Like it or not, we’re all spending a little more time in our cars these days, which means it makes sense for that time behind the wheel to be as sustainable as it is comfortable.
Which is where the Mazda CX-60 comes in, because it ticks all the boxes, whether you’re going to run around town or adventuring further afield.
Kodo design language – A sleek and bold design that embodies Mazda's signature "Soul of Motion" aesthetic.
Kodo design language – A sleek and bold design that embodies Mazda's signature "Soul of Motion" aesthetic.
Spacious boot capacity – With up to 570 litres of space and a power tailgate with handsfree access, the CX-60’s boot offers ample room for luggage and gear.
Spacious boot capacity – With up to 570 litres of space and a power tailgate with handsfree access, the CX-60’s boot offers ample room for luggage and gear.
Muscular front grille – The prominent, sculpted grille gives the CX-60 a confident, commanding presence on the road.
Muscular front grille – The prominent, sculpted grille gives the CX-60 a confident, commanding presence on the road.
Flat-folding rear seats – The rear seats fold completely flat, expanding storage capacity for larger items. Additional hidden storage under the boot floor keeps smaller items organised and secure.
Flat-folding rear seats – The rear seats fold completely flat, expanding storage capacity for larger items. Additional hidden storage under the boot floor keeps smaller items organised and secure.
LED taillights with 3D effect – Stylish, sculpted taillights enhance visibility while complementing the overall design. The chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets at the rear add a sporty, performance-inspired touch. And a longer wheelbase not only boosts cabin space but also contributes to a more balanced, stable ride.
LED taillights with 3D effect – Stylish, sculpted taillights enhance visibility while complementing the overall design. The chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets at the rear add a sporty, performance-inspired touch. And a longer wheelbase not only boosts cabin space but also contributes to a more balanced, stable ride.
Challenging perceptions
With ten days to put the Mazda CX-60 through its paces, I covered some ground, doing everything from short jaunts around Auckland to road-tripping to the beautiful Bay of Plenty.
I even enjoyed some spectacular Sunday driving along the Clevedon Coast, and I can report that the CX-60 is a delight to drive.
Combining the flexibility of a traditional petrol engine with the economy of a plug-in hybrid, whenever the electric range was spent, the car switched seamlessly to petrol.
Whether you’re navigating narrow country roads, multi-lane motorways or suburban streets, this SUV is as big on style as it is on sophistication and safety.
As for the digital dashboard, it was a font of information, including a magical heads-up display that projected the speed limit and the speed I was travelling up on the windscreen above the steering wheel. Featuring a battery range of around 50 km, the CX-60 was ideal for getting around town, and my weekly electricity email did not register a spike, despite multiple charges.
As for motorists who wish to take their toys when they venture further afield, they’ll appreciate the capable 2.5 tonne towing capacity, which means boats, caravans and trailers can all be transported with confidence.
With no need to compromise on power, space or comfort, the Mazda CX-60 is a joy. Whether you’re navigating narrow country roads, multi-lane motorways or suburban streets, this SUV is as big on style as it is on sophistication and safety.
Elevated sophistication and practicality for Kiwi roads
Full disclosure; I am not a motoring expert, which means I was thankful to be given the key fob and told I could just drive away.
No need to listen to a complicated lecture or to read a thick manual, because everything about this car is completely intuitive. From adjusting the wing mirrors to managing connectivity, entertainment and navigation - obviously while stationary – it was a pleasure to discover the numerous intelligent features.
From the headlights that switch on and off as required to wipers that register rain. What’s more, the soapy windscreen wash emerges from the actual wiper blades, which spreads the water so much more effectively than when sprayed from nozzles at the base of the windscreen. Top marks for the innovation.
One fun find, not only can the seats be heated, they also have cooling fans for steamier days.
Yet more welcome surprises, the cabin lights automatically come on at night when the car is unlocked, and if you’ve synced your phone with the navigation system, you’ll get a text from Maps to let you know where you’ve parked the car, just in case you didn’t take note when disembarking.
As you’d expect of an SUV of this calibre, there is also generous boot space and cabin room. One backseat passenger declares it like travelling in business class. Then she promptly fell asleep, she was that comfortable. Driver assisted technology is also impressive, with sensors for everything from lane assistance to blind spot monitoring. Indeed, there are so many genius innovations, I’m certain NASA had a hand in some of it.
To ensure you stay in touch while on the road, there are chargers galore, from USB ports to a charging pad in the front centre console. There’s even a three pin plug in the backseat for more traditional appliances. The stereo speakers are state of the art, while the sunroof brought a smile to my dial on a bright spring day. As for the range of camera angles for reversing and manoeuvring, the multiple views were beyond extraordinary.
Whether you’re after a work horse that can haul heavy loads over long distances, or you want a slick city car with excellent performance credentials and no compromise on comfort, the Mazda CX-60 is truly the best of both worlds.
Premium materials – Luxurious leather seating and real wood trim create an upscale, refined feel.
Premium materials – Luxurious leather seating and real wood trim create an upscale, refined feel.
Driver-focused cockpit – The dashboard and controls are designed for intuitive reach and ease of use. Drivers and passengers also enjoy an open, airy cabin with the expansive panoramic roof.
Driver-focused cockpit – The dashboard and controls are designed for intuitive reach and ease of use. Drivers and passengers also enjoy an open, airy cabin with the expansive panoramic roof.
Signature wing lighting – The distinctive light signature around the front grille adds a touch of elegance and recognition.
Signature wing lighting – The distinctive light signature around the front grille adds a touch of elegance and recognition.
Muscular front grille – The prominent, sculpted grille gives the CX-60 a confident, commanding presence on the road. Sleek, intelligent headlights adjust for optimal visibility in different driving conditions.
Muscular front grille – The prominent, sculpted grille gives the CX-60 a confident, commanding presence on the road. Sleek, intelligent headlights adjust for optimal visibility in different driving conditions.
Panoramic roof – An expansive glass roof adds a sense of openness, luxury and comfort when combined with the elegant, smart seating.
Panoramic roof – An expansive glass roof adds a sense of openness, luxury and comfort when combined with the elegant, smart seating.
Kodo design philosophy – The CX-60’s cabin is crafted with a minimalist, elegant design that reflects Japanese aesthetics.
12.3-inch infotainment display – A high-definition screen at the heart of the dash provides access to Mazda Connect and smartphone integration.
Mazda's Driver Personalisation System – This intelligent feature automatically adjusts the steering wheel, seat, mirrors, and settings based on the driver’s unique profile.
Ergonomically designed seats – The seats are engineered for optimal posture and fatigue reduction, enhancing comfort on long drives.
Japanese Maple Wood accents – The cabin integrates traditional Japanese craftsmanship with natural wood trim for a serene atmosphere.
Defying norms
For motorists looking to buy a new car, the benefits of a plug-in hybrid are many and varied, from lower running costs to lower emissions.
And with the CX-60’s real-world range of over 50km, it’s possible to commute short distances without ever using petrol. Then when the battery does empty, the car automatically switches to petrol, and all you need to do is plug in each night at home to top up the battery. This makes for a significant reduction in petrol consumption with no range anxiety.
It’s also perfect for spontaneous adventures, with a full tank enabling you to do all the things you enjoy. Most important of all, the CX-60 puts safety first by taking intelligent technology to new heights, while also putting an emphasis on comfort and style.
And if there are any issues, there’s an 0800 number you can ring for Mazda assistance 24 hours a day, whether you need a tyre changed or want to ask how to get the best from the battery. New owners will enjoy five years unlimited km warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled servicing as part of a thorough package with Mazdacare.
To find out more about that, visit their website here.
The Mazda CX-60 has it all, with its top notch intelligent technology, sleek interior and elegant exterior, not to mention its 2.5tonne towing capacity.
So why not book a test drive today and put yourself behind the wheel of one of the safest and most sought after plug-in hybrids on the market.
Traditional design principles are at the heart of the CX-60
Traditional design principles are at the heart of the CX-60
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