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What is it? Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid When is it available? Late 2022 Biggest changes? Everything – it’s all-new! Fleet appeal? PHEV tech in Mazda’s most powerful road car

Plug-in and play

Mazda’s first foray into the PHEV playground comes as a SUV with 322hp and 500Nm. That power comes from a combination of Mazda’s 2.5-litre petrol engine, a 100kW electric motor and a 17.8kWh battery. As a result, the new CX-60 will be the most powerful Mazda to hit the road. The hybrid setup enables up to 39 miles of combined cycle EV miles and up to 42 miles when in the city. Performance? Zero to 62mph is dispatched in under six seconds.

Come inside

The interior of the CX-60 boasts, according to Mazda, “the very highest standards of craftsmanship combined with new technologies and human centric ergonomics to deliver a premium interior rooted in Japanese heritage”. In other words, there is plenty of quality materials, especially when you move up the range.

For example, the flagship Takumi grade features maple wood and Nappa leather, embracing ‘Musubu’ – the art of binding.

Driver engagement and vehicle dynamics were attributes when creating the CX-60. Key elements in achieving this goal were a frontengine, rear-wheel-drive setup, Mazda’s SKYACTIV scalable architecture and a double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension setup. The manufacturer’s Kinetic Posture Control technology further helps stability when cornering. PHEVs get a mixed reception, especially amid a growing number of full electric models entering the market. However, Mazda fans and followers will be keen to try out the new SUV, which should fare well in a fiercely competitive market. Knowing the larger CX-80 is set to follow by 2024 could give extra confidence in this car being a hit.

Safe and sound

Drivers and passengers will benefit from a wide range of assistance systems onboard CX-60. For example, debuting on the car are a next-generation 360° monitor (See-Through View), hill decent control and adaptive cruise control, which works with traffic sign recognition.

Three trim grades will be offered – Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi – while packs for convenience, driver assistance and comfort are available. Higher-end models have the option to specify a panoramic sunroof.