Rise of the clones - Mazda completes CX range revamp

More of the same as Mazda reveals updated CX-60

ROUNDING out Mazda’s revamp of the range of the ‘big’ CX- wagons, the updated CX-60 arrived in showrooms a couple of months ago, with an expanded line-up.

Unfortunately, they are perhaps a little too much like the other models, sharing the same body as its larger siblings, looking like a long-nosed hatchback, although the bonnet is just short enough to keep everything in proportion.

The long bonnet is necessary to house the six cylinder drivelines, the same ones in the other wagons, a choice of petrol or diesel turbos as well as a four cylinder petrol/electric hybrid.

Also carried across is the eight-speed auto transmission, driving all four wheels, with a choice of four trim levels, from the entry level Pure through to the range-topping Azami.

We tested the Pure, with the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) option, and the GT in six cylinder petrol turbo form.

Like its brethren, the -60 is a solid, well built car, projecting a feeling of solidity, doors close with a click, there is no rattling or tinniness.

Similarly, the paint has depth, this is no quick run over with the spray gun, the finish has a lustre projecting quality, in line with the rest of the car.

Inside, the CX-60 is as good as ever, but there is a sameness to the other big CX wagons

Inside, the story begins to diverge, while the Pure retains the quality workmanship of its higher-spec siblings, the materials are more in keeping with its entry-level status.

It is not cheap, instead everything is more hard-wearing and functional, rather than the plusher materials of the up-spec versions.

The broad and supportive manually adjustable seats are trimmed in black cloth, padded in the base and back for comfort, while I prefer a longer base for under-thigh support, they are on a par with the competition.

As the entry level, it gets a 7” LCD dash screen for the driver and a 12.3” LCD central screen with powertrain monitoring, shared with the higher models, because it is the PHEV, the straight ICE models get a 10.25” screen.

There is also an 8-seaker audio system, dual zone climate control, auto dimming mirror and an extensive selection of driver and safety assist systems.

Step up to the GT and the seats are leather, power adjustable for driver and passenger, heated front and rear, as well as a heated steering wheel, nice on a cold morning!

The audio became a BOSE 12-speaker unit, it really rocked My88 on CarPlay, while the panoramic sunroof was perfect for star gazing on a clear night.

Under the skin, Mazda techs played with the suspension, removing the rear swaybar and repositioning the steering knuckles, reducing over- and understeer tendencies front and rear, creating more neutral handling.

The result? The CX-60 is a stable platform that steers through corners cleanly, without pushing the front wide or drifting the tail mid-corner, perfect for a family wagon.

Both powertrains, PHEV and petrol turbo, punch hard, the 3.3-litre six makes 209kW/450Nm while the combined output of the 2.5-litre four and electric drive is 241kW/500Nm.

Despite using high rpms, the six is a smooth revving unit, there is no coarseness or hesitation, you push hard and it digs deep and goes harder.

Similarly, the four cylinder, also with turbocharging, loves to rev, slightly unusual for a long stroke unit, these tend to rev lower and slower, creating bottom-end torque, great for acceleration.

In both cases, the CX-60 will accelerate hard, whether launching from a standing start or for rapid, highway-speed overtakes, dropping down the gears and pulling away.

Unfortunately, the eight-speed transmission is the let down, while it smooths out from fourth and upwards, the lower gears can be abrupt and brutal, thumping into gears on both up- and downshifts.

We experienced the same problem in other CX- wagons using the same driveline, pushed hard, or in Sport mode, it was less aggressive, but in Normal, especially in stop-start traffic, where big rpm launches were not feasible, it became uncomfortable, the whole car feeling the driveline shock.

A shame, because that aside the CX-60 is a good drive, the ride is comfortable, although a little stiff in the GT, the rear jumped over speed bumps, sending vibrations into the cabin, not helped by the low profile tyres on 20” rims.

The Pure has higher profile tyres and 18” rims, for the same rolling diameter and gearing, these provide extra shock absorption and a smoother ride.

A floating Heads Up display is standard on all models, I am a big fan, it ‘sits’ above the bonnet, reducing the need to look away from the road to check on speed and other information.

A frustration is the rotary dial controller for the central display, it needs a hand off the wheel to navigate multiple menus, also taking the driver’s eyes off the road, while you do adapt, it feels dated compared to the competition.

Knocking Ford from second in the car market means Mazda is doing something right, and the CX-60 was second in its category for August, backing up that performance.

For build quality, smoothness - the transmission thumping aside - and being a generally good all-round vehicle, the CX-60 is worth investigating, it just feels it could be more.