2024 Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi
Almost a year after launching the CX-60 in South Africa, Mazda has upped the ante with the arrival of the six-cylinder CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi.
Not only is the SUV the new flagship derivative in the CX-60 range, but it also boasts an impressive powertrain that features hybrid technology. That’s right: Mazda opted to fit its big SUV with a 3.3-litre turbodiesel engine that runs in tandem with a mild-hybrid system.
For Mazda South Africa, this is a big deal, because this is the first time one of its vehicles surpasses the R1.0 million-mark. Is it wrong? No, because many of the SUV’s rivals are also playing in this ballpark.
But will it work? Well, that’s (insert pun here).
Powertrain and drive
As has become customary for Japanese automakers, Mazda opted to not extract too much power from its new engine. Compared to, for instance, Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel (184kW/600Nm) and BMW’s 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel (195kW/620Nm in X3 xDrive 30d trim), the CX-60 Takumi’s 187kW and 550Nm seems rather tame – especially because of the bigger displacement.
And interestingly, the engine is fitted with only one turbocharger. However, with the small 48V battery making the hybrid prowess possible, it, to a degree, negates the need for a second turbocharger for engine revolutions lower down the rev range.
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Floor the throttle and the CX-60 Takumi reacts rather swiftly. This, says Mazda, is because the hybrid system also aids the engine in reacting quicker to throttle inputs, reducing any turbo lag that might exist.
But as impressive as this is, it fails to hide the CX-60 Takumi’s size. With a kerb weight of 1 935kg, the SUV is not the lightest. Even with the driving mode switched to Sport, the engine and 48V battery can only do so much to maintain any swiftness.
Though the suspension is comfortable and steering feedback sufficient, the CX-60 Takumi is not an SUV you’d push through twisting roads too hard. Still, it is positioned as an enjoyable cruiser that will reward with outright comfort and luxury.
An eight-speed automatic transmission channels power to all four wheels.
Extensive features’ list
The CX-60 Takumi does not beg for any comfort features. Instead, it is filled to the brim with numerous features to make it a standout SUV in its highly competitive segment.
Among the features are a 360° view monitor, blind spot monitoring, a forward sensing camera, cooling for the front seats, satellite navigation, and a Driver Monitoring and Driver Attention systems.
In the middle of the dashboard sits a 12-inch display screen that is operated via a control between the front seats. Users will immediately notice that the buttons and rotary knob are ergonomically positioned for ease of use, but the system does without touchscreen capabilities.
According to Mazda South Africa, this is to keep the driver’s focus on the road. Leaning over and touching a screen could pose a safety risk, hence the decision to keep operation analogue rather than digital.
Though some may agree with this logic, others will look at it as Mazda not moving with the times and fully adopting the digital approach. Regardless, there is logic to what Mazda is saying, and only sales figures and customer feedback will prove the fact.
Pricing and rivals
Mazda South Africa had no choice but to price the CX-60 Takumi at R1 049 200, with it launching its first vehicle with a price tag above one bar. However, if anyone takes Mazda to task for this, remember that it is a sign of the times.
The Honda CR-V, which Mazda sees as one of the CX-60’s rivals, has two models making up the range, with the Exclusive retailing for R1 039 900. And BMW’s X3 xDrive 30d starts life at R1 296 840.
Against the petrol-powered CR-V, Mazda hopes South Africans will opt for its six-cylinder diesel SUV rather than the 1.5-litre four-pot Honda. And with regards to the BMW, the CX-60 Takumi is for those looking to downscale without sacrificing luxury.
It may have taken a minute for Mazda to finally bring a contingency of CX-60 Takumi models to South Africa, but it’s exciting times to see how Mazda South Africa’s new halo product holds its own.
