Mazda's Premium SUV Gets Hybrid-Diesel
The Mazda CX-60 is by far one of the most premium products to ever come from the Japanese manufacturer, with impressive interior build quality and a comfortable ride that make it a capable cruiser.
However, the 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine left us yearning for more. It displayed its thirsty nature, a pace that could only be described as leisurely, as well as a tendency to dwell in lower gears for longer. The experience, while excellent in many aspects, left a small but noticeable gap in how the mid-size SUV executes its duties.
We've always been of the opinion that a turbocharged powerplant would address many issues on the drive front. Thankfully, Mazda has now announced that it will be expanding the CX-60 range with the introduction of the Takumi variant, which seeks to elevate the premium mid-size SUV to new heights.
The biggest news here is that it swaps the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder powerplant for a bigger 3.3-litre in-line 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel mild-hybrid engine with 187kW and 550Nm of torque, which is comparable to the German rivals.
Besides the engine, the CX-60 Takumi edition can be distinguished by the exclusive front bumper design, a bar-type piano black grille, a bright metal finish to the front signature wings, as well as 20-inch black metallic, diamond-cut alloys.
You see, with the hybridised turbodiesel engine, Mazda aims to address some of the irks that we have come across in the petrol variant, and knowing very well how frugal and torquey turbodiesel engines are, this is a welcome addition to the range.
The Mazda CX-60 Takumi is expected to launch locally in February 2024, and pricing as well as full specifications will be confirmed closer to the time.