In the Philippine automotive landscape, Mazda sits as an outlier. Although it’s considered a mainstream brand and mass market producer, it doesn’t play the same way as the other brands do.
Mazda Philippines has always operated to the beat of its own drum, which I’ve always found amusing because it manages to survive and thrive in a very competitive and diverse market. Looking at the local lineup, the Japanese automaker has enough pieces in the right segments to be able to compete, but one of the top-selling cars, based on what I can tell, is the CX-60. I had to find out why, and boy, did it answer.
If there's one thing Mazda is known for is their incredible car design. The Kodo philosophy took Mazda from “okay-looking” cars to “drop-dead beautiful” ones, and it has, over time, just gotten better and better. I’m absolutely smitten by the CX-60’s looks; it manages to look muscular and modern, but blends it with just the right amount of sculpted lines. You can tell that Mazda’s designers take the brief very seriously; not a design element is out of place, and everything blends well.
Inside, the CX-60 looks simple at first; there are no avant-garde or abstract shapes, just pure clean lines, which makes the interior of the CX-60 easy to get accustomed to. I appreciate how there are just the right number of buttons, not too few as to confuse, and not too many to overwhelm. Quality is as you’d expect from Mazda these days, everything is plush but very solid, it’s outfitted and built better than even more expensive cars. In terms of features, the CX-60 has the essentials, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and automatically adjustable front seats with memory functions. Space is also a major consideration for the CX-60, despite only being a 5-seater the passenger spaces are plenty, and I like how much cargo room there is.
Second row passengers get aircon vents, 2 charging ports, and a center armrest with cupholders, again just the essentials. What makes it stand out is how comfortable the interior feels; the seats are supportive and all, but more importantly, it cocoons you from the outside world. Driving the CX-60 in the noisy, chaotic Metro is actually relaxing because almost nothing from the outside gets in. I also have to mention the Bose sound system, which, for me, is the best I’ve experienced so far in any car, able to make any music genre sound great.
You’d think that driving a 3.3-liter inline 6 turbocharged gasoline engine would be excessive in today’s world, but Mazda has made a big effort in making it livable. Accompanying the engine is a M Hybrid Boost system, which aids in fuel efficiency and performance. It has very limited all-electric running, but it still is coding exempt. The gasoline variant makes a sizeable 284 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, power is sent to an AWD system through an 8-speed automatic.
I expected the CX-60 to be good on the road, but I didn’t expect it to blow me away. In the city, it feels refined; the engine, despite being a big 6-cylinder, is barely noticeable at normal speeds, and the fuel economy is much better than I expected. I was able to get 7.8 km/L in heavy traffic conditions, and highway driving can go up as high as 18 km/L, which, from a “mild hybrid”, is incredible.
I would say that this is where the term, “there’s no replacement for displacement” comes in, because the engine is just so well-tuned for real-world driving. Getting up to speed is easy—I don’t need to rev the car as applying 10 percent throttle is enough to make this hefty SUV move at a decent pace, which means you’re barely using any fuel. When it comes to the i-Stop system, I have to say it finally makes sense. It doesn’t feel as rudimentary as when it first came out, it chooses its moments to engage properly, and it’s now smooth enough that sometimes I don’t notice it turning the engine off and on.
Mazda has maintained that the CX-60 is supposed to be a driver's delight, and I’m more than happy to report that it's true. Even if this is a big, hulking SUV, it moves with agility, the steering is the best in the business, the brakes are full of feel, and the power delivery is ultra-smooth. If you’re so inclined to unleash the full power of the inline-6, the CX-60 will gladly waft you along; there’s no drama at speed except for the glorious roar of the engine.
I would say my only true complaints would be that at low speed, the transmission is sometimes jerky like a DCT, and the ride can be stiff for most people, although honestly, I liked how firm it was because it made the driving experience confidence-filled. It didn’t wallow or pitch like other big SUVs; the CX-60 can almost get away with being sedan-like in terms of athleticism.
Safety is also a big deal for Mazda; it was recently awarded as one of the safest car brands in the world by a reputable safety organization, the IIHS. Each brand has its own definition of ADAS; Mazda’s is the best I’ve ever tried so far. Firstly, the adaptive cruise control is very smooth and effective; I never had to intervene and take over from the car. Most impressive, though, was how unintrusive it was. Every sound, alert, chime, or bong registered like an “ahem” from a butler. If you stray across the lines on the highway, it doesn’t reprimand you, but rather gently lets you know that you’re straying.
Which brings me to what I think makes the CX-60 a top choice: it’s effortlessness. The more I drove it, the more it made sense to me what Mazda is trying to do with the CX-60. It’s unpretentious is refreshing in today’s world of cars. Instead of blinding buyers with huge infotainment screens that rotate, or buttons and gizmos that are unnecessary, Mazda simply puts in what drivers and passengers need, nothing more, nothing less, a lesson in effortless class. It has the right amount of everything; there’s no excess in its DNA and packaging.
It doesn’t shout about itself; the CX-60 is not a car that shows off. It’s like when you prefer a fine, subtle mechanical watch over an Apple Watch. Indeed, it’s a “If You Know, You Know” (IYKYK) situation. At the same time, the CX-60 feels like an achievement for anyone. Buying one and eventually owning one makes you feel like you’ve made it in life without overpaying or compromising.
Priced at P 2,890,000, it sits in the higher end of the pricing chart, but yes, I’d say it feels justified. It’s hard to describe without going on and on how good the CX-60 is; it’s one of those “seeing is believing,” or more appropriately, “driving is believing” moment. Indeed, the CX-60 is something you need to experience yourself.
Words and Photos by Pablo Salapantan
Have they fixed everything now? When it came out the transmission was reported to be somewhat jerky, and the ride was firm and not exactly comfortable, especially when compared to something like a Lexus NX.
ReplyDeleteI drive one every day.
DeleteThe transmission has been fixed more or less. There's still some jerkiness at low speeds(as Pablo reported), but combined with more seat time and understanding how it shifts, it's alright now. It doesn't hunt gear anymore.
As for the ride, it's still firm. Think more BMW X3 than Lexus NX in terms of overall feel. The X3 has much more heft, while the CX-60 feels more agile. I hope that makes sense.
Thanks for the reply sir, I couldnt really test drive one but was eager when it came out. I lost confidence on this car because of the early reviews, and then Mazda admitted that it was rushed in the market. Maybe after few more refinements it would be perfect or at least where I want it to be.
DeleteIt is a bad looking car. I don't get the hype.
ReplyDeletethen it means it's not for you. ganun lang yun in all things under the sun -- from food to cars.
DeleteIts not the car its you. Lol
DeleteDesign is subjective…you do or you don’t…no right or wrong
DeleteThe whale tooth grille and machined rims look horrible honestly. The sport trim looks much better.
DeleteI think the people are just carried away by Mazda's marketing fluff. In reality, their cars are kinda bland to be honest. Decent but unremarkable.
DeleteA 3.3 inline 6 in this day and age, real nappa leather interior (not those syynthetic leather in chinese or even entry level german/lexus cars), minimalist & timeless design + good driving dynamics; all of these are just decent and unremarkable for you?
DeleteYou almost got me, but then halfway you blabbed about timeless design, that’s where the credibility went down the drain. Guy above is right, you mazda guys just mimic mazda’s marketing fluff 😂
DeleteIMO, Mazda should go full hybrid (HEV) & fix these minor issues. This CX60 would be perfect 👌🏽
ReplyDeleteYou have to own one to experience what the 60 has to offer - otherwise, you will just have perceptions based on second hand info or should I say hearsays.
ReplyDeleteSpend a couple of millions just to try actually out if a car is good or not? Are you insane?
DeleteI don't get why you would spend 2.9M on a pseudo luxury car with a mild hybrid, jerky transmission and harsh ride. There's a difference between a sporty ride like the bmw and harsh ride like the Mazda. Just spend 500k more and you can get the X1 which is a full phev and is faster.
ReplyDeleteThe PHEV X1 at 3.4m lacks the premium features. It is also so much smaller, and the interior quality isnt on par with the CX-60.
DeleteOr a lexus...
DeleteCX60 may be bigger but second row seating is cramped for an SUV much less legroom than the smaller X1. Even if it lacks the premium high tech features, it is still an ultimate driving machine not a copycat bmw wannabee
DeleteNX 350h is a full hybrid, the same size and priced within the range of the CX60. Mild hybrid makes sense to buy only if you drive highway 90% of the time but not beneficial in the city.
DeleteThe cx-60 is its own car and not a bmw wannabe. I would choose the cx-60 over the 4m X1 and the new X3 that screams of cost-cutting.
DeleteThe cx-60 is traditional and appeals to the senses and emotion, unlike the new germans full of screens, piano black, plastics and subscription for features.
Appeals to the senses and emotions? 😂
DeleteBruh you have been reading too many of Mazda's ads and car reviews.
Nobody would buy a cx-60 because its a Mazda, cant say the same for people for who would buy screens with wheels as long as it has bmw badge on it.
DeletePrestige is an illusion, craftmanship is tangible. But of course you wouldnt get it, or its just another Mazda ad like you said.
People who buy overpriced entry level bmw & benzes with synthetic leather and small engines just for the badge, spot on.
DeleteAll new models usually have some new problems.
ReplyDeleteAll models have problems just that refreshed models iron out problems of pre-facelifted models.
DeleteThat’s why it’s not advisable to buy an all new model, wait at least 2 years or wait till it gets refresh/updated.
DeleteI did consider the CX-60 and the Honda CRV when I was on the market for a compact SUV last year which are all great options. When the price of the NX went down due to some incentives for hybrid vehicles, I immediately bought it as the price difference was less than 300k. Driven the NX over 17k km and my average FC is 16.5 kpl - what is it for the CX-60? I have not driven the CX-60 but I would think that it pales in comparision with the NX in terms of handling, interior finish, etc.
ReplyDeleteMazda should price the CX-60 more competitively against luxury brand(s) such as the NX.
Congrats on your new NX, but the only NX I would buy over the CX-60 is the 4.3m variant. Also, CX-60 has better interior quality and fit and finish compared to NX. But everything else NX wins, comfort, ride quality and efficiency.
DeleteMazda better than Lexus? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
DeleteThese mazda guys are something else.
Driving dynamics & exterior/interior design wise, absolutely. Have you seen the hideous screen shape of the infotainment screen in the NX? Compare that to the CX-60's. Also, an inline 6 engine + nappa leather that are absent in the NX. Only advantage of the NX is ride comfort & FC.
Delete^
DeleteAko lang ba or mali pagkaka intindi mo duns a english na comment? Hirap kaba makaintindi ng english? Or sinasadya mo hindi intindihin talaga?
Mas maganda raw NX kaysa sa CX-60 sa maraming bagay maliban sa isa, interior build quality
Why are talking about brands when I was specific to the model and features?
DeleteI own an NX, but my dream is an NX with the tactile interior of the CX-60. I love the looks, size, comfort, efficiency and quietness of the NX, but the interior, even though good, pales in comparison the CX-60.
It may just be my preferences, but the buttons, layout, craftmanship, materials and lack of piano black panels and huge screen in the CX-60 feels more premium than its competitors.
They're making it about the brand because that particular Lexus/Toyota fanboy seems to be very sensitive to even the smallest criticism.
DeleteThe Mazda CX-60 is an unrefined and prematurely released SUV marred by a harsh, bumpy ride from an improperly tuned suspension, a clunky and jerky 8-speed automatic transmission at low speeds, tight rear-seat legroom despite its large size, and frequent software glitches ranging from over-sensitive safety sensors to erratic engine start-stop behavior.
DeleteWould buy this in a heartbeat for the gem of an engine alone. The high quality materials and Mazda reliability would just be a bonus. I wouldn't want a soft ride on a crossover with a 3.3 inline 6 engine.
ReplyDeleteBetter to opt for the inline-6 gas or diesel and why?
ReplyDeleteWill you be reviewing the (diesel) Skyactive-D?
ReplyDeletePremium price with a harsh ride and rough transmission, no wonder it doesn't sell well even in higher income countries
ReplyDeleteWill Mazda ever offer the gasoline inline 6 with the tan interior? Not everyone wants a black interior. They should offer either the black or tan interior on both gas & diesel variants..
ReplyDeleteCX60 owner here for the last 3 years with my family driving mostly European cars
ReplyDeleteI also own a 2023 Cx60. Some early production recalls that were fixed by software updates. Happy with the car and wouldnt trade it for an x3 moreso an x1 lol. I onwed an X3 btw. Apart from the msport models, bmw quality and emotional ownership has gone down. Dont even get me started with mainstream suvs from toyota and honda lol
ReplyDelete