MAZDA has spent decades building a reputation for making mainstream cars that are more enjoyable to drive than they need to be.
The CX-5 is perhaps the best example, combining good looks, a quality cabin and engaging handling in a package that has consistently stood out among Japanese sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
The CX-60 takes this philosophy a step further.
Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform with a longitudinally mounted engine, this is a very different proposition from the CX-5.
It is larger, more sophisticated and noticeably more mature, with Mazda clearly looking beyond the mainstream SUV segment.
Bigger, longer and more purposeful
At 4,740mm long and 1,890mm wide, the CX-60 has considerably more presence than the CX-5.
Its 2,870mm wheelbase also gives it the proportions of a much more expensive European SUV, with a long bonnet and the cabin pushed towards the rear.
The Kodo styling language is not new but it still looks good and works well here.
The CX-60 looks substantial without being flashy, with the 20-inch wheels filling out the body nicely.
The extra size is noticeable in tight car parks though.
It is not difficult to place, but narrow ramps and confined spaces require more awareness than a CX-5.
Genuinely upmarket cabin feel
The cabin is where the CX-60 shows off its premium ambitions and is one of its strongest points.
Materials feel properly upmarket and, thankfully, Mazda has not abandoned physical controls in favour of a completely touchscreen-driven interior.
The 12.3-inch infotainment display is operated through Mazda’s Multi-Function Commander Controller.
This large rotary knob is one of those features that quickly becomes something you wonder why more manufacturers don’t do.
It is easy to reach, can be turned, pressed and nudged to navigate the menus without taking your eyes off the road.
It also eliminates the need to stretch towards a screen while driving thus keeping fingerprints away from the display.
Besides that, the equipment list is generous.
There is a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, head-up display, panoramic sunroof and 12-speaker Bose sound system.
There is also a Driver Personalisation System that can recognise the driver and adjust the seating position accordingly.
Rear passengers benefit from the longer wheelbase, while the 570-litre boot makes the CX-60 quite practical as a family SUV.
Smooth rather than spectacular
The naturally aspirated engine initially looks like the odd one out in a vehicle with such ambitious architecture.
There is no turbocharger and therefore no big wave of low-down torque. Put your foot down and the CX-60 does not shove forward like a turbocharged SUV.
Instead, it builds speed progressively, with the engine becoming more vocal as the revs rise.
But spend more time with it and another quality becomes apparent: refinement.
The powertrain is exceptionally smooth and well calibrated.
Throttle response is predictable, the engine and transmission work together naturally, and there is very little drama in normal driving.
It feels mature rather than underdeveloped. This character suits the CX-60 surprisingly well.
It is not a fast SUV, but it does not constantly remind you of that fact either.
The new eight-speed automatic deserves credit here.
Its multi-plate clutch design gives it a direct connection between engine and drivetrain, while gear changes are generally quick and unobtrusive. Paddle shifters are available when you want more involvement.
Still a driver’s Mazda
This is where the CX-60 makes its strongest case – when the road starts to bend.
The rear-wheel-drive layout and suspension set-up give it a planted, balanced character that is unusual at this price.
Steering is nicely weighted and the CX-60 responds cleanly to inputs.
Body control is impressive for something of this size and weight, with Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control helping to keep the vehicle composed through corners.
There is a sense that this chassis is capable of considerably more than the 189hp engine currently asks of it.
This is not to say the 2.5-litre is inadequate. It is perfectly capable for normal driving and highway cruising.
However, the underlying architecture feels so assured that you cannot help but wonder how it would respond to substantially more power.
And while you can get close to the claimed fuel efficiency figure, something in the range of 10 litres per 100km is a more practical expectation.
The ride remains the less convincing part of the package, but only slightly.
It is firm and controlled rather than soft, and while it settles nicely at highway speeds, rougher Malaysian surfaces can expose its stiffness.
For the power-hungry, Mazda also offers the 3.3-litre mild hybrid variant here.
Verdict
The Mazda CX-60 2.5 High is an intriguing combination of an ambitious chassis and a deliberately conservative powertrain.
The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine will not satisfy buyers looking for turbocharged punch, but its smoothness, predictability and refinement make it a surprisingly good match for the CX-60’s mature character.
More importantly, the rear-wheel-drive platform gives the CX-60 a level of balance and composure that sets it apart from the CX-5 and most Asian SUVs.
The excellent driving position, practical Commander Controller and genuinely premium cabin add to the appeal.
The CX-60 is Mazda making a serious move upmarket.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mazda CX-60 2.5 (2WD High)
Engine: 2,488cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated, Skyactiv-G
Maximum power: 189hp at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 261Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Front double wishbone; rear multi-link
Fuel consumption: 7.3 litres/100km
Features: Panoramic sunroof, hands-free powered tailgate, dual zone climate control, head-up display, powered leather front seats, Bose sound system, wireless charger, iACTIVSENSE with Mazda Radar Cruise Control (Stop & Go), High Speed Cruising & Traffic Support
Price (OTR without insurance): RM200,510
