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Cars > Driven

Mazda CX-60 AWD HEV Turbo: Two steps forward, one step back

The brand’s foray into the luxury market is impressive, but has one notable issue

The Mazda CX-60 is proof that the automaker is dead serious about fighting luxury brands. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

“Sir, Mazda pala ’yan? Akala ko galing Germany ’yung kotse na ’to.

This was the very first thing that my friendly condominium guard told me as I got out of the Mazda CX-60. It may seem like a trivial matter for someone who brings home a lot of different cars, but this stuck with me because this was the first time he said this about a Mazda. And he had seen the majority of the current product lineup up close.

You’ve heard about the automaker’s upmarket push for the nth time from us. But it seems like it finally has a vehicle that will make the average person do a double-take as it passes by on the road, not just as the “halo vehicle” that enthusiasts on the Internet sing praises about.

It has the head-turning looks of a European vehicle. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

Of course, the vehicle’s appearance plays a very big part in that. For those used to the smooth, understated aesthetics, this will feel like a slight deviation from that formula.

There’s the “split” headlight design where the DRLs continue into the prominent grille, and a short front overhang. The sports car-like long hood results in a pushed-back cabin, and the rear has almost-a-lightbar-but-not-so taillights. Compared to the previous crossovers, it feels more radical to look at, urging passersby to stop and stare.

Precisely why being different is the name of the luxury game. If Lexus has the spindle grille, and BMW has, er, whatever it is doing, Mazda seems to have carved out its identity with this current iteration of Kodo design.

The author would prefer the option of having the Sport aesthetics on a gasoline variant. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

This one in particular is the non-sport guise, a flashier variant that’s more luxury-oriented. It has two-tone machine-finished 20-inch wheels, a grille with vertical slats, and a tasteful smattering of brightwork. I think this trim combination works best with lighter hues like Platinum Quartz or Rhodium White (except the Soul Red Crystal for the Sport variant).

Mazda has made strides in making its cabins feel more spacious. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

The first thing I noticed when I climbed inside was not the design, but how spacious the cabin felt. Previous crossovers often felt like they would wrap around the occupants unless you sprang for the CX-8 or the CX-9.

It’s wider, even with the large dashboard and the widest-ever center console I’ve seen fitted to a car. The sensation of added space doubles once you open up the panoramic sunroof, a first for the brand locally as the CX-50 had that first.

Small details like tactile buttons separate this from any regular crossover. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

Materials are top-notch, with this model sporting black Nappa leather upholstery with bronze accents and aluminum trim panels. Fit and finish are sublime, with physical switchgear that has satisfying tactility, warm white ambient lighting, doors that close shut with reassuring clicks (à la Jeep), and elegant warning sounds that don’t distress you when you hear them.

It’s the little things that add up to the luxury experience.

An all-digital instrument cluster greets you in the CX-60, with essential indicators in a separate panel. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

Another first are the two 12.3-inch screens.

The digital instrument cluster is sharp and smooth, but isn’t very customizable aside from four different layouts depending on your drive mode (you can’t display media info or maps).

The digital gauge cluster feels underutilized, but the heads-up display makes up for it. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

Fortunately, the 10.4-inch heads-up display has the ability to show directions from your smartphone’s stock navigation app—assuming you only use Google Maps (for Android Auto) and Apple Maps (for CarPlay).

The Bose sound system easily punches above its price range. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

The center display is home to your controls and entertainment. It’s bright and legible, but it’s not as sharp as the screens that you’d find on other luxury brands. The ability to use the touchscreen with Apple CarPlay is absent, forcing you to use the commander knob in the center console for everything.

Also, while the smartphone integration is wireless (with wireless charging, of course), I would urge you to connect via the two USB-C ports to make the most of the amazing 12-speaker Bose sound system.

It’s up there with the sound systems found in European brands in terms of depth, clarity and bass. It even supports native lossless audio playback, something only seen in aftermarket head units.

The engineers did not cram a lot of features here, but the ones present work very well. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

The Driver Personalization System sounds like a great idea to get you into the ideal seating position, but in practice, it would always set me a little too close to the steering wheel. It gives you the opportunity to adjust it before saving it, so I would treat this as a suggestion and a great way to easily switch between drivers without having to faff about swapping preferences every time.

The vehicle has great forward visibility, but with sizable blind spots by the D-pillars. The high-resolution 360° camera has a unique See-Through View mode, which takes some getting used to but helps immensely when positioning this large crossover. The i-Activsense safety suite may not have the most features, but it’s one of the most unobtrusive ones out there, and I even enjoyed driving with the Lane Keep Assist left on.

Being a crossover, it's still practical enough to haul a lot of groceries and the occasional household appliance. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

Of course, as a crossover, it has 570L of usable cargo space. It comes with a removable cargo cover with a transparent see-through portion, and the 40:20:40 rear seats can be folded from the back to expand that even further to 1,148L.

Do note that these seats don’t fold flat, and that there is a space saver with a subwoofer underneath the load floor, unlike others with “fix-a-flat” kit that can get confusing to use.

The engine is incredibly smooth and refined. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

At this point, it sounds like I’m going to end up waxing lyrical about the CX-60, especially with that gem of a powertrain. Who wouldn’t like a 3.3-liter, mild-hybrid turbocharged straight-six gasoline mill that sends 280hp and 450Nm to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system?

It's frugal for a large six-cylinder engine. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

Sadly, despite that engine’s insane refinement, freight train-like linear power delivery, and surprising fuel economy (6.9km/L in the city; 12.7km/L on the highway) from its excellent engine start-stop system that has engine coasting, the transmission is the vehicle’s weakest link.

Mazda’s previous six-speed torque converter automatic is known for its smoothness and responsiveness, especially in the city. Unfortunately, the new eight-speed automatic—which uses a multiplate clutch and an electric motor—is jerky in low-speed situations, with stop-and-go traffic and incline parking being the worst scenarios.

But the newly developed transmission hampers the experience. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

I thought I was the only one, but talking with actual owners, browsing through forums, and seeing international publications experience the same thing makes me wonder if the new transmission has some teething pains that should be addressed as soon as possible.

I was able to smoothen the experience out a bit by changing my driving habits—basically driving it like a dual-clutch automatic. An issue like this shouldn’t be present in the first place, and most drivers will just expect to get in and drive without any issues. But it isn’t all bad. Get up to speed and the shifts become quick and smoother, kicking down instantly if you need to overtake or just want to sample the straight-six you paid for.

It's on the stiffer side of the segment, but it makes this car a joy to throw around corners. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

It has excellent NVH characteristics, making expressway jaunts a relaxing affair. But those expecting a luxury crossover-like ride will be disappointed to find out that the ride is stiff, especially compared to the CX-5 and the CX-8. It rides a little harshly over speed bumps, potholes, and undulations, and the 175mm ground clearance won’t have you fording through floodwater.

But the trade-off comes in driving enjoyment. The steering is nicely weighted, but also snappy enough to turn in on a dime when needed. Despite its hulking size, it has a very nimble minimum turning radius of 5.4m. Going through one of my favorite banked corners, I was surprised by how well-controlled the body roll was with Kinetic Posture Control working its magic.

It's great Mazda still retains some elements of its fun-to-drive philosophy, but most buyers are looking for something softer and tame. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

As an enthusiast, I applaud Mazda for staying true to its fun-to-drive spirit (or jinba ittai). Driver’s cars, basically. But most people, including the several owners I talked to, see it as an interesting and affordable alternative to traditional luxury brands. Yes, P2,790,000 is a bargain for what it offers.

The majority of them fully expect it to be like one—a plush, comfortable ride whether they are driving or being driven. It’s a great car, don’t get me wrong, but more people need to understand where the brand is coming from to level their expectations.

Regardless, Mazda has a very strong competitor on its hands, assuming it addresses the transmission issues. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

It certainly has the potential to be a disruptor in the Philippine luxury market, and the chosen one to help elevate the brand’s image. I’m just hoping that the automaker has a solution for the transmission’s jerkiness because that problem alone can make or break this and the upcoming CX-90’s reputation in our market.

MAZDA CX-60 AWD HEV TURBO

Engine3.3-liter in-line-six turbo gasoline with 48V mild-hybrid system
Transmission8-speed automatic
Power280hp @ 5,000-6,000rpm
Torque450Nm @ 2,000-3,500rpm
Dimensions4,745mm x 1,890mm x 1,680mm
Drive layoutAWD
Seating5
PriceP2,790,000
UpsideIncredible value for money as a luxury vehicle, and an amazing in-line-six engine.
DownsideThe jerky transmission and a stiffer ride compared to other luxury crossovers.


Sam Surla

Sam used to be the youngest member of our editorial team when he was our managing editor. He specialized in photography and videography, but he also happened to like writing about cars a lot.



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