Mazda Philippines has confirmed that plug-in hybrid models will soon join the brand’s hybrid electric vehicle range. The announcement was made at the launch of the all-new 2027 Mazda CX-5.
Speaking in front of the media, Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan said that plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models will join the line-up within the next year. This is in line with Mazda’s broader multi-solution strategy which takes into account deploying the right technology at the right time allowing the carmaker to meet specific market needs.
As the adoption of electrified vehicles advance quickly in markets such as the Philippines, Tan says that the time is right to introduce plug-in hybrids to supplement the carmaker’s existing electrified M Hybrid models.
Naturally, Mazda is tightlipped as to which plug-in hybrid models they intend to bring in, but a quick online search reveals that there are only three possible candidates: the CX-60 PHEV, CX-80 PHEV, and CX-90 PHEV.
Regardless of model, they all use the same 2.5-liter PHEV powertrain. Here, the 192 horsepower, 261 Nm 2.5-liter direct-injected Skyactiv-G engine is mated to a 175 horsepower electric motor delivering a combined output of 327 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Moreover, thanks to a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, it offers an all-electric range of around 62 kilometers (WLTP).
Like other members of the Large Product Group, the PHEV engine uses multi-clutch eight-speed automatic. Not only does this offer the same “rhythmic gear changes” drivers associate with a manual transmission, but it also allows the precise blending of power between the combustion engine and electric motors at all speeds.
Given the price premium Mazda places on the 2.5-liter PHEV (remember, the 3.3-liter M Hybrid inline-6 already takes advantage of the zero tariff JPEPA), we’d think that this is the right time for Mazda Philippines to introduce the CX-80 nameplate.
The CX-80 stands to benefit the most when it comes to getting the PHEV powertrain in the way that it’s positioned as a driver-centric yet family-oriented three-row family SUV. This also offers it a good distinction (marketing and product-wise) versus the CX-90.
If Mazda Philippines decides to bring in the high spec version of the CX-80, as they do typically, they can potentially price this in the same region as the CX-90 (P 3.8 million to P 3.9 million).
At a later time, they can perhaps discontinue the slow-selling base 8-seater CX-90. This enables them to push the CX-90 upmarket with the 6-seater 3.3-liter M Hybrid inline-6 priced at around P 3.9-million, serving as the new “base” variant, while the CX-90 PHEV can join the range at around P 4.2-million.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the CX-60, it’s probably safer for Mazda to continue offering it with the 3.3-liter inline-6 only (it’s already offered in both diesel and gas variants), but offer the 2.5 PHEV as an indent order for those who really want it.
Does a CX-60 PHEV make sense? Well, regardless of the variants and trim levels, I believe people will buy especially those who love true MADE IN JAPAN products.
ReplyDeleteWhat about BEVs from Mazda? And rotary too...
ReplyDeletePHEV Mazdas are usually priced at a premium. What I'd really prefer they launch here is the diesel CX-90.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Diesel prices is much higher than gas prices right now. Also, generally, diesel pms is cost more than gas pms. So, I really don't know why people prefer diesels over gas fuel.
ReplyDeletebring the CX50!
ReplyDelete