2024's maddest car? 3.3-litre diesel Mazda CX-60 review

[@bw1376]

Great to see a new inline six cylinder diesel engine in a world when they are become rarer.

[@beatles4sale2007]

I have an SQ5, the 3 litre Derv has plenty of punch (straight line can smoke most cars on the road), does 40 mpg, is relatively quiet…for a daily 80 mile commute it’s pretty much perfect. Bravo to Mazda for going against the grain, and another great review by Tim.

[@deanowarrior]

I have one ,just got the free suspension upgrade and lowered my tyres to 34psi, car now rides brilliantly and still an easy 55mpg. 6 cylinder so much smoother than the 4s in the Audi Q5 and they struggle to do 35mpg.

[@kehehaho]

I tested driven the car before, I couldn't stand the erupted shifting and unsettled dynamics from the suspensions setup, did those upgrade solved the problems in your opinion? oh also where did you purchase your car? As I am not aware of such upgrade going on in my country. Cheers.

[@tracy062]

what country are u from? here in our country there's still no suspension upgrade

[@peterandresen3413]

Real leather and Diesel. how many greens will faint when passing . Love it.

[@stuartkennedy4202]

You give the feeling that you are talking to your pal sitting next to you. Good banter and matter of fact chat.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thank you! Too kind 🙏🏻

[@peteandmaggie8570]

2 weeks ago, I picked up a CX60 Takuni diesel after driving Land Roves for the last 25 years...for me, it's a brilliant car and no regrets.

[@Charles-q4y9t]

Hi can I ask what’s the production date of your CX60? Is it true that early batch had lots of quality issues?

[@peteandmaggie8570]

@user-fs7dx3gv6m Hi, I'm not sure of the production date, but this car was registered in April 2023.....not seeing any quality issues.....all good up to now.

[@andyg9991]

@@Charles-q4y9t Not really quality issues but the auto box software was underdone as was the rear dampers (actually too stiff). Mazda offers owners of early model cars to modify the auto box software and replace the rear dampers for free as the new cars (after Oct 23) have both changes made from the factory

[@cyrax70]

Takumi

[@davidbovine]

Seen plenty of ads for this focusing on its towing ability. Powerful, straight six diesel is ideal for this and whilst the powers that he would love to see us all in EVs, they’re not (yet) suitable for heavier towing duties. Well done Mazda for going against the flow!

[@Dean-does-Stuff-81]

well, at the moment it is defiantly worth having a diesel in my opinion. especially in the Netherlands where 98 is around 2.27 per liter and diesel is around 1.90 per liter...

[@dandylion1987]

Yes. I mean EVs aren't going to help the environment (at all). So the range and convenience of a diesel daily is great.

[@slesers]

With a lot of highway driving 900-950km per tank is doable. Managed to push thru 900 few weeks ago with cx60

[@albertlira7443]

That's a gorgeous interior. I'm with you on the excitement for carmakers bringing out big engines again. We need to have big lazy engines that can just lope along. Great Rodie Review!

[@slesers]

Well, previously, had 2020 2.0D Jag FPAce. It was always 8-10L 100km. Well with Mazda 3.3D now it's like 5-7L. Punch is nice, car is little bit bonkers, but okay. Those who complain about ride, it's true. It's worse then Jag or BMW. Very long time ago had mazda 323 and ride was the same. It's Mazda way. Ofc, they should go more premium ride feel, but still it's Mazda way. Overall, love engine, love build quality. Don't love fully ride and assist can sometimes be annoying. Would I buy one more time after 3 months and 8k km. Yes

[@oliverlondon5246]

My next car is likely going to be a 530d estate. I just love a 6 cylinder diesel

[@pl4819]

My previous car was a X5 30d and in comparison to my current X3 20d there is no comparisons. 30D is a breast.

[@johngoodwin1710]

Good choice if you can find one. A 335d Touring is worth a look too.

[@helldogbe4077]

Amen!

[@Nemesiz00]

Want to buy my E39 530d?

[@DontPanicDear]

Everyone should have go in a 6pot diesel at some point. I still miss mine. Love the artistic music and cow action 👍🏻

[@wile.coyote8466]

Other online reviews of CX60 diesel mention: Poor sound insulation (excessive road noise), Indecisive/hesitant auto transmission changes, poor handling on bendy country B roads, rough jolting ride on anything but ultra smooth roads. I hope Mazda have sorted out these key faults ?

[@Uzaair]

Regarding the ride and transmission issues, Mazda are offering free upgrades to the suspension and software updates to the transmission to fix the problems.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Oh that's interesting, thanks!

[@stuartkennedy4202]

Yes . They should all bring back the big diesels. Solid reliability, strong power, great mpg. I would buy one at around £30 - £40. My daughter has the VW Touareg 3.0 and it’s superb I just detailed it and it’s huge, I’m knackered.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I love a Touareg!

[@0farmerjohn0]

My daily round-trip commute is 110km. So yes diesel is king. I had a petrol loaner for 3 days while may car is being serviced. Safe to say I'm happy with the diesel. 😂

[@robertshears8385]

I believe the Aussie KZbin channel Chasing Cars has suggested that Mazda is working on the ride and the gearbox on the CX-60, if these fixes come soon a follow up test should be on your to do list. It seems this might be a great family car.

[@andyg9991]

Both updated from Oct 2023 and Mazda will retrofit both to older cars at no cost to the owners

[@slesers]

@@andyg9991 Jep, they are doing it. After Gearbox upgrade it become much better.

[@afiqbrownfox]

love this! love the acceleration sound especially

[@alechopkins6545]

Impressive package. After a few kms the suspension may soften up a but making it less fidgety. Sounds good. First time i pulled up next to one i got excited about them advertising on the side the inline 6 badge

[@Raturidesagain]

Soften up?? Unlikely.

[@MrHarryFTW]

I just sold my 330d I had for a year as it wasn't the most engaging car but you really can't go wrong with a straight 6 diesel for day to day driving, the power delivery just feels effortless

[@michaelhayes9975]

Love the sound of the six and the economy looks fantastic. Also ideal for us as we tow a twin axle caravan but can’t consider anything that gives a firm jiggly ride. Shame! Great review all the same👍

[@paulwardzynski3265]

Got to admire Mazda for this. It's like going into a special warehouse and opening a container from 2010 and the lovely car therein starts first time!

[@joelamosun9341]

This car is awesome guys. Buy one if you can. If you get a used one, even better. 50 mpg all day long. And it is more reliable than the PHEV version. I used to sell these so trust me on this. Beautiful engine.

[@shanemoloney4676]

Was this model pre or post the suspension recall and gearbox update please?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I believe it was pre

[@bensmithkent22]

These have so much road presence and must be good popping up everywhere now.

[@thiniain]

Great review Tim, glad to hear a 6 cylinder diesel engine gives you a stiffie. Do you think in future reviews you could test the horn? It would certainly give you a USP as no other reviewer doe this to my knowledge, and I like a good hooter.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I could do…

[@neilcam]

Just to note that my 2016 Mazda CX3's touch screen performs the same way, i.e. it won't work as a touch screen when moving, but does when you're stopped.

[@simonhughes7141]

Agree diesel makes lot of sense for an SUV and longer journeys and they should continue to be an option for drivers going forward

[@Adz-zo7qg]

Great review! When are you going to drop the long term Stelvio review you mentioned a while back? I’m eagerly awaiting!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I’ll try and film it this week if I get time!

[@Adz-zo7qg]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff I shall wait with bated breath! Keep up the good work!

[@martinwilson2660]

This engine (6 cyl diesel) makes so much sense in this type of car. My car has an I6 and returns 55mpg. My current courtesy car is an XC90 2.0 petrol with around 300bhp. Driving like an absolute saint returns 42mpg. Lovely car but would be immeasurably better with a diesel 6. Some cars just suit a diesel.

[@JoziGB]

I read that Mazda is doing suspension upgrades on CX 60s. Did this have an updated suspension?

[@ChronicallyMichael]

The replacement rear dampers are pretty much as bad as the original ones. The car is oversprung and badly dampened.

[@paulryder5308]

I had the PHEV Takumi version, bought it when they first came out. Whilst the trim was nice I found it challenging to live with. Very clunky when transferring from EV to petrol on the motorway, fuel tank too small, safety systems kept shutting off in the rain, would not go into EV on start up with full battery, drive recognition inconsistent ….. it went on and on. A shame, I had such high hopes at the time. I’m now in a Volvo. Much more refined I’m afraid.

[@timhorgan6843]

I test drove one of these and thought the rear legroom was crap. I too am 6ft3 and couldn't get near the rear seats with the front seat set to my position.

[@lupislune]

More of these please!

[@paulmussett94]

On my “consider” list at 3 years old. IMHO is a better bet than an X5 in diesel guise

[@ML-qk1px]

There was an Australian review that also complained of the ride. Since then, they reckon Mazda have improved things for future versions.

[@martinwood9014]

Great review, i now also have a maxda inspired mild stiffy

[@gullomic]

LOLOLOLO

[@krzysztofcwik5347]

I want one mad KZbinr to get one of them, drive every day 10 - 20 miles with few stops for shopping, collecting kids etc and then - tell me after 3 years this car is happy... I know 6 years warranty, but still.

[@forevered4270]

Watched so many reviews and they all complain about the firm ride. For £45000 upwards why haven't mazda fitted adaptive suspension ?

[@whatthe6532]

Mazda did a recall and are redoing the suspension.

[@ChronicallyMichael]

@@whatthe6532 No they didn't. They offered 'courtesy' replacement dampers to reduce the rear bouncing, this is not a recall, nothing to do with the comfort and nothing about 'redoing' the suspension at all.

[@desild5869]

The big trouble with the CX-60 is it does NOT have an engine for way too many Europeans. The petrol 2.5 l only comes as a PHEV and that's no good if you can't plug it frequently. Plus it's no good if you do many long trips where you're just lugging around the EV part to the major detriment of mileage and dynamics. The 3.3 l diesel is good for long trips but it's no good if you often do short city trips where it doesn't get to reach optimal temps and doesn't get to be revved. For me, the unsuitability for short trips is already a killer but there is another blow. In many countries, mine included, ICE cars are taxed annually by cubic cm capacity and anything above 2.0 l gets exponentially more expensive as a general rule, to the point where you may end up paying €650+ yearly for this engine just in tax if you live in the wrong city (i.e. most of them). Over 10 years that makes this car €6500 more expensive, which is a considerable change in its value proposition. So the CX-60 does look good and it's an interesting car but if you can't get the PHEV and you frequently do short trips or can't bear the high-displacement tax then you may easily find it impossible to consider it because it doesn't have enough ICE options.

[@christaylor5300]

Was this review car the one with the old dampers and springs or the updated ones by Mazda? They listened to feedback and changed them…..in the UK they offered free upgrade to the changed setup.

[@davidmuir3956]

I've got the PHEV - cheap company car tax, great range and just a brilliant family car

[@untruenorth]

Really enjoyed this. That interior really is nice, and a nice contrast vs the unremittingly dark interiors beloved of the Germans, especially in anything “sporty”. Good noise from the lump in the front too. Lastly - shout out to the proudly asymmetric blue socks at the end, ploughing their own furrow, rest of the wardrobe bedamned.

[@toniraff5488]

Bought it !

[@martinhibbert1428]

How does it compare to a Jaguar F Pace D300 ? And why can we not have it as a 3.3 Diesel In line 6 PHEV ? Makes sense to me.

[@MiniEggs1999]

I wish they would give us their new straight 6 petrol in the 6 estate to give the germans something to think about

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

That’d be ace

[@eliotdeag8040]

Hi Tim, great review as always, would love to see a drive of the PHEV please, just saying!

[@AR-zr1om]

This engine in a mazda6 estate would be a perfect car

[@dr.killjoy5001]

Or in the BT-50 ute!

[@gullomic]

seeing all them cows i thought you was down under here in Texas lol

[@doyleyj3460]

My 2023 Inline 6 has just had a complete engine replacement after just 12k miles. Serious overheating issues.

[@filipurkin4462]

petrol version, correct?

[@peterwatson9047]

Not an SUV fan but this one almost appeals to me! Really don't see any issue with two-abreast cycling on a normal width 2 way road with a cente line. Particularly in the countryside. If there is no oncoming traffic then you've got the whole other side of the road (and should be using it to overtake). If there is oncoming traffic and the cyclists are single-file as you feel you prefer -well you wouldn't make a super close pass in-lane between the cyclist and oncoming vehicle would you? And if it is a bigger group then riding two-abreast halves the length you need to overtake, entirely on the other side of the road of course. I can only think that anyone with an issue with riding two abreast either hasn't thought it through beyond their initial perception of the situation or worse is admitting they wish to squeeze past dangerously. That's been my take over 27 years of cycling and driving, though perhaps recent highway code rule change to specify a 1.5m minimum passing gap confuses this somewhat as even when passing fully on the other side of the road you are likely to be closer than that to the outer rider in two-abreast formation.

[@justinmckeown9029]

Once again, the Americans get shafted. We get neither the 3.3L diesel, nor the CX-60. Instead, Mazda gave us a 2 row CX-90 and called it the CX-70. Damn shame.

[@memo313media]

CX-50 looks great though

[@jonesboy69]

It’s because your governance is geared to giving US brands an advantage, and lots of companies can’t be bothered to demonstrate compliance. Thank Chevy and GM.

[@ChronicallyMichael]

I own one, have done for over a year. The engine is a peach, the suspension is absolutely horrendous (even with the Mazda F variant rear dampers released to stop the bouncing rear end), and can become immensely tiresome on long journeys , you get out feeling like you've done a round with Rocky Balboa. I installed Koni dampers which helped but hasn't solved it. If you want a comfortable everyday ride, this isn't the car for you, over time you become less and less wanting to drive it knowing your teeth will be rattling their fillings out.

[@tracy062]

i think mazda is offering free suspension upgrade

[@ChronicallyMichael]

@@tracy062 Just the rear dampers, and it isnt very good. Polishing a turd basically.

[@naferemix]

3.3 seems a bit much, but a 2.0 or my humble little 1.5 seem like great ideas to me. I got 91mpg on a recent drive to the lakes and back 😆

[@ianelliott229]

I love Mazda!

[@Bosnaa4Ever]

So does it have a dpf/egr polution bullshit?

[@stefansipl6736]

I have no idea why they don‘t fix the suspension???

[@dcsyd16]

So would u recommend this over the VW Touareg??

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I'd have a Touareg. Plusher ride and I don't need sporty handling in a family SUV.

[@dcsyd16]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff but u gave the Touareg a lower rating

[@GRIFF22]

My only gripe is that 250bhp from a 6 cylinder 3.0 litre isn't that much.

[@tpaul2866]

For still frames please refer to Police Squad

[@hkk210]

I wonder how many would hate on this car not even remotely understanding the fact that it is polluting less than the increased electricity production neccessary if you replace it with an electric. It just feels like stupid people only want to make the world more boring, mistakenly in the name of the environment/totalitarian politics. Edit: Any increase in electricity on the EU grid is fueled by coal until all coal production is replaced by renewables. An electric car needs about 2kwh per 10km, releasing well over 2kg CO2. This thing needs half a liter diesel per 10km, releasing less than 1,5kg CO2.

[@brianiswrong]

Not a fan of adblue ,my company 2019 berlingo van has just had £2500 worth of new tank,sensor,injector and catalist. All because something stopped sending adblue to the engine and the van was counting down the miles until it wouldnt start, 76'000 miles ,fsh, 1 driver (me ) from new and averages (on the trip computer) 57.8mpg, so not driven like a typical white van. Also while saving the world doesnt half add hundreds of thousand 10 litre plastic containers and throw away plastic spouts, and at over £30 a pop it comes keen to your wallet when you need to add it.

[@joelamosun9341]

French cars and electrics do not mix. Especially after they have run out of warranty...

[@ianstoys13mgs]

So its BMW X3 (Go1) 3.0d but from Mazda

[@BigdisplacementI6]

I'd say this interior is more posh than any Audi. I've been in Audi SQ7, Q5 Sportback, Q3, Q4 Etron and they disappoint with cheap hard plastics, thin door cards and dull colours. The CX-90 in Canada is way cheaper and that Signature trim blows many Audis out of the water. Beautiful wood (or simulated), colours in the right places, metalwork, comfy real leather seats, thickly padded door cards. IMO more substantial. Audi might have the edge in door solidity but they cost way more :( So Mazda it is :)

[@JohnGuidetti751]

Don’t be in denial a Q7 has a better interior design and quality.

[@smilepermile8165]

13:57 俺の牛は６気筒もってる

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Arigato

[@alexa795]

Yes of course! HVO100 as syntetic diesel are future for entire diesel vehicle production. Only Volvo have stop to produce diesel engines, all other are not interested in such.

[@ivoivanov20]

In Europe the newest diesel engine in terms of regulation is equal to Euro 4 standard in terms of taxes, which is a 20 years petrol car !!! Can’t understand what a discrimination it is?

[@nstarmore]

All for promoting diesels. I get that they aren't the flavour of the month anymore but they have their place, this complete u-turn on diesel to the point that it's genuinely hard to buy one now is beyond frustrating. All the while massive and heavy plug in hybrid suvs that are no-where near as efficient are ten a penny

[@gower23]

Foof - perfectly acceptable euphemism. Up to about the age of 6.

[@vendetta4033]

BMW and Mazda still building 6 cylinder diesels, keep going

[@RoscoeColtrane]

So glad they are not producing another lithium battery vehicle that at the end of its life will poison my drinking water.

[@truthandjustice6838]

It's a Mazda...You have to mention reliability.

[@Vilmir]

Having test driven extensively the 3.3l diesel recently, the last word that I would use to qualify it is mad. It is nicely finished, roomy, rational and quite uncomfortable (deal breaker for me) as well as a bit dated (my BMW iDrive 5 looks as modern!). The engine provides some torque, but nothing particularly outstanding in today's standards. I test drove the BMW 45e and xDrive50 the same day, that might have influenced my perception :)

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

The madness is that someone's developing a diesel engine in 2024, not the performance

[@Vilmir]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Ah yes that is true. And they might be on the right path for the market... we will see.

[@markrobinson9866]

Excellent..

[@rossbuchanan3016]

Bugger the diesel! I have a 3.3 litre petrol turbo and it’s the best thing since sliced bread! Diesels are only for trucks and buses, not cars!

[@peterscrace3530]

The petrol CX-60 cannot match the economy or torque of the Diesel, 820 Km range from my Diesel CX-60 driving around in the suburbs, even better on the freeway.

[@rossbuchanan3016]

@@peterscrace3530 had a diesel and the engine was boring as shit!

[@peterscrace3530]

@@rossbuchanan3016 Nothing boring about watching you at the petrol station filling up your petrol CX-60 while I drive past you in my Diesel one lol.

[@rossbuchanan3016]

@@peterscrace3530 haha

[@stugill4513]

smaller wheels better ride

[@raytrace2014]

Anyone who spends £50K on a Mazda SUV should be deported to some sort of Escape-From-New-York-style penal colony on an Antarctic island.

[@andyturtle]

No way would I buy a modern diesel, so complicated with all the adblue, particulate filter and egr nonsense. There's a reason TG couldn't kill the Hi Lux, mechanical simplicity.

[@joelamosun9341]

True, but do your research before buying one. A lot of adblue issues are specific to certain manufacturers, not all.

[@blauerdrache4903]

it is called PorschE like A Porscha not Porsch nobody says Lamborgh

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I'd like to introduce you to the entire population of the UK

[@blauerdrache4903]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff If you're going to do an auto review, you should at least pronounce the name correctly. In German-speaking countries, nobody says MG but ɛmˈɡi/

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

@@blauerdrache4903 how do you pronounce these things in your free internet videos? Oh… go and whinge elsewhere.

[@blauerdrache4903]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Correctness is a question of price? why do you say diesel correctly then, I think you cried too much in *kindergarten*

[@Ummo2850]

In other countries they also pronounce it as “Porsh” so not “Porsha” , some people are just narcissistic control freaks who think they’re appointed as another’s boss. Smh

[@joec9958]

🤤

[@peterpodgorski]

I honestly don't get why people care about the number of cylinders in 2024

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Smoothness, refinement, effortless power to name but three things...

[@playloud247]

"Current year" is not an argument.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

Tell me you know nothing about cars without telling me.

[@np9760]

How about having the car properly cleaned for a review. Dirty tyres are a put-off!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Why on earth does that matter?! You’ll be asking me to wash behind my ears next

[@afdzalreza3508]

The worst car I have ever owned.