We were recently invited by Mazda South Africa to the launch of a semi-new model in their stylish passenger vehicle line-up. Their flagship CX-60 is still quite new in southern African terms, and combines innovative tech with excellent comfort features and striking design, but now there is a new top-spec “Takumi” version with a very, very interesting engine.
Adding a bit of spice and variety to the current local line-up of CX-60 2.5L Dynamic and 2.5L AWD Individual, the local retailers can soon offer the brand-new 3.3L Turbo-diesel Mild Hybrid derivative in the enticing “Takumi” specification level. But before we get to that, you need to know a bit more about this unusually large and powerful Mazda power unit!
It displaces a sizable 3283cc in cubic capacity, divided neatly over six cylinders in an in-line formation; thus it’s happy if you simplify its name to 3.3-litre straight-6. In the last 20 years or so, most manufacturers ditched their bigger in-line engines in favour of V-shape motors to benefit packaging and weight distribution, but there’s a soft swing back in favour of straight sixes.
In-line motors are smoother (and easier to balance) than their split counterparts, and this is something we certainly experienced on our various test-drives during the media launch around Cape Town. Mazda has really done their homework to get the best balance of performance, fuel efficiency and theoretical longevity out of this new motor.
Dive a little deeper into its spec sheets and you’ll find state-of-the-art turbo-diesel technology mixed with MHEV48 (a 48-volt mild hybrid “helper” system) to achieve power figures of 187 kW at 3750 rpm or 550 Nm between 1500 and 2400 rpm. They also joined this powerful engine with the accepted norm of smoothness and efficiency: an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
…48-volt mild hybrid “helper” system…
With such vast amounts of power (or more importantly, quite a few mountain of torque) the gearbox has absolutely no problems staying inside the engine’s optimum efficiency band. And, as my co-driver also noted, not only is this unit very eager to respond, it also makes a great six cylinder noise… something that’s become quite rare in the many SUV’s on our market.
Mazda SA claims that the 3.3L CX-60 can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 7.3 seconds, which might seem irrelevant to some buyers but proves that it really is one of the sportiest new SUV models in our market. If you’re feeling brave enough, and you find a stretch of road this doesn’t have a speed limit, apparently this new model can reach almost 220km/h.
For the discerning modern buyers out there, the latest must-have gadgets include full LED headlights and day-time running lamps, power mirrors, frameless interior mirror (with automatic dimming feature), panoramic electric sunroof, dark rear privacy windows, leather dash padding, digital instrumentation, 12-inch media screen and smartphone integration.
Mazda is also very proud to offer the “Takumi” variant with top-class items like radar cruise control, piano black grill, power rear hatch, a reversing camera and 360° surround and see-through view, black nappa leather, front seat ventilation, AWD with off-road driving mode, integrated navigation, as well as a 12-speaker BOSE audio system.
Furthermore, you get “smart” keyless entry, power front seat adjustments with memory settings, automatic door locks, blind spot monitor, cross traffic warning, trailer stability assist, ABS, EBA, EBD, hill hold assist, lane keep assist, dynamic stability control, forward sensing camera, driver attention alert (DAA) as well as a “personalisation system” with easy-entry and driving position guidance.
All new Mazda CX-60’s come with striking 20-inch alloys wrapped in premium 235/50 section tyres, while the spare wheel is a space-saving 155/90 18-inch size. It may not be a full-size spaarwiel but at least there’s something to keep you moving if you should ever experience a puncture on the desolate Namibian roads.
Speaking of which, each new CX-60 is sold with a simply outstanding 5-year or UNLIMITED mileage warranty with a matching service plan. The service intervals are advised at around 15000km and you also get road-side assistance for 3 years and a further UNLIMITED distance covered.
Prices:
[ March 2024 ]
• Mazda CX-60 2.5L Dynamic – R739 800
• Mazda CX-60 2.5L AWD Individual – R844 500
• Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi – R1 049 200