and even climate control settings based on saved driver profiles – a neat party trick that actually proves useful in daily use.

The 12.3-inch infotainment screen isn’t the largest in the segment, but it’s thoughtfully implemented with both touch and rotary dial controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a wireless charging pad. The 12-speaker Bose sound system delivers impressive audio quality, though it stops short of the audiophile experience offered by some European rivals.

Rear seat passengers aren’t forgotten either, with generous legroom and dedicated climate controls. The panoramic sunroof, standard on higher trims, floods the cabin with light and enhances the sense of spaciousness. Boot space is a practical 570 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,726 litres when folded – ample for family holidays or weekend getaways to Bela-Bela.

Distinctive Design Language

The CX-60’s exterior design represents an evolution of Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language, characterised by clean surfacing and minimal character lines. The long bonnet and set-back cabin visually communicate the vehicle’s rear-drive architecture, while the front end is dominated by a bold grille and slim LED headlights that give the CX-60 a purposeful stance.

At 4,740mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,685mm tall, the CX-60 occupies a footprint similar to the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It’s a handsome vehicle that attracts attention without resorting to design gimmicks or overstyled elements. The Soul Red Crystal paint option (R13,000 extra) remains one of the most striking finishes available on any car at any price point, with a depth and lustre that sets it apart from typical metallic reds. Our test model though, came in an executive Deep Crystal Blue.

The 20-inch alloy wheels fitted to our test vehicle struck a good balance between aesthetic appeal and ride comfort. Despite their size, they didn’t unduly compromise the ride quality on rougher surfaces – a common issue with large wheel options.

Tech That Serves the Driver

Mazda has taken a measured approach to technology integration in the CX-60. The digital instrument cluster and centre touchscreen are crisp and responsive, but they don’t dominate the cabin experience. Physical controls remain for all functions, it feels weird and slightly restricting given that the norm lately is touch screens in modern cars.

The heads-up display is one of the best in the business, projecting speed, navigation, and driver assistance information directly into the driver’s line of sight. Active driving displays have become increasingly common, but Mazda’s implementation stands out for its clarity and unobtrusiveness.

Safety and driver assistance systems are comprehensive, with the CX-60 featuring Mazda’s i-Activsense suite. This includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The 360-degree camera system provides excellent visibility when parking, though the resolution could be sharper.

One thoughtful feature is the vehicle’s See-Through View, which creates a virtual transparent view of the vehicle’s underside when off-roading – particularly useful when navigating rough terrain where obstacles might be hidden from direct view.

Value Proposition

Starting at R914,000 for the 3.3L AWD Exclusive model and rising to R1,027,300 for the top-spec Takumi variant we tested, the CX-60 3.3L positions itself as a premium offering. While not inexpensive, it undercuts similarly equipped European rivals by a significant margin while offering comparable – and in some areas superior – quality, performance, and equipment levels.

The standard warranty package includes a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan, providing peace of mind for owners. Service intervals are set at 15,000km, which is on par with competitors.

The front of the CX-60 exudes charm, thanks to Mazda’s tasteful incorporation of chrome, seamlessly connecting the grille with its LED headlights. It achieves a distinctive look without resorting to overly exaggerated designs seen in some competitors. However, the rear end may divide opinions, as the sloping glass meets the boot door at a slightly awkward angle, resulting in a somewhat misshapen appearance for the CX-60’s rear.

Step inside, and the CX-60’s interior leaves no room for complaints. Mazda’s dedication to refined cabin design and finish is evident, outshining even more expensive luxury vehicles. The CX-60 effortlessly upholds this standard.

Admittedly, this review of ours is based on the 2.5l Dynamic package, which brings the price of this particular CX-60 to R739 800. The more expensive trim level, set at R844 500, offers more flashy materials and tech. Nevertheless, Mazda maintains a clean and intuitive layout across all trims, addressing common criticisms of past Mazda interiors.

The interior of the CX-60 is spacious. The Black leather upholstery looks and feels luxurious, a standard feature on all trims.

Mazda’s attention to detail extends to the CX-60’s interior, regardless of trim level. The dashboard, featuring textured chrome along the center, exudes beauty and sophistication. However, caution is warranted to prevent sticky fingers from soiling it. The HVAC system’s switchgear, with its organ toggle-style temperature controls, adds a unique touch, and the leather clad steering wheel provides the perfect grip.

Although the center console trim has a metal-woodgrain effect, it is made of plastic. However, the quality of the materials and Mazda’s robust switchgear create a sense of solidity. The CX-60 offers an abundance of physical controls, even with the presence of a large display atop the dashboard. The size of the display is 12 inches. A rotary controller and shortcut cluster near the transmission shifter provide additional convenience. An inconvenience worth pointing out is that the screen is not touchscreen. Why?

While the screen supports direct interaction in wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto mode (standard on all trims), Mazda’s interface primarily emphasizes the jog-dial control, prioritizing safety considerations according to the automaker.

Under the hood, Mazda offers one powertrain option for the CX-60, with a choice of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the trim. The lineup includes two variants of a new inline-six, longitudinally-oriented engine. The details of the engineering might be best skipped for now.

Both the Dynamic and Individual trims feature a 2.5-litre inline-six engine delivering 141 kW of power and 261 Nm of torque. Both variants employ an eight-speed automatic transmission developed in-house, providing rather disappointing and less than enthusiastic gear-changes. Fuel consumption remained at a steady 10l per 100km during our time with it.

Regarding active safety technology, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and adaptive cruise control are standard across the CX-60 lineup. Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and lane-keep assistance also come as standard features. The “Cruising and Traffic Support” system, despite its plain name, adds hands-on lane centering for highway driving, offering a smooth experience.

Standard features include a power liftgate, three-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, and heated side mirrors. Higher trims introduce a 360-degree camera.

In summary, the 2023 CX-60 embodies Mazda’s long-standing charm in its largest vehicle yet. With its disengaged dynamics, handsome design, and a cabin that exceeds expectations in terms of quality and features, the CX-60 manages to overcome its few shortcomings. While rivals may excel in certain aspects, Mazda’s approach makes its sizable SUV truly special and worthy of consideration.

Rivals to the Mazda CX-60 are cars such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota Rav4, Nissan X-Trail, BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5.