Mazda CX-60 will get new six-cylinder diesel engine in 2023

• New diesel engine will be available in 2023
• Two power outputs available
• Sits alongside plug-in hybrid

The new Mazda CX-60 recently arrived in showrooms with a plug-in hybrid petrol engine, and a mild-hybrid diesel is now planned for 2023 to bolster the range. The new engine will be offered in two different power outputs and forms part of Mazda’s ‘multi-solution approach’ to future mobility. 

The new 48v mild-hybrid 3.3-litre six-cylinder diesel engine will be offered in two power outputs and drivetrains with a 197bhp rear-wheel drive, and 250bhp all-wheel drive option. Both engines will be able to tow 2,500kg and benefit from a lightweight construction, making the new six-cylinder similar in weight to the existing 2.2-litre four-cylinder offered in other models.

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The new engine will debut a new type of compression technology, improving its thermal efficiency by around 40% and significantly reducing emissions. The 197bhp model is claimed to achieve 57.6 mpg, with the more powerful 250bhp version capable of 53.3mpg.

Pricing has yet to be announced, however we can expect to see the new diesel engine enter showrooms in early 2023.

The Mazda CX-60 hasn’t replaced the CX-5, which has just been facelifted for 2022. It may be a similar size, but is set to sit above the current car. The CX-60 will be joined by a seven-seat Mazda CX-80 version that’s also set to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Rivals to the CX-60 include the Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid, Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid, Toyota RAV4 PHEV and Hyundai Tucson.

2022 Mazda CX-60 PHEV prices, specs and release date

The arrival of the CX-60 has introduced a range of new trim levels. Rather than Mazda’s SE-L and Sport grades, you’ll be able to pick from Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi models. The entry-level model starts from £43,950 and is said to feature an ‘extensive’ kit list.

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Homura costs £46,700 and gets body-coloured wheel arch extensions, rather than the black ones fitted to entry-level models, plus a dark grille surround, 20-inch alloy wheels and gloss black mirror caps. This model also features Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System, which recognises the driver and sets their seat, climate control, mirror and music settings automatically. Takumi is priced from £48,050, adding chrome trim and black alloy wheels.

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Mazda’s Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack are available on all three trim levels. The Convenience Pack includes a 360-degree camera, privacy glass and wireless phone charging for £1,000; the Driver Assistance Pack piles on the active safety aids for £1,100. Exclusive-Line buyers can also opt for the £1,400 Comfort Pack, consisting of bigger wheels, electric and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and the driver recognition system. A panoramic sunroof can be fitted to the top two trims.

Engine and performance

Powering the CX-60 PHEV is a 2.5-litre petrol engine, mated to a 134bhp electric motor and 17.8kWh battery. The total output is 323bhp, more than any of Mazda’s previous sports cars. With an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, the acceleration is more like a sports car than a family SUV, taking just 5.8 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph.

The model also features Mazda’s ‘Mi-Drive’ system, which gives the choice of five drive modes: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV, with the latter making the car drive on purely electric power.

Range, MPG and CO2 emissions

A fully charged battery enables up to 37 miles of purely electric driving, and it takes four hours to recharge. The top speed when running in electric mode is 62mph. The CX-60 is claimed to achieve up to 188mpg and CO2 emissions of 33-37g/km, which will make it very cheap to run for private and business drivers if it’s used as intended.

The 3.3-litre diesel and an upcoming 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine will both feature mild-hybrid technology. Both are expected to gain the same eight speed gearbox as the plug-in hybrid model.

Interior and practicality

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The interior of the CX-60 features an array of different material trims including nappa leather and woven fabrics, along with natural maple wood and chrome contrasting trim pieces. The interior also features a unique stitching pattern, which is inspired by traditional Japanese binding techniques. This is designed to contrast with the new car's modern technology.

Including an underfloor storage area, the boot measures 570 litres, which is the biggest of any current Mazda and more than good enough to match its most practical rivals. The boot is all the more impressive considering that plug-in hybrids usually have a smaller rear load space due to where the battery is positioned.

Mazda plans to launch three new electric cars by 2025, with more to follow, and is working on a range-extender version of its Mazda MX-30 electric car using the brand’s famous rotary engine technology.

Read our guide to the best hybrid SUVs and our best reliable SUVs.