Mazda has introduced new-generation mild-hybrid technology to its five-seat family SUV, but does it deliver the fuel savings to warrant the hybrid name?
2023 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami
Japanese carmaker Mazda is in the middle of a model overhaul, starting with its flagship SUV line-up – and buyers will need a quick recap to learn the new names.
The five-seat Mazda CX-60 is slightly bigger than a Mazda CX-5 (a Toyota RAV4 rival) and slightly smaller than the soon-to-be superseded seven-seat Mazda CX-9 (a Toyota Kluger rival).
Although it shares some familiar Mazda design cues, the more upright appearance is not just for the sake of style.
Under the bonnet is a new, bigger, in-line six-cylinder engine (in petrol or diesel formats) that requires more space. There is also a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid alternative, but that’s not the model we have here.
Following recent road tests of other variants in the range, this is the Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami (another new model code to learn).
Translation: this is most expensive mild-hybrid petrol variant in the Mazda CX-60 line-up.
And, in this guise at least, it parks the Mazda CX-60 alongside similarly priced rivals such as the Lexus NX, Volvo XC60 and Genesis GV70.
Does it live up to the hype and the price? We’re about to find out.
How much does the Mazda CX-60 cost in Australia?
The Mazda CX-60 line-up has a choice of three model grades, each available with a choice of three engines.
For simplicity, it looks like this (all prices are before on-road costs such as registration, stamp duty and arbitrary dealer delivery fees):
2023 Mazda CX-60 range:
- 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol turbo with M Hybrid Boost: $59,800 (Evolve), $67,800 (GT), $73,000 (Azami)
- 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D diesel turbo with M Hybrid Boost: $61,800 (Evolve), $69,800 (GT), $75,000 (Azami)
- 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv PHEV: $59,800 (Evolve), $80,300 (GT), $85,500 (Azami)
Option packages:
- Vision Technology: $2000 (Evolve), $2000 (GT), Standard (Azami)
- Luxury (in addition to Vision Technology): $4000 (Evolve), Standard (GT), Standard (Azami)
- Takumi – White interior colour: $2000 (Azami)
- SP – Tan interior colour: $2000 (Azami)
These prices position the Mazda CX-60 in a new sphere of mostly European competitors.
While Mazda’s perceived quality is generally good, a large part of its popularity in Australia has historically been driven by value.
These sharp increases may take buyers some time to adjust. The risk with this approach is that customers might shop elsewhere.
| Key details | 2023 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami |
| Price | $73,000 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Machine Grey |
| Options | Premium paint – $995 Takumi package – $2000 – White nappa leather seat upholstery – Chrome-look interior decoration panel – Cloth-trimmed ‘detailed stitching’ dashboard panel – White maple wood console panel |
| Price as tested | $75,995 plus on-road costs |
| Drive-away price | $82,538 (Sydney, NSW) |
| Rivals | Lexus NX | Volvo XC60 | BMW X3 |
How much space does the Mazda CX-60 have inside?
The Mazda CX-60 is a touch longer and a touch wider than the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-8 – and not much shorter bumper-to-bumper than the Mazda CX-9. This has enabled Mazda to generally make good use of available space, though there are a few exceptions.
While there is ample room for front-seat occupants, back seat space is still a bit tight. It’s better suited to two adults across the back rather than three.
For those with kids, there are two ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the back row. And an old-school child seat can be fitted in the middle seating position because there is a top tether mount behind the seat back.
It’s evident the cargo hold has been given priority. According to Mazda data, the cargo hold has 477L of space (to the window line) with all seats in position, which is more than the Mazda CX-5 by the same measure (438L).
And there is 1726L of space when the back seats are stowed, though it’s worth noting it’s not a perfectly flat floor. As is often the case with hatchbacks and SUVs, the seat backs are on a slight angle when stowed.
Helpfully, to keep valuables out of view when the car is parked (and to stop the sun melting the groceries), there is a built-in cargo blind that can be set to open and close as the (electronic) tailgate is lifted.
There are two large widescreen digital displays for the infotainment system and the instrument cluster – and the door pockets, centre console and glovebox are fair for the class.
A wide centre console with a central cabin controller and adjacent buttons enable key functions such as the audio and navigation systems.
In this top-of-the-range model, you can program the driver’s standing height in the infotainment system – and the car will take a pretty good guess at your ideal driving position (automatically moving the electrically powered seats and mirrors into place). However, you still need to adjust the steering wheel tilt and reach positions.
Mazda claims new facial recognition technology can also ‘learn’ who is driving and set up their favourite air-conditioning and driver assistance settings.
We didn’t test Mazda’s best guess this time around, but other colleagues at Drive have given this tech a try in other CX-60s we’ve tested – with mixed results. The system can also get tricked when you do/don’t wear sunglasses or prescription glasses.
For now, we reckon the driver can do a better job of finding the ideal seating position.
The digital instrument cluster is clear and easy to read while on the move. However, for now there is only a choice of two basic settings: an old-school analogue look and a digital screen.
Our test car – equipped with the optional Takumi pack – was enhanced with light-coloured wood inserts (if they’re fake, they’re pretty convincing) and white nappa leather seats. This really helped give the Mazda CX-60 a premium European feel.
And then we started the engine (see ‘Driving’ later in this review).
| 2023 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 477L seats up 1726L seats folded |
| Length | 4740mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Height | 1680mm |
| Wheelbase | 2870mm |
Does the Mazda CX-60 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are Bluetooth, AM/FM, and digital radio. Wireless smartphone charging is also part of the package.
Embedded navigation is standard. This means even if you’re out of phone range, you can still find your way home.
The 12.3-inch infotainment screen has a high-resolution display, but it is only a touchscreen some of the time (when the car is stopped), and a lot of the Mazda functionality has changed from previous models, which takes some getting used to.
Even after a week with the car we were still fumbling. So if you take delivery of a new Mazda CX-60, don’t rush the handover process and be sure to have the sales staff set your favourite radio stations before you leave the showroom.
If you’re a music fan, you’ll likely enjoy the 12-speaker Bose audio system – even though most customers probably listen to AM or podcasts.
Is the Mazda CX-60 a safe car?
The Mazda CX-60 was crash-tested in 2022 and all variants were awarded five-star ANCAP safety ratings.
A series of destructive tests showed the Mazda CX-60 earned a 91 per cent score for adult protection, and a 93 per cent score for child protection (back seat).
Crash-avoidance tests showed safety technology that detects and avoids vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists ) earned a score of 89 per cent, while other safety assistance systems scored 77 per cent.
| 2023 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2022) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Mazda CX-60 have?
The Mazda CX-60 has the works when it comes to advanced safety technology.
Standard fare includes: radar cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (with cyclist and pedestrian detection, and intersection assistance), rear automatic braking (to detect kids, bicycles and people pushing shopping trolleys when reversing), lane-keeping assistance, blind-zone detection (with door exit warning), and rear cross-traffic alert.
Speed-sign recognition is standard (though during this test it was not as accurate as other cars with this technology), as are tyre pressure monitors, front and rear parking sensors, and a ‘bird’s-eye view’ 360-degree camera (that combines images from four cameras – in the front badge, rear tailgate, and under each side mirror).
There is also a choice of camera angles, though it must be noted the images weren’t as clear as we were expecting, especially given the high-resolution infotainment screen. Perhaps Mazda has used low-definition cameras.
Should the worst happen in a crash, Mazda CX-60 occupants are protected by 10 airbags (including a centre airbag between the front seats, a driver’s knee airbag, and rear seat-mounted side airbags), in addition to ‘curtain’ airbags alongside the front and back rows, front-seat airbags, and two frontal airbags.
How much does the Mazda CX-60 cost to maintain?
Mazda offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and has a capped-price servicing program that covers the first five years/75,000km of vehicle ownership. After five years/75,000km, customers are on their own to negotiate the cost of routine maintenance.
Servicing the mild-hybrid petrol six-cylinder CX-60 over the first three years is cheaper than for the diesel six-cylinder CX-60 over the same period.
However, oddly, the cost of routine maintenance for the six-cylinder petrol over five years is dearer than for the six-cylinder diesel over the same period.
On the Mazda Australia website, the cost of routine maintenance for the CX-60 G40e Azami mild-hybrid is listed as follows (now with 12-month/15,000km intervals rather than 12-month/10,000km): $437, $644, $558, $1268 and $453.
This translates to $1639 over the first three years or an eye-watering $3360 over the first five years (see table below).
One leading insurer quoted an annual comprehensive insurance premium of $2137. This figure is based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
| At a glance | 2023 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | $1639 (3 years) $3360 (5 years) |
Is the Mazda CX-60 fuel-efficient?
Here’s where the Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami starts to lose some of its lustre.
The Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami mild-hybrid has a fuel consumption average of 7.4L/100km on the rating label.
The benchmark Toyota hybrid system can sip 5.0L/100km in this size vehicle (Toyota Kluger).
And we were disappointed to record a fuel-consumption average of 8.1L/100km on our 130km road loop, which is a mix of urban, inter-urban and a stretch of freeway driving. On this same loop we have achieved 5.0L/100km (or less) in Toyota hybrid SUVs.
At least the Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami consumes regular 91-octane unleaded petrol rather than insisting on premium unleaded petrol, which is a requirement for many European vehicles.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 7.4L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 8.1L/100km |
| Fuel type | 91-octane unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 58L |
What is the Mazda CX-60 like to drive?
In many ways, the Mazda CX-60 is a work of art to look at – inside and out.
But the illusion is shattered the moment you start the engine – or encounter a bump in the road.
The 3.3-litre turbo six-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine sounds gruff, the eight-speed multi-clutch automatic clunks when moving from rest – or making a three-point turn – and the suspension is not as well controlled or as nice to drive as previous Mazda SUVs.
Overall, it’s the opposite of the refined driving experience one might expect from such a handsome-looking vehicle. As the saying goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover.
So, before we delve further into the negative points, some positives.
The Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami is brisk (for an SUV). We matched Mazda’s 0–100km/h claim of 6.9 seconds, which is not far off hot-hatch territory.
The 0–60km/h performance is line-ball with other SUVs of this type and size, but the Mazda CX-60 really finds its legs from 60km/h to 100km/h.
Of course, the Mazda CX-60 is not a performance car, but it is good to know it has safe overtaking power when you need it – and should be able to comfortably handle a full load of people on board.
The steering is light and easy (especially at car park speeds) and there’s generally good visibility all around thanks to the large window area. However, reverse parking vision is limited, so you end up relying on the cameras and sensors when getting close to adjacent obstacles.
And the cabin has a comfortable feeling about it (except for rear knee room), and the quality of materials and attention to detail are superb.
What a shame, then, that the suspension is under-damped (it wallows over and after bumps) and the handling and responsiveness are not as sharp as the Lexus NX we had in the Drive garage at the same time.
For me, however, the abruptness of the multi-clutch transmission and the gruffness of the in-line six-cylinder petrol engine (which conjures up memories of the Ford Falcon fleet sedan) really detract from the overall experience.
We know Mazda has talented engineers and it has a long track record of bringing driver enjoyment (and peace of mind to commuter drivers by delivering them confidence and grip), but the CX-60 G40e Azami sadly is not the company’s finest hour.
The designers have done a stunning job, but there’s homework for the chassis engineers and the engine and transmission teams.
| Key details | 2023 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami |
| Engine | 3.3-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol, 48-volt mild-hybrid |
| Power | 209kW @ 5000–6000rpm |
| Torque | 450Nm @ 2000–3500rpm |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 8-speed multi-clutch automatic |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 107.2kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 1949kg |
| Spare tyre type | Temporary |
| Tow rating | 2500kg braked 750kg unbraked 150kg downball |
| Turning circle | 10.8m |
Should I buy a Mazda CX-60?
All the ingredients are here, but the Mazda CX-60 G40e would benefit from further enhancements to the engine, transmission and suspension.
If you are considering a Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami, and are attracted to its good looks, please be sure to take it on a decent test drive on roads you’re familiar with before signing on the dotted line.
How do I buy a Mazda CX-60 – next steps?
Although the Mazda CX-60 is still in its ‘honeymoon’ phase as a new model, Mazda Australia has a knack of getting decent stock levels from the get-go.
Not every dealer has every model grade, but showrooms we canvassed had some examples in stock – or stock on the way.
Be sure to shop around at several dealers to check on their current stock situation and, remember, if it’s not on the lot (or not in a holding yard) there could still be delivery delays. You can find Mazdas for sale at Drive.com.au/cars-for-sale.
Meantime, if you want to stay updated with everything that’s happened to the Mazda CX-60 range since our review, you’ll find all the latest news here.
The post 2023 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami review appeared first on Drive.
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