Car review: Mazda CX-60 PHEV

Mazda's new CX-60 is something of a game changer for the Japanese brand. Not only is it the largest SUV it offers in the UK but it also represents a first attempt to move into the premier market. On top of that it comes with Mazda's first ever plug-in hybrid system. James Batchelor takes it for a drive to assess its qualities both as a solo car and a towcar.
You can read a full test report, with technical ratings, on pages 74-76 in the March 2023 edition of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine. The March edition is available free to members via our Club Magazine app (on App Store and Google Play) or in the magazine archive on the Club website here: www.caravanclu...

[@greentg9709]

I own a CX60 and it is really a lot of car for the money. One thing I would like to correct, is that EV mode is not rear wheel drive only. The electric motor is situated between the petrol engine and the gearbox, in the drivetrain, so the car is always in all wheel drive, irrespective of the drive mode you're in.

[@philwolski]

I own a CX60 Homura PHEV and in the last seven days I have twice achieved 39+ miles EV range and 80+ MPG on journeys of around 80 to 90 miles. You need to ignore the dashboard battery forecast mileage. Cold weather and running air-con and heated seats steal power. At 0 degrees C, I have struggled to get above 28 miles actual EV, but this is normal with most EVs. In warmer weather, and keeping to speed limits, maximising time in EV mode and using the button correctly when in mode is also important. Don't set the recharge target above 40% to prevent excessive petrol use. This function then preserves around 14 miles EV for later use, perhaps in a zero emissions zone, but as most of us don't drive in such zones it is irrelevant. Just aim to retain enough charge to get you going again. Having worked this out (it's not intuitive!), I have seen my dashboard report 88MPG actual combined with 2.5 miles per kWh over 80+ miles at varied speeds (under 70 MPH). Then, 2.5 miles x 17.8 kWh capacity does = over 40 M per kWh, but 39 is more realistc as 100% of battery capacity is inevitably not available if other functions like heating are in use. I have switched from a Mercedes E350D AMG Line Premium Plus and love my Mazda!

[@philwolski]

I meant 40 miles per kWh not MPG - predictive text, less reliable than a Mazda! Now corrected by edit. Whilst Mazda used early adopters as unofficial user testers and glitches were common, later build quality is excellent. My only complaint is that the safety systems can be annoyingly sensitive, but no more so than my Mercedes. You can reduce these or turn them off, unlike in my Mercedes. There have been some moans about the ride, which has been corrected by dealers changing shock absorbers. But having come from low profile tyres that thumped and shuddered over every pothole, plus a later 2023 model, I have no complaints. Saving £10,000 + compared to the equivalent German PHEV convinced me having first fallen in love with the luscious Soul Red Crystal paint combined with a gorgeous interior devoid of faux-leather, cloth seat facings and conspicuous black plastic. Reminds me of my previous Jaguar XJL as regards interior quality.

[@gingleb3792]

Excellent insight. I've just ordered the same car. I'll have a look into this thanks.

[@Gopher31]

Touch screen should work with car play.

[@Ну_ничего_себе_ник]

Beautiful wording and stylish phrases. That's why I really prefer watching British reviews to the American ones.

[@GregSmith-ox5ou]

I have a CX60 and like it. BUT, please don’t tell people it will do 39 miles on pure electric range, it won’t! Like all electric vehicles the claimed range is nonsense. On a warm day you will get 33-35 miles of EV range, but when it’s cold expect no more than 25 miles. This is not a CX60 issue, all EVs suffer from this and sharing the claimed range is misleading and setting people up for disappointment.

[@davidwollpert5276]

Depends, very much, on how you drive it. I’m sure the estimates come from averaging normal driving against hyper-miling. Plus he did say “up to” 39 miles.

[@adrianbyron-parker5797]

Just like the MPG in ICE cars...when did you ever believe the numbers..LOL

[@RemusSimon]

I believe that once you ran out of battery, to the point where you have 0 autonomy on EV, the car wont rely only on the petrol engine but instead drive like a regular HEV; needles to say though, you will carry the whole weight of those batteries. cheers!

[@Catalin-u8q]

When in android auto the screen has touchscreen but only when stationary

[@myothurazaw]

The biggest question is if the engine charge the battery as it does with BMW.

[@adrianbyron-parker7195]

EV mode is NOT rear wheel drive as it is permanent 4WD system with the EV motor before the gearbox...

[@craigyjp]

It's certainly not a premium car, my Haval H6 top model which cost a 1/3 rd of the price of my CX60 is a superior comfort car with technology that actually works. I've turned of the driver personalization system as it doesn't work every time and leaves you 10cm away from the pedals when it fails. Many other faults with the vehicle besides the harsh suspension, cheap feel of the doors, rear tailgate rattles, steamed up windows etc.

[@tonks1968]

Did I miss the kerb weights and prices? Great video otherwise

[@CaravanandMotorhomeClub]

Hi Tony. All the technical details are included in the full review in the Club Magazine which can be read here: issuu.com/candmclub/docs/cmc_20230223 and it will also be published on the CAMC website soon at this location: www.caravanclub.co.uk/blog/product-and-outfit-reviews/towcar-reviews/

[@mehranmirabolghasemi-fc8gx]

Mazda is love

[@unclebob1478]

Does it charge the battery when not in use?

[@streethaylichfield1728]

Purchased one of these brand new for a company car. Riddled with problems and in 46 days of ownership it was in the dealer being repaired 3 times. Ended up getting a full refund on the car.

[@adrianbyron-parker5797]

Just ordered a PHEV...What issues did you have with your car?

[@robit28]

@@adrianbyron-parker5797did you end up purchasing this car and if so are you happy with it?