The upcoming Mazda CX-60 has had more details confirmed for the UK market, as well as parts of Europe, including a 2500kg braked towing capacity and fuel economy as low as 4.99L/100km on the combined WLTP cycle.
In a new media release, Mazda’s British division detailed the new 3.3-litre mild-hybrid diesel for the region, ahead of a first quarter market launch in the new year – following the 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which is on sale there now.
Like Australia, the UK will be getting the e-Skyactiv D 3.3-litre inline-six turbo-diesel featuring 48V MHEV assistance, though unlike the range Down Under, the UK will get two states of tune – a low-output 200PS (147kW) version, as well as the 254PS (187kW) version that will be available in Australia. It’s the first we’ve heard of the lower output tune.
Both versions of the CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D will offer a braked towing capacity of 2500kg, just like the PHEV. By comparison, all versions of the BMW X3 are rated to tow up to 2000kg, including the inline-six-powered xDrive30d.
The 147kW 3.3 e-Skyactiv D will be exclusively available with rear-wheel drive, while the high-output tune is AWD only. Both models use a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which uses multi-plate clutch with an integrated electric motor/generator as opposed to a conventional torque converter.
Mazda says the 3.3-litre inline-six turbo-diesel uses Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) technology, helping the power unit to achieve 40 per cent thermal efficiency, claiming to strike an ‘excellent’ balance between performance and efficiency.
The company adds that the new diesel was developed using the brand’s ‘right sizing’ concept that “optimises displacement to improve fuel and power efficiency”, and produces less vibration due to the characteristic balance of the inline cylinder layout. Further, Mazda claims the 3.3-litre diesel’s lightweight construction keeps the motor’s weight similar to that of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel used in the CX-5 – though doesn’t quote an exact figure.
On the topic of economy, Mazda has confirmed WLTP efficiency figures for the electrified diesels, with the lower tune with RWD achieving an impressive combined consumption figure of 56.5mpg (4.99L/100km) and emissions output of 129g/km, while the high-output model with AWD (closer to Australian-spec) achieves 53.3mpg (5.29L/100km) and 137g/km for the same metrics.
For reference, the Toyota RAV4 AWD Hybrid is rated at 47-48.7mpg (6.0-5.8L/100km) in UK spec on the same efficiency benchmark.
Last week, CarExpert reported the fuel consumption figures quoted for the Japanese market, based on that region’s WLTC standard. The CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D AWD quotes the equivalent of 4.73-4.76L/100km, which again betters the 4.92-4.85L/100km quoted by Toyota’s top selling petrol-electric crossover.
Pricing for the entry-level 147kW RWD model in the UK starts at £42,990 ($76,790), around £2500 ($4465) more affordable than the cheapest CX-60 PHEV. Relative to the premium-badged rivals Mazda is targeting, the CX-60 PHEV’s £45,000 ($80,380) starting point is aligned with a UK-market BMW X3 xDrive20i.
Australia doesn’t get the 20i powertrain with all-wheel drive in the X3, though the RWD sDrive20i kicks off at $76,600 plus on-road costs Down Under, with the xDrive20d four-cylinder diesel starting from $79,600 plus on-roads.
Mazda’s local division has already confirmed the CX-60 will offer the 3.3-litre diesel alongside the PHEV as well as a new 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol from launch, scheduled for the first half of 2023.
Three trim levels will be offered, Evolve, GT and Azami; and while the brand is pushing upmarket with this new model, it’s understood pricing will likely start around the $60,000 mark in its most affordable guise.
Full pricing and specifications for the Australian market will be confirmed during the late stages of 2022. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.
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