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All-new Mazda CX-60 sees debut of ground-breaking new technology

Revealed to the world last week, the all-new Mazda CX-60 will arrive in the UK this autumn to expand Mazda’s award-winning SUV range. Joining the UK line-up above the ever-popular 2022 Mazda CX-5, the Mazda CX-60 flagship SUV is launched with Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid technology powertrain, which combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre  four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery.

Crafted in Japan, the all-new Mazda CX-60 represents everything that Mazda has built into its DNA over the last 100 years, from outstanding exterior and interior design to the finest Japanese craftsmanship, plus world-leading powertrains and the uniquely Mazda sense of being at one with the car. Offered in the UK in three highly specified trim grades: Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi, customer choice is further enhanced with the ability to add two option packs across all grades: Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack, with a Comfort Pack available on Exclusive-Line. An additional option to specify a Panoramic roof on Homura and Takumi models is also unique to the CX-60.

The all-new Mazda CX-60 also sees the introduction of a range of new Mazda technologies that make their debut in the new 327ps PHEV. These include the first use of Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System. Standard on the Homura and Takumi models, and available to be added to Exclusive-Line as part of the £1,400 Comfort Pack, this new technology takes Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai ‘driver and car as one’ ethos to a new level when it comes to achieving a perfect driving position.

Mazda’s new Driver Personalisation System comprises three functions: an automatic driving position guide, automatic setting restoration and ingress/egress assistance. The automatic driving position guide uses a camera to detect the position of the driver’s eyes and input on the drivers height to estimate their physique, then automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, head-up display and door mirrors to match the driver’s eyeline for a suggested optimal driving position.

While to ensure you can always return to your chosen and saved seating preference, the automatic setting restoration function uses facial recognition technology and data on more than 250 adjustments and settings stored in the car – including the driving position, audio and air-conditioning – to quickly and automatically restore the settings for each individual when the driver changes. The system can store settings for up to six people, ensuring you will never lose your perfect seating, audio, climate and comfort preferences when you get behind the wheel. Additionally, the ingress/egress function makes it easier to get in and out by automatically sliding the seat and steering wheel out of the way.

Another driver assisting technology making its debut on the Mazda CX-60 is Mazda’s 360 degree camera with see-through view. While a reversing camera is standard across the range, the see-through view 360-degree camera is of part of the £1,000 Convenience Pack that is available across all-three models. The technology uses a four camera system that covers all sides of the car to display a bird’s-eye view of the car from above, as well as a choice of front, rear and left or right hand side views on the 12.3-inch centre display screen. The new see-through functionality displays an image on the screen that seemingly allows the driver to see through the front and rear corners of the car from their viewpoint, making it easier to spot objects obscured by the cars bodywork. This helps the driver remain fully aware of hazards and surrounding conditions when driving slowly in confined spaces or manoeuvring into parking spaces.

As you would expect for a company that focuses on the driver experience across every model it produces, the Mazda CX-60 also sees the debut of new mechanical technology designed with the driving experience at its heart. Mated to a 327ps and 500Nm e-Skyacvtiv powertrain, which combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 100kW electric motor and a 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery, the Mazda CX-60 sees the debut of Mazda’s new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Designed to offer drivers a smooth and responsive gear shift with slick steps between ratios, it achieves the right balance between driver engagement, comfort, dynamic performance and environmental efficiency. The new transmission shifts gears in the same manner as a torque converter gearbox – via planetary gears and multi-plate clutches – but it does not have a hydraulic converter as an input clutch, instead it has a multiplate clutch as well as an integrated electric motor/generator. By replacing the torque converter with a clutch, the torque of the engine and the electric motor is transmitted directly, with a similar fast and rhythmic shifting feel akin to a manual transmission.

The CX-60’s e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain also allows for the independent power mixing of the petrol engine and electric motor, so that at all speeds the transmission delivers shifts and changes smoothly. Part of an powertrain set up that delivers outstanding environmental credentials with WLTP combined fuel consumption of 188mpg and WLTP combined CO2 emissions of only 33g/km, this new transmission also ensures excellent levels of driver engagement in what is Mazda’s most powerful car to date.

The all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV’s e-Skyactiv powertrain and all-new eight-speed automatic transmission is matched to Mazda’s i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system. While the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offers a choice of drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV, with the latter making it possible to drive under electric power alone. While across each of the driving modes the Mi-Drive system is designed to provide optimum control and driving pleasure in every driving scenario.  

Commenting on the reveal of the Mazda CX-60, Mazda Motors UK Ltd, Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “the Mazda CX-60 heralds the start of a new chapter for Mazda, not only is it our first car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it also sets new standards for interior quality, design and technology – highlighting Mazda’s uniquely Japanese premium brand direction”. Adding, “whether it’s our new eight-speed transmission or clever tech like the Mazda Driver Personalisation System, the new technology found in the CX-60 is all about delivering that unique connection between car and driver you’d expect in a Mazda.”

The new technology tally with the Mazda CX-60 is set to grow even further with two brand new upcoming Mazda engines joining the e-Skyactiv PHEV. Developed using Mazda’s ‘right sizing’ concept which calls for optimised displacement for improved fuel and power efficiency, new-generation in-line straight-six 3.0-litre e-Skyactiv X petrol and 3.3-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engines, which feature M Hybrid Boost – Mazda’s 48V mild hybrid system – will join the CX-60 line-up in the future.

Available to order now the £43,950 Mazda CX-60 PHEV Exclusive-Line, the £46,700 Mazda CX-60 PHEV Homura and £48,050 Mazda CX-60 PHEV CX-60 Takumi will arrive in UK dealerships later this year. Heralding a new chapter in Mazda’s successful SUV history, the Mazda CX-60 joins the battery electric Mazda MX-30, Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid equipped Mazda CX-30 and recently updated 2022 Mazda CX-5 in Mazda’s comprehensive SUV line-up. 

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