Mazda’s new CX-60 SUV – let down by poor ride quality despite moving upmarket

Driving Mazda’s relatively new five-seat CX-60 SUV today – replacing the very
popular CX-5 and bigger on a longer wheelbase it charts new territory but frankly
it’s not all positive – two in-line six-cylinder engines – a 3.3-litre turbo petrol and
surprisingly a 3.3-litre turbo-diesel plus the company’s first plug in hybrid or
PHEV – a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated plug-in petrol/electric with around 62kms of
pure electric range. Three all-wheel drive grades for each engine, Evolve, GT and
Azami – prices for the nine grades running from $59,800 up to $85,500 moving
well into prestige territory where there’s some sharp product like the Lexus NX,
Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60. You may have assessed my thoughts on plug-in
hybrids or PHEVs, I’m not a fan, to me they offer little electric range and will date
quickly, the CX-60 PHEV weighing nearly two tonne and requiring 95 RON petrol.
The transition from electric power to petrol power clumsy and hesitant, the ride
quality disappointing for a plug-in hybrid that starts in Evolve grade at $72,300. I
also drove the 3.3-litre turbo petrol with 48-volt mild hybrid boost which runs 91
RON petrol – again superbly equipped and built but the ride quality still
disappointing and in need of more refinement.
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