Overview

The Mazda CX-60 breaks new ground for the firm as it’s the biggest car ever offered by the firm in the UK. It’s a busy market sector, but this one stands out for its value pricing, range of hybrids and generous equipment levels, interesting and finely-crafted interior, and a variety of powertrains.

The CX-60 debuted Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain when launched, and follows this up with a new diesel engine. More new territory for the Japanese brand comes when you consider what cars the CX-60 rivals – as a large, posh, plug-in SUV, it’s nipping at the heels of premium offerings such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, despite being priced closer to more workaday models such as the Peugeot 3008 and Toyota RAV4.

As such, then, the diesel bolsters the range, adding a welcome focus on real-world drivability and fuel economy in an increasingly electrified world. That means you can now buy three flavours of CX-60, starting with the 200hp rear-wheel drive mild-hybrid diesel, the more powerful 254hp four-wheel drive version of the same inline-six falling between, and the 327hp plug-in hybrid petrol sitting at the top of the range.

Subtle styling masks interesting details under the skin. The CX-60 PHEV’s four-wheel drive setup combines the power from the engine and electric motor before it’s fed through an eight-speed automatic transmission, while both diesels are boosted by 48v mild-hybrid technology to improve economy and efficiency.

The CX-60’s large stance and traditional approach to getting power on the ground means it’s one of the few plug-in hybrids able to pull a caravan or trailer – its towing capacity of 2,500kg isn’t bad at all.

Squint, and there could be a little hint of Bentley Bentayga in those imposing family SUV looks. It shares the tall, flat sides, and a mostly effortless drive, but not the bling or ultimate refinement – yet it carries the substance of a calm, competent and safe car. It feels very different to rivals in the same budget.

Three model trims are offered – Exclusive Line, Homura and Takumi, and all are well equipped. Standard is a 12.3-inch colour central display screen, which which unusually does away with a touchscreen in favour of a rotary control dial. Other features across the range are heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Homura and Takumi models gain a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Is all that enough for the CX-60 to see off the opposition? Keep reading to find out what we think of the new Mazda CX-60’s interior, practicality and engines. We’ll tell you what it’s like to drive and how much it’ll cost, what it’s like to run a plug-in hybrid, or indeed what the 3.3-litre diesel version is like to live with  – and, of course, whether you should go out and buy one.