Mazda Southern Africa hasn’t launched an all-new passenger vehicle for quite some time, but that’s about to change. Yes, the fresh-faced Mazda CX-60 is scheduled to roll onto local dealership floors in May 2023 and we’ve managed to unearth initial details, including pricing.
Revealed in March 2022, the CX-60 is the first of Mazda’s so-called “Large Product” group models and as such rides on the Japanese firm’s new rear-wheel-drive platform. The 5-seater SUV measures 4 745 mm long, 1890 mm wide and stands 1 680 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2 870 mm.
The new CX-60 will slot in above the CX-5 (PHEV pictured).
That makes it 170 mm longer from bow to stern than the CX-5 (with an extra 170 mm between its axles as well) above which it is positioned. Mazda claims a luggage capacity of 570 litres (including under-floor storage), a figure that balloons to 1 148 litres with the rear bench folded flat.
In South Africa, our information shows the 2-derivative range will kick off at R739800 and run through to R844 500, overlapping ever-so-slightly with the 6-strong CX-5 line-up, which currently has pricing bookends of R515600 and R765300. The top-spec CX-60 thus becomes the most expensive Mazda in the local range, supplanting the flagship version of the BT-50 (currently priced at R818400).
In Europe, the CX-60 is offered with a range of interesting engines, including a pair of mild-hybrid inline 6-cylinder units – a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre petrol lump and a 3.3-litre turbodiesel motor – as well as a 241 kW plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain based around the familiar 2.5-litre powerplant.
While the latter flagship set-up results in the most powerful road-legal car in Mazda’s history, we sadly won’t see it in South Africa … at launch, at least. Furthermore, the straight-6 engines – including new 209 kW turbocharged 3.3-litre petrol unit announced for Australia – won’t form part of Mazda SA’s launch line-up, either.
At launch, SA looks set to receive only a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol option.
Instead, our information suggests the range in South Africa will comprise a pair of derivatives, each powered by the brand’s atmospheric 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine – yes, a version of the unit that has long done duty in the CX-5. Though local power figures have yet to be confirmed, it’s worth noting this engine makes 143 kW and 258 Nm in the CX-5. Whether the SA-spec CX-60 sticks with the CX-5’s 6-speed automatic transmission or upgrades to the new 8-speed self-shifting gearbox remains to be seen.
Similarly, local specifications have yet to be announced, but we do know the CX-60 2.5 Dynamic variant will feature a rear-wheel-drive configuration, while the CX-60 2.5 AWD Individual derivative will have drive delivered to all 4 corners. In addition, 8 exterior paint colours – including the brand’s signature Soul Red Crystal hue and a fresh Rhodium White option – will be on offer.
Check back soon for more (official) information, as it becomes available…
Mazda CX-60 2.5 Dynamic – R739800Mazda CX-60 2.5 AWD Individual – R844500
As with other models in Mazda Southern Africa’s range, expect the new CX-60 to ship with a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a service plan of the same duration.
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