2024 Mazda CX-60 D50e Evolve overview

Australians love a top-of-the-range mannequin, however there’s usually a number of goodness additional down the vary.

Take the Mazda CX-60, which has had a number of hype across the flagship grades – however little consideration given to the bottom Evolve, which is comparatively attainable at slightly over $60,000 plus on-road prices.

Mazda’s new mid-sized SUV extends past the worth bracket any CX-5 has performed in, however nonetheless has a powerful deal with worth in comparison with German options. It additionally gives a stepping stone past the model’s present core fashions as soon as a CX-5 or CX-8 change into too vanilla.

Since its launch, Mazda has launched some operating modifications for the rear suspension and transmission software program following suggestions from the media and clients, and the 2024 Mazda CX-60 D50e Evolve on take a look at is our first style of the revisions, in addition to a primary drive of the bottom grade.

Following the aforementioned operating modifications in addition to current worth changes, does the bottom CX-60 make extra sense in comparison with its extra premium siblings?

And, is it well worth the leap over one thing like a top-spec CX-5? Properly, learn on to seek out out.

How a lot does the Mazda CX-60 value?

The 2024 Mazda CX-60 D50e Evolve is the second most inexpensive variant within the vary, priced from $62,550 plus on-road prices. It instructions a $2000 premium over the petrol-powered G40e Evolve in the identical specification.

2024 Mazda CX-60 pricing:

Evolve

• G40e M Hybrid: $60,550
• D50e M Hybrid: $62,550
• P50e PHEV: $73,600

GT

• G40e M Hybrid: $68,550
• D50e M Hybrid: $70,550
• P50e PHEV: $81,600

Azami

• G40e M Hybrid: $73,750
• D50e M Hybrid: $75,750
• P50e PHEV: $86,800

Costs exclude on-road prices

To see how the Mazda CX-60 strains up in opposition to its rivals, take a look at our comparisons device.

What’s the Mazda CX-60 like on the within?

The Evolve with Luxurious Pack isn’t all that totally different to the mid-spec GT by way of presentation.

It’s much less flashy than the out there white and tan interiors of the Azami’s Takumi and SP packages, however there’s a normal sense of upmarket-ness to the bottom CX-60’s cabin that additionally comes with some Mazda familiarity.

All the things is designed to look stable and sturdy, with a number of straight strains and flat surfaces. It has an actual impression of dimension and width, and Mazda has carried out a superb job with the combination of supplies and textures even when the whole lot is 50 shades of black and gray.

It’s a disgrace the Evolve isn’t supplied with the Revera Stone leather-based possibility out there on the GT, however for these involved about denims and messy youngsters marking a lighter disguise, the black inside might do exactly advantageous for many.

As is the Mazda approach, there’s a touch of Lexus to how the whole lot is laid out and introduced, with extra buttons and switches than most in addition to clear, constant typeface and clear digital shows.

The Evolve comes as normal with 7.0-inch TFT digital instrument show flanked by analogue gauges such as you see on most different Mazda fashions, however with the $4000 Luxurious Pack as examined it upgrades to a nicer 12.3-inch absolutely digital unit.

Whereas pretty minimal on the customisation entrance, the Mazda’s digital instrument panel apes traditional gauges effectively and gives fluid animations. I’m not a fan of how turning on the cruise management locks you right into a driver help format that minimises the gorgeous digital dials.

Evolve-spec fashions additionally get a smaller 10.25-inch Mazda Join infotainment system than the 12.3-inch items supplied in GT and Azami fashions, which additionally seems to forego the out there contact enter operate for smartphone mirroring.

It’s in any other case decently kitted out, with normal satellite tv for pc navigation, DAB+ radio, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My iPhone 15 Professional Max labored flawlessly through wi-fi connection during our mortgage.

Mazda will probably be launching linked companies throughout its lineup step by step within the coming 12 months or so, which means we must always hopefully see prolonged net-based performance added as a operating replace.

The usual eight-speaker sound system labored effectively, with clear sound and first rate bass, although the 12-speaker Bose premium audio setup supplied by the GT and Azami is an efficient step up.

Seat consolation up entrance is sweet, with properly padded and supportive seats which are trimmed as normal in Maztex faux leather-based, although our Luxurious Package deal-equipped tester options leather-accented upholstery. The Luxurious Pack additionally brings powered entrance seat adjustment with reminiscence presets for the motive force – I’d be ticking this $4000 field, personally.

Storage across the entrance of the cabin is first rate, if not standout. You get first rate door bins and a cubby beneath the centre armrest – which folds out two methods thoughts you – and there’s a rubberised mat in your cellphone on the wi-fi cellphone charger beneath the centre stack.

You additionally get two cupholders beneath a dampened lid and USB-C charging ports within the entrance console space.

The second row isn’t huge, however it’s bigger than a CX-5 and aggressive with the Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC – if not fairly BMW X3 good.

I’m 6’1 and had sufficient head-, knee- and toe room to get comfy, with a superb view out the rear home windows. I’d wager two adults will probably be advantageous, three can be a pinch. The minimal centre tunnel at the least means a centre passenger isn’t too impeded by way of foot house.

Facilities embody rear air vents – although no separate local weather controls – in addition to USB-C and 150W AC shops to maintain gadgets charged. The GT and Azami rating heated outboard seats, however not right here.

There’s a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, map pockets behind the entrance seats, in addition to ISOFIX anchors on the outer positions and top-tethers throughout all three rear seats. Bottle holders within the doorways spherical out the notable practicality options.

Cargo quantity is quoted at 477 litres “to rear package deal tray” with all seats up, increasing to 1726 litres “to ceiling with underfloor space for storing” with the rear seats folded.

That’s slightly below 40 litres higher than the CX-5 with 5 seats in use, and practically 400 litres higher with the rear seats folded. Not dangerous, however considerably off the tempo of premium rivals just like the Audi Q5 (520L-1520L), BMW X3 (550L-1600L) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (620L) with all seats in use.

Distant levers to drop the rear seats characteristic within the cargo space, and the PHEV provides a 1500W AC outlet there too. Delicate-hybrid variations get a space-saver spare wheel whereas PHEVs get a tyre restore package.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

On take a look at we have now the CX-60 D50e, which is powered by a mild-hybrid six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

Our indicated gas determine was achieved over 860 kilometres of combined driving, together with a return journey from Melbourne to Yarrawonga on the VIC-NSW border.

How does the Mazda CX-60 drive?

Having spent loads of time within the diesel CX-60, I used to be to see if there have been any notable modifications with the smaller wheels; and naturally the up to date rear suspension {hardware} and powertrain management unit software program.

The majority of my time with the CX-60 was spent doing my common commuting to and from the workplace, combined in with a return journey to the Victorian border.

With out having examined this back-to-back with one other CX-60 pre upgrades, I felt a distinction within the smoothness and response of the transmission, which does with no standard torque converter and as an alternative encompasses a multi-plate clutch and built-in electrical motor-generator.

Mazda claims this helps to enhance gas effectivity and throttle response over a traditional computerized, due to the actual fact torque outputs of the engine and electrical motor are straight transmitted to the gearbox “with quick and rhythmic shifting” akin to a guide transmission.

Whereas the launch calibration supplied fairly fast shifts beneath load, it had the tendency to slur and groan via shifts in low-speed eventualities, at instances feeling elastic or unresponsive at awkward metropolis speeds between first and second.

This specific CX-60 was a tad smoother and extra refined in these circumstances than I recall of launch examples, although at instances you could possibly nonetheless hear the mechanical sounds from the driveline that could be unsettling for some.

As for the general dynamic character in addition to the journey and dealing with, the steering remains to be heavy and the journey nonetheless fairly agency… however it the revised rear shock absorbers, and smaller wheels and tyres on this base mannequin, take a few of the edge off.

The CX-60 nonetheless communicates nearly each street floor imperfection you drive on, and might nonetheless be a bit unsettled over shorter, sharper hits. It offers with undulations fairly effectively, and turns in fairly keenly particularly at increased speeds.

It’s properly settled on the freeway. That stated, there have been one or two situations on the Hume the place a pointy be a part of despatched a thud via the cabin. I’d have an interest to see if fashions on 20-inch wheels can be comparable, higher or worse on this state of affairs.

Whereas the CX-60’s very weighty steering makes it really feel sporty and substantial on the freeway or up a winding B-road, it could make decrease pace manoeuvres in tight suburban streets and carparks a bit extra of a chore.

It requires fairly a little bit of arm work for these on a regular basis duties, and whereas some will arm to it others might discover it a bit too demanding.

The encompass digicam system as a part of the Luxurious Pack makes visibility that a lot better for tight parks or squishy gaps in visitors even when it’s not of the very best definition – it’s a disgrace you have to pay minimal $2000 for the privilege.

Insulation from street and wind noise, in the meantime, is ample however not standout. There was a little bit of tyre roar on the Hume Freeway, and greater than one thing like an Audi Q5 or BMW X3.

As for help methods the Luxurious Pack-equipped CX-60 Evolve is just about decked out with the whole lot out there within the flagship Azami.

Mazda’s Cruising and Site visitors Assist is without doubt one of the extra intuitive and pure feeling autonomous freeway assistants of its kind, and the addition of a encompass digicam makes visibility whereas parking that little bit higher.

Entrance and rear cross-traffic alert are helpful when pulling out of tight carparks or T-intersections, although the bong from the warning can grate. Blind-spot monitoring is normal, although as is typical of a number of Mazdas, the magnified driver’s mirror can take some getting used to.

The driving force consideration monitoring operate, not like another new autos available on the market right this moment, additionally appeared to be much less aggressive and didn’t really feel the necessity to chime and visually alert everytime you look away from the street.

What do you get?

The Evolve is the entry-level trim within the Australian CX-60 lineup.

CX-60 Evolve highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels, Gray
• Auto LED headlights
• Auto high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Physique color exterior mirrors
• Facet mirrors with:
  • Energy adjustment
  • Auto folding
  • Heating
  • Auto-dimming
• Honeycomb grille design
• Black wheel arches and decrease cladding
• Distant operated energy tailgate (open/shut)
• G-Vectoring Management Plus
• 10.25-inch Mazda Join infotainment system
• 7.0-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster (G40e, D50e)
• 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster (P50e)
• Head-up show
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 8-speaker sound system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Entrance USB-C charging factors
• Rear console incl. USB-C, 150W AC shops
• Rear 1500W AC energy outlet socket (PHEV)
• Keyless entry, push-button begin
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Electrical park brake with auto-hold
• One-touch energy home windows
• Leather-based steering wheel
• Leather-based shift knob
• Black Maztex upholstery
• Handbook entrance seat adjustment

Choices

The Evolve is out there with two elective packages – our tester was fitted with the Luxurious Package deal.

Imaginative and prescient Know-how Package deal: $2000 (Evolve, GT)

• Encompass-view digicam with see-through view
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (G40e, D50e Evolve)
• Adaptive LED headlights (GT)
• Cruising & Site visitors Assist
• Driver monitoring
• Entrance cross-traffic alert

Luxurious Package deal: $4000 (Evolve)

• Imaginative and prescient Know-how
• Exterior mirror reminiscence
• Leather-based upholstery, Black
• Heated entrance seats
• Energy entrance seat adjustment

Is the Mazda CX-60 secure?

The CX-60 wears a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on Euro NCAP testing in 2022.

The Mazda CX-60 was examined in opposition to 2020-2022 standards by sister organisation Euro NCAP.

It scored 91 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 93 per cent for baby occupant safety, 89 per cent for susceptible street person safety and 77 per cent for security help.

Commonplace security options embody:

• 10 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
• Adaptive cruise management
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Ahead incl. Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
  • Reverse
  • Junction help (Flip-across Site visitors)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Ahead obstruction warning
• Excessive Beam Management (auto high-beam)
• Lane-keep help
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Encompass digicam system
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Tyre strain monitoring
• Automobile exit warning

CX-60 Azami provides:

• Adaptive LED Headlights
• Cruising & Site visitors Assist
  • Adaptive cruise + lane centring
• Entrance cross-traffic alert
• 360-degree cameras incl. See By means of View

The Azami’s extra security gear could be optioned in each the Evolve and GT grades via the Imaginative and prescient Know-how Package deal.

How a lot does the Mazda CX-60 value to run?

Like the broader Mazda vary, the CX-60 is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. The high-voltage battery in PHEV fashions can be lined by an eight-year manufacturing unit guarantee.

Scheduled servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres (whichever comes first) for the G40e M Hybrid and the P50e Plug-in Hybrid; whereas the D50e M Hybrid quotes shorter 10,000km intervals.

Pricing is on the upper aspect, and is dearer than the likes of BMW and Genesis.

Mazda CX-60 service pricing:

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-60

It could not look as attractive because the GT and Azami grades, however the CX-60 Evolve might take advantage of sense.

The place a few of its quirks are onerous to excuse on the dearer Azami’s worth level, the bottom mannequin’s distinctive and environment friendly drivetrains give it some respiration room within the $60,000 worth bracket.

Right here you’ve gotten a six-cylinder SUV that’s bigger than most rivals – and to get a equally highly effective drivetrain in an Audi or BMW will value you twice as a lot. Add the Luxurious Pack, and you’ve got a fairly effectively featured premium-leaning SUV for slightly over $65,000 plus on-roads.

It’s not good. Regardless of operating modifications to the rear suspension and transmission, the CX-60 is a harsher and fewer unrefined than you would possibly count on of one thing claiming to be a luxurious automotive. On the flipside it’s one of many extra enjoyable and interesting SUVs to drive.

Add to that the actual fact it gives effectivity that rivals smaller hybrids, and there’s lots to love. Don’t be afraid to take one out for a take a look at drive for those who’re in market to see if the journey and dealing with tune fits your tastes.

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