THIS striking SUV is the new CX-60 that will be Mazda’s flagship model – and most powerful road car – when it arrives in the UK this autumn.
It features the upmarket Japanese brand’s first plug-in hybrid technology powertrain – a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol engine with a 100kW electric motor and a 17.8kWh high-capacity battery.
The resulting stats are incredible both in terms of performance and eco-friendliness. The 327PS of power on tap means it can hit 62mph in just 5.8 seconds.
Yet it can offer an official average 188mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 33g/km, while being able to manage 39 miles of electric-only driving in normal circumstances.
Other mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engine options are likely to follow for the SUV, which is larger still than its already popular CX-5 sibling.
It has Mazda’s renowned Kodo design features for its larger cars that blend muscular boldness front and rear with sleek dynamism in profile.
Available to order now, the CX-60 has three superbly equipped grades – Exclusive-Line (priced from £43,950), Homura (£46,700) and Takumi (£48,050).
Customer choice is further enhanced with the ability to add various option packs, depending on model, to enhance comfort, convenience, driver assistance or add a panoramic roof.
At the top end, those on board will appreciate materials such as maple wood, nappa leather, uniquely worked Japanese textiles and chrome details.
And Mazda says the cockpit design keeps its trademark driver focus while offering new levels of comfort and space for passengers, as well as a hugely practical 570-litre boot.
Motorists are assured of the usual Mazda driver engagement and vehicle dynamics, with clever chassis engineering, an eight-speed auto transmission, all-wheel-drive, various drive modes and numerous safety systems.
Mazda UK boss Jeremy Thomson said: “The CX-60 heralds the start of a new chapter for Mazda, not only is it our first car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it also sets new standards for interior quality, design and technology – highlighting Mazda’s uniquely Japanese premium brand direction.”
