Test – Mazda CX-60 PHEV, large-format premium electrification

In the midst of the current energy crisis and the current climate of fuel scarcity, plug-in hybrid technology (PHEV) may be the winning option. Fuel efficient, advantageous and increasingly efficient when it comes to driving in full electric mode, it’s a bit like the dream engine of the moment.

And if all the manufacturers in the world have already launched their fully electric conquest models, the plug-in hybrid is on its way, becoming a really interesting alternative in the face of a diesel market that continues to decline, and a 100% electric horizon that still seems a bit distant, especially in the midst of questioning the development of the network and the current poverty of the charging infrastructure. Finally, the PHEV remains the safest way to continue selling SUVs, which remain fond of the public (more than 40% market share in Europe), avoiding excessive penalties.

Mazda knows this, and little by little it has launched the electrification project for its European range, with three milestones. Already the integration of mild hybridization in its revolutionary SkyActiv X engine, available among others in its 3 compact sedan and its CX-30 SUV, then a 100% electric initiative with the MX-30 urban SUV, with deliberately very high performance framed … An emblematic model was missing to find “the intermediate”, the one for customers who wanted to have a machine in line with the trends of the moment, economical and without autonomy limits. All this also incorporating the continued increase in sales desired by Mazda.

The strong point: a statutory machine

The end result is quite spectacular. The CX-60 PHEV is an impressive and imposing machine. “We wanted a standard-bearer for our entire range,” they say internally at Mazda, “and these types of machines must also have the best technology and carry our image.” A great challenge therefore, but from the first moment, this SUV detonates.

In this mini-segment of premium plug-in hybrid SUVs, in addition to the BMW X, Mercedes G and Audi Q (if we can say PHEVized for CO2 emission issues), two types of vehicles have caused a sensation, both of which were the true flagships of this technology and best sellers in its segment: the Mitsubishi Outlander and Eclipse Cross, and the Volvo XC-60 and 90.

The CX-60 seems, so to speak, designed to fit into this segment at the best of times and with the best weapons. And aesthetically, it would be right at home in a parking lot full of Range Rovers or Jaguar F-Paces. Mazda’s new SUV shines with a very careful design, with an elongated hood at the front and a vertical rear, totally “SUV” and not “SUV Coupé” as is the current fashion. The machine is therefore massive, 4.70 meters long, and impresses with its wrinkled-eyelid optics, 20-inch two-tone rims and chrome accents.

When Premium touches luxury

But the surprise is really discovered in the cabin. Mazda seems to have integrated the best of what it is capable of in terms of quality, especially in the Takumi trim of our test model. Impressively comfortable ivory leather seats, maple veneers, quality lacquered plastics, and even Japanese-style woven textile elements on the dash. There, very clearly, Mazda is so exclusive in the premium field that we can start talking about a luxury product. We are at the same level as the best finishes of Volvo or Mercedes, and even a little above.

Behind the wheel, the CX-60 reveals a character that is both typically PHEV and typically Mazda. Mazda, because the level of comfort and the flexibility of the suspensions never take away from the good sensations on the road, they never completely disconnect you from the road. And PHEV because from the start, Mazda’s first PHEV is a winner.

With a total output of 327 horsepower, combining a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 17.8 kWh battery-powered electric motor, the CX-60 PHEV sends out an impressive 500 Nm of torque thanks to its all-wheel drive and traction . The chain drives very calmly, and effortlessly, this machine that is still heavy but not in excess of 2.1 tons, the strict equivalent of a Volvo XC-60, for example.

The speeds are quite dynamic at once, with a 0 to 100 km/h that goes under 6 seconds (5.8). All in an Olympic calm, with a very smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox. The CX-60 also proves to be extremely well soundproofed and additionally equipped with a very functional multimedia system, talentedly sounded by Bose.

royal comfort

The CX-60 PHEV gives a truly successful impression of serenity, with large glass surfaces, a large sunroof and well-considered ergonomics, and fits perfectly into the category of regulation SUVs, pleasant to drive and also very pleasant to be. . with traction, with very spacious rear seats. Strong point too, a good cargo volume in the trunk. 470 litres, which seems standard if you look at the rivals in the segment… but which hides an additional 100-litre compartment in the basement. An excellent surprise.

And if you want to drive fully electric, especially in the city where it will be more pleasant, the CX-60 PHEV is among the best ranges in the sector, with 60 kilometers in WLTP standards, but a potential additional 5 kilometers. it seems largely achievable in strictly urban driving, if the averages taken during the test are to be believed. In an ordinary 11kW charging station with a type 2 cable, it only took 3h20 with the watch in hand to go from 15 to 100% autonomy. A very honorable time. Count between 4 and 5 hours on a 220v outlet.

Furthermore, the machine is economical to run, with an observed average consumption of 20-22 kWh/100km in fully electric mode and just over 4 liters of petrol per 100km on an empty battery, which is still impressive for an SUV. just over 2 tons

The black dot: a slightly blurred direction

Some faults can be pointed out, in particular a slightly dated and sometimes confusing infotainment system, and a very low steering at low speed, which sometimes makes you lose a bit of the idea of ​​the sheer size of machine. However, its consistency improves once in motion.

Otherwise, honestly, nothing prohibitive to report, and this CX-60 is an amazing surprise, especially in terms of ambition. And at 61,750 euros in this very high Takumi finish, we can say that it constitutes a very interesting offer, especially compared to its designated rival, the Volvo XC-60, certainly more powerful but whose prices skyrocket beyond 80,000 euros in PHEV version. in the best finishes.

A very good offer for lovers of standard SUVs, but also for companies… Mazda highlights that 67% of the first orders for this CX-60 come from professional buyers. It is therefore perhaps the SUV that will allow you to enter the French professional market, a work in progress for a few years.