Mazda’s more upmarket mid-sized SUV will be available with plug-in hybrid power in Australia.

    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. It’s locked in for our market, although its arrival timing hasn’t yet been confirmed.

    Mazda has previously confirmed the CX-60 is coming Down Under, but hadn’t confirmed whether we’d be getting the PHEV. The plug-in hybrid’s electric range, fuel economy claims, and performance figures haven’t been revealed.

    A mild-hybrid powertrain and a conventional petrol engine will also be offered, although neither has been locked in for Australia.

    As for the teaser? The CX-60 will have an LED light signature in keeping with the wider Mazda range, but there’s new detailing in the outline of the grille, and the lower bumper looks more complex than that of the current line-up.

    It’s in keeping with the car spied during 2021, right down to the Soul Crystal Red metallic paint.

    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 above the recently-updated CX-5 in the range.

    Mazda has confirmed it will also build a CX-70, and seven-seat CX-80 and CX-90 models. The 60 and 80 are aimed at markets such as Japan and Europe, with narrower bodies than the 70 and 90.

    Given the 60 has been locked in for Australia, at this stage it seems more likely the CX-80 will make the trip as well.

    It’s also possible we’ll get the CX-80 and CX-90, given the Japan-focused CX-8 and American-focused CX-9 seven-seaters are currently sold side-by-side.

    It’s not clear what will happen to the CX-8 and CX-9 when the new-generation SUV range arrives, but it’s unlikely Mazda will offer four large, seven-seat SUVs in the same range.

    The CX-8 and CX-9 are offered in LE guise with Nappa leather seat trim, real wood dashboard accents, and standalone Captain’s Chair seats for second-row occupants, but it’s likely the CX-80 and CX-90 will be more luxurious again.

    Although its new models will be more luxurious, Mazda has previously told CarExpert it won’t be abandoning the mainstream market.

    “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.

    MORE: 2023 Mazda CX-60 crossover SUV confirmed for Australia
    MORE: Mazda to launch five new SUVs by 2023
    MORE: 2023 Mazda CX-60 spied completely undisguised

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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