Yes, that’s right: the words “premium” and “Mazda” stand side by side. It’s time to get used to it. That’s what the company itself is trying to teach us. A few years ago they promised to create new models that will be more premium than existing ones. To back up their promises with real things, the Japanese company decided to rely on technology to create a new platform for large cars (so-called Large Production Group series): rear or 4-wheel drive, longitudinal engine location, use of state-of-the-art hybrids, and powerful 6-cylinder engines. And the first production embodiment of these ideas was Mazda CX-60 SUV.

In general, the car debuted about a month ago, but then only the first technical specifications were revealed. For example, the total length of the vehicle is 4,745 m, its width and height are 1.89 m and 1.68 m, respectively, and the wheelbase is 2.87 meters. That is, the size of the Mazda CX-60 SUV is similar to the Jaguar F-Pace and BMW X3. And the profile reminds of them as well, the teardrop-shaped cabin is slightly shifted back, and the long hood should accommodate 6-cylinder engines.

The appearance of the 6-cylinder version was the reason for this news: from now on the 3.3-liter Skyactiv-D turbodiesel with a total capacity of 231-254 hp has been announced for the Mazda CX-60 model depending on the settings and design features of a particular version. Another 6-cylinder unit is a 3-liter gasoline engine e-Skyactiv-X. Both are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox that transmits torque to the rear wheels or all wheels.

However, a more interesting option is the PHEV version of the car – Mazda CX-60 SUV becomes “the first for the brand” again. The hybrid with the possibility of recharging from an external source is built on the basis of a 4-cylinder 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a battery with a capacity of 17.8 kWh. The promised mileage exclusively on the electric drive is about 60 km, but power figures are more impressive: 327 hp. or 241 kW, and 500 Nm torque! Currently, the hybrid version of the Mazda CX-60 is the most powerful “road” car in the history of Mazda.

Well, they really worked well on technology as well as the interior design: the high center console, two-color displays with a diagonal of 12.3 inches each, projection HUD display, a giant panoramic roof, as well as premium BOSE audio system are worth mentioning. However, one of the most interesting details is the memory system and setting up the car for a particular driver. After all, the Mazda CX-60 on-board computer can store six driver profiles and a total of 250 parameters: seat settings, mirrors, “climate”, audio systems, etc.

And we can note the increase in space in relation to the already well-known model Mazda CX-5. For example, they managed to make the front and rear seats 4 cm wider, increase the overall size and wheelbase which promises plenty of legroom for second-row passengers. Luggage compartment offers a usable volume from 570 liters to 1726 liters (folded rear seat and loading up to the ceiling). Plus, of course, premium decorative materials.

In general, the Mazda CX-60 SUV is just the beginning of a new history of large Mazda models: another member of the Large Production Group is promised in the next year or two. And the history of Mazda CX-60 will continue: for example, the debut of the base version of the CX-60 is expected, which should receive a conventional 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a capacity of about 185-190 horsepower. It is possible that this version will allow to significantly reduce the cost of the car, as currently, the projected price tag of Mazda CX-60 for the German market is starting at 47 thousand euros. Well, according to the price Mazda is really premium. I wonder what the cost of a car will be in Ukraine.