You have to hand it to Mazda, the Japanese automobile manufacturer never gives up in its quest to please, and thus, sell more product.
With some early wobbles with its new-generation CX-60 family SUV, Mazda has pared back the powerplant and pricing while ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ in lifestyle stuff.
With the 2.5 litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder G25 petrol unit joining the CX-60 big boys in Pure, Evolve and Touring trim levels, the entry-level Pure price is $44,240, plus on-road costs, the Evolve and Touring (on test) following on at $49,240 and $52,240, respectively.
All models compare with big-brother six-cylinder counterparts and feature the recently refined Skyactiv-Drive eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 138kW and 250Nm to the rear-wheels. Mazda claims 7.5 litres fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway cycle.
Introduced as a result of customer demand, the maker reckons the bargain basement trio will contribute up to a third of CX-60 sales every year. Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi says: “Mazda has always prioritised providing unrivalled value and choice for our customers and the addition of the G25 to the CX-60 range is no exception.”
Like all Mazdas, the CX-60 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, backed up by five years of roadside assist.
STYLING
The G25 trio carry themselves in the assured manner of their more powerful (and expensive) cousins, with handsome features to match. There’s the same long bonnet, backward focused profile and Mazda brand radiator grille.
LED headlamps with auto on and off, and high beam control, front and rear parking sensors, plus exterior mirrors with power adjustment, auto fold, heating and auto dimming are standard, as are 18-inch grey metallic alloy wheels.
INTERIOR
The overall interior design, material quality and ergonomics in the G25 Touring are impressive. Black leather trim takes the place of cloth too on seating, which is heated up front and power adjustable for driver and front passenger. Leather steering wheel cover and shift knob are standard across the range.
All CX-60 G25 models come with desirable features such as wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree surround-view parking display, USB-C ports galore, one-touch up/down electric windows all round and cargo capacity of 477 litres to 1726 litres.
INFOTAINMENT
The base Pure includes the same high-definition 10.25-inch infotainment screen, 360-degree camera as its six-cylinder cousin, 7-inch TFT LCD multi-information meter driver’s display and eight-speaker audio with DAB+.
Evolve adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, cruising and traffic support and driver monitoring, plus a wireless phone charger and powered tailgate. Touring tucks in a rear console with LED lamp.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
The 2.5 litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, taken from the CX-5, has few pretensions to match the performance of its six-cylinder buddies, delivering 138kW and 250Nm to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
SAFETY
The CX-60 retains its five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2022 testing. Eight airbags are standard across the range.
Advanced safety tech includes autonomous emergency braking, driver-monitoring and front cross traffic alert.
DRIVING
The test CX-60 G25 Touring went about day-to-day duties smoothly and quietly until pressured by excessive loads or tougher terrain when it had a tendency to lose breath, the eight-speed automatic transmission, with a mind of its own, turning in a tardy response at slow speeds and holding gears too long.
The ride became rocky and handling loosened up, requiring the driver’s full attention. The cabin, with efficient insulation, kept tyre and road noise to a minimum.
The traditionally mounted four-cylinder petrol engine has no demand for premium fuel, happily making do with 91-octane unleaded. With Mazda claiming combined consumption of 7.5 litres per 100km, the test Touring happily fell in line with 8.6 litres per 100km in city hustle and bustle and 5.6 litres per 100km when let loose on the motorway.
SUMMARY
The Mazda CX-60 G25 Touring carries the economic zeitgeist of today’s tougher times but with the undeniable appeal of the quality and quantity of equipment at a hugely competitive price.
RATINGS
Looks: 7
Performance: 6
Safety: 7
Thirst: 6
Practicality: 7
Comfort: 6
Tech: 7
Value: 8
