Noble, tough and hybrid
Mazda’s SUV family has been undergoing something of a renaissance in recent years and the current CX-60 is further proof of that, writes Ben Selby.
Now, Mazda have added a new entry point to the CX-60 range. Called the SP Hybrid, it sits at $69,990 and sports plenty of niceties inside and out.
Starting with the outside, Mazda’s latest Kodo design language is out in force. I love this premium-looking stance, something that Mazda calls “noble toughness”.
The SP Hybrid offers LED headlights, blacked out 20-inch alloys, black gloss wing mirrors, and a new honeycomb front grill. Inside, find electric heated front seats with leather trim, 360-degree rear camera, power tailgate, and plenty of quality-feeling switchgear and other materials. It’s a delightful cabin to be in and the driving position is pretty much spot on.
The engineering meat on the CX-60 SP Hybrid’s bones is a 3.3L turbocharged straight-six e-Skyactiv G petrol unit coupled with a 48V Mild Hybrid System with M Hybrid Boost. Power sits at a decent 209kW and torque at 450Nm, both of which are sent through Mazda’s i-Activ All-Wheel-Drive system and an eight speed automatic transmission.
From the moment you give even a fraction of input from your right shoe, the get-go is obvious. The 3.3L turbocharged six cylinder is a honey of an engine. Silky smooth is a terrible cliché at the best of times, yet that is just what the six pot is when you put the power down.
The addition of that 48v Mild Hybrid set up also means you have extra electric boost to aid in forward momentum and spooling up torque much lower down in the rev range.
Along with a very slick 8-speed auto box and its relatively compact dimensions, the CX-60 SP Hybrid exhibits performance characteristics which wouldn’t feel out of place in the mildest of performance hatchbacks. Sure, you won’t corner flat if you chuck it into a bend with carefree abandon, although it is lively and rather enjoyable, especially if you dial it up to 11 with a switch over to Sport mode.
For daily use, the SP Hybrid also fares well with little to no influence from the outside world’s noises and a supple yet comfortable ride, not to mention decent all-round visibility. Mazda are certainly onto a winner with the CX-60 and the SP Hybrid is the value packed and highly entertaining to drive entry point into this club.
FACT FILE
2025 Mazda CX-60 SP Hybrid
Price: $69,990
Engine: 3.3L Turbo Six Cylinder Petrol
Transmission: Eight speed auto
Drivetrain: AWD
Power: 209kW
Torque: 450Nm
Combined Fuel Consumption: 7.9L/100km
