Mazda has teased the interior of its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the CX-60 mid-size SUV, which will be revealed on March 8, 2022.
The CX-60 PHEV will combine a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, for a total power output of 223kW.
At this stage, the plug-in hybrid’s performance and economy figures haven’t been revealed.
Pictured: Previously spied Mazda CX-60 SUV
Mazda Australia has previously confirmed the more upmarket SUV will be available locally with this PHEV powertrain.
A mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain and a conventional petrol engine will also be offered, although neither has been officially announced for Australia.
Mazda has developed new inline-six cylinder petrol and diesel engines, both with 48V mild-hybrid systems.
The company has teased the CX-60’s dashboard and door panel with a very narrow depth of field.
Mazda says the CX-60 interior will be a “totally new experience for drivers and passengers” that “combines both traditional methods and new technologies”.
The CX-60 is said to be Mazda’s first vehicle to follow the Kaichô design philosophy, which is said to create harmony by “mixing different materials and textures”.
The interior of the CX-60 is said to include elements of maple wood, Nappa leather, “Japanese textiles” and chrome details.
There’s also Musubu, which Mazda indicates is a “uniquely Japanese way of binding textiles” that inspired the cross-stitching seen in the teaser image.
Earlier in February 2022 Mazda revealed a teaser image that showed the CX-60’s LED lighting signature, as well as part of its grille and lower bumper details.
It’s in keeping with the CX-60 spied during 2021, right down to the Soul Crystal Red metallic paint.
Pictured: Previously spied Mazda CX-60 SUVs
The CX-60 is part of Mazda’s upcoming family of larger, more luxurious SUVs built on a rear- and all-wheel drive platform. It’ll sit about the recently updated CX-5 in the range.
Mazda has confirmed it’ll also build a CX-70, and seven-seat CX-80 and CX-90 models. The CX-60 and CX-80 are aimed at markets such as Japan and Europe, with narrower bodies than the CX-70 and CX-90.
Given the CX-60 has been locked in for Australia, at this stage it seems likely the CX-80 will also make the trip.
Pictured: Mazda PHEV powertrain (left) and Mazda six-cylinder MHEV powertrain (right)
It’s also possible we’ll get the CX-80 and CX-90, given the Japan-focused CX-8 and American-focus CX-9 seven-seat SUVs are currently sold locally side-by-side.
Mazda Australia executives have said not to assume the introduction of the new SUVs will immediately spell the end of its existing models.
Although its new model will be more luxurious, Mazda has previously told CarExpert it won’t be abandoning the mainstream market.
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CX-8 
CX-9
“We still have to demonstrate value to the end consumer,” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said in 2021.
“What we’re saying is, we still offer what we call the mainstream, and then also have extended products that are more towards the premium pricing,” he said.
For now though, hold tight until March 8, 2022 for the official reveal of the Mazda CX-60.
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