2023 Mazda CX-60, a rivalry to the Lexus NX and Audi Q5?

 2023 Mazda CX-60, first to enter Australian market

Mazda's SUV assault continues with the introduction of the all-new 2023 CX-60 in Australia, following its previous model debut in Europe early this year.

The car maker announces its 2023 luxury midsize crossover will be available with an opt of inline-six mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid four.

This is a significant model for the Japanese automaker as it represents numerous firsts and a declaration of intent that it belongs among traditional premium marques such as Lexus, BMW, and Volvo.

By the end of 2023, Mazda has confirmed to launch four new SUVs namely CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 from the Large Product Group. More than that, the CX-60 and CX-80 will be two- and three-row models, primarily aimed at the European market, while the CX-70 and CX-90 will be wider and aimed at the North American market.

Under the hood, the new CX-60 revealed its new turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine that churns out a distinctive 280 hp and 450 Nm of torque which for now is ready for Australian market and there’s a possibility for the lavish CX-60 to arrive in Malaysia anytime soon.

Another two powertrains were made available which comprises of a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol PHEV engine (323 hp and 500 Nm of torque) and 3.3-litre inline 6 turbo diesel mild hybrid (251 hp and 550 Nm of torque) whilst both details outstrip more torque compared to the latest 3.3L turbo petrol version as referred above.

On a different note, Europe and Japan buyers will be getting a different engine which is a 3.0-litre e-Skyactiv X or a prominent 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D turbo-diesel inline-six with 187kW of power at 3750rpm and 550 Nm of torque between 1500 and 2400rpm.

More than that, M Hybrid Boost 48V mild-hybrid systems, Mazda's rear-biased i-Activ all-wheel drive system, and an eight-speed automatic transmission comes across as standard on both engines.

Rides from 18- to 20-inches, the latest Mazda CX-60 can be found in Evolve, GT and Azami trim levels including new Rhodium white metallic which will be available across the range.

Also onboard, the new six-cylinder engines will be available alongside the former PHEV thanks to a combination of the company's familiar 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G inline-four engine, a 100-kW e-motor, and a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery that transmits 323 hp.

With a 5.8-second sprint to 62 mph, Mazda claims it to be the most powerful road car the company ever built with no slouch at a stoplight.

Now that 2023 Mazda CX-60 in being introduced in Australian market, the media sees it as another rivalry to not just Lexus NX and Audi Q5 but other competitors that includes Proton X50 and Volvo XC60.

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Source: CarExpert