POWER, POISE AND PARSIMONY
FIRST-EVER MAZDA CX-60 INLINE-SIX PETROL MHEV SETS NEW EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
Official fuel consumption figures for the 48V mild-hybrid petrol variant of the First-Ever Mazda CX-60 are now confirmed, setting a new benchmark within the Mazda range.
Capable of returning 7.4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, the Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv G 3.3-litre turbo petrol offers an identical fuel efficiency rating to that of the frugal four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol Mazda CX-5, despite having two more cylinders, almost 50 per cent more power and close to twice the amount of torque on tap.
Its CO2 rating is also one gram lower at 171g/km, and a full 10 per cent lower than the highly praised 2.5 turbo-equipped version of the Mazda CX-5.
The larger displacement of the 3.3-litre Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv G – which is compatible with 91RON fuel – actually improves efficiency, as the higher volume of air enables more complete combustion and a wider lean-burn range, leading to lower consumption and reduced NOx emissions.
The M Hybrid Boost 48V mild hybrid system also supports the engine during the light-load range (idle to low speed) – where internal combustion engines are typically not very efficient – via an electric motor mounted between the engine and gearbox.
Peak power and torque numbers are strong at 209 kW and 450 Nm respectively, with an impressively flat torque curve from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.
Its 6.9-second sprint from rest to 100 km/h is also reduced by 0.8 seconds compared to a CX-5 Turbo, and that same flat torque curve results in more flexibility and agility in everyday driving situations.
The inherent balance of an inline-six configuration brings myriad other benefits, including smooth operation, packaging, thermal efficiency and crash performance, as well as a characterful and involving engine note.
Commenting on the vital statistics of the petrol MHEV powerplant, Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi said: “Our commitment to the rightsizing approach has resulted in an exceptionally refined six-cylinder engine that reflects Mazda Premium and also manages to simultaneously replicate the efficiency hallmarks of our consistently most popular SUV in Australia – the four-cylinder Mazda CX-5.
“This enticing blend of real-world performance without the compromise makes it the perfect fit for the Australian market, and it’s clear to see why we anticipate this versatile petrol engine to be our best-seller in the CX-60 range, with it expected to account for approximately 44 per cent of overall customer orders.”
Sitting alongside a 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D diesel with 187 kW and 550Nm of torque, which also uses a six-cylinder layout and employs the M Hybrid Boost 48V mild hybrid system, the First-Ever Mazda CX-60 powerplant range is rounded out by the 2.5-litre PHEV. As the first-ever plug-in hybrid Mazda model, it’s also the most powerful model to date, drawing on a system power of 241 kW and peak torque of 500Nm.
The First-Ever Mazda CX-60 is on sale now and can be specified in one of three model grades: Evolve; GT and Azami.
All grades are available in conjunction with the 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv G turbocharged petrol, and all variants utilise a rear-biased all-wheel drive setup with a newly developed Skyactiv-Drive eight-speed automatic transmission.