The mild-hybrid 3.3-litre turbo-diesel in the upcoming 2023 Mazda CX-60 could be one of the most efficient vehicles in its class, if official Japanese fuel consumption figures are anything to go by.
Newly published to the company’s Japanese consumer website, the CX-60 XD-Hybrid – which will be known locally as the e-Skyactiv D – quotes a combined efficiency figure of 21.0-21.1km/L on Japan’s combined WLTC cycle, equivalent to 4.73-4.76L per 100km.
By comparison, the Japanese-market Toyota RAV4 AWD Hybrid quotes 20.3-20.6km/L on the same efficiency tests – or 4.92-4.85L/100km.
While Australia doesn’t use the Japanese WLTC standard, local versions of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid quote figures of 4.7L/100km for the 2WD and 4.8L/100km for the E-Four AWD.
It’s a remarkable claim given the CX-60 e-Skyactiv D powertrain is a big 3.3-litre inline six turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, making a healthy 187kW (3750rpm) and 550Nm (1500-2400rpm).
Drive will be sent to a rear-biased variable all-wheel drive system via a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which does away with the conventional torque converter and utilises a multi-plate clutch with integrated electric motor-generator for enhanced efficiency and quicker shifts.
A less powerful version of the inline six diesel is offered in other markets including Japan, which also offers a base rear-wheel drive option. Outputs for the non-electrified oiler are rated at 170kW and 500Nm, with WLTC fuel consumption listed as 19.6-19.8km/L (5.1-5.05L/100km).
In Australia, the CX-60 e-Skyactiv D will be joined by two other electrified powertrains, including a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv PHEV plug-in hybrid (241kW/500Nm) and a e-Skyactiv G 3.3-litre turbocharged petrol 48V mild-hybrid (209kW/450Nm).
According to European WLTP figures, the CX-60 PHEV uses just 1.5L/100km on the combined cycle, and offers an electric driving range of up to 60 kilometres. Further details of the petrol are scant, but we do know it’s a new engine destined for the North American market, likely for the upcoming CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs.
The all-new Mazda CX-60 is now due to arrive in Australia during the first half of 2023, though the brand has already started some local testing with a pair of pre-production prototypes (pictured). Read more about that here.
Full pricing and specifications for the Australian market will be detailed during the fourth quarter of 2022 (October-December), with Evolve, GT and Azami trim levels to be offered at launch.
Standard equipment from the base grade will include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a power tailgate, advanced keyless entry, and power-folding, heated exterior mirrors with auto-dimming. Alloy wheels ranging from 18- to 20-inches will be offered, and a new Rhodium White metallic will be available across the range.
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