The Mazda CX-60 showcases Mazda’s most ambitious SUV yet in South Africa, blending elegant design, quality cabin feel, and competent dynamics. It’s an SUV that feels carefully considered, and it’s one that grows on you as soon as you get behind the wheel.
Driving Experience
On the road, the CX-60 has an assured presence. The steering is nicely weighted and direct, giving good feedback whether you’re threading through urban traffic or cruising on open highways. The suspension is tuned to strike a balance: firm enough to limit body roll and inspire confidence on winding stretches, yet compliant enough to absorb most fluctuations. Overall, it’s comfortable for daily commuting and long journeys alike.
Interior and Practicality
Inside, the cabin feels thoughtfully crafted. Soft-touch materials, supportive seats and logical ergonomics lift the overall ambience well above mainstream SUVs. There’s generous space for passengers in both rows, and the boot accommodates luggage or gear with ease. Mazda’s infotainment system uses a rotary controller rather than a touchscreen in motion — this can take a little getting used to, but it’s responsive and avoids the distraction of reaching forward while driving. Safety gear and driver aids are comprehensive, adding confidence for both city and highway use.
Engine and Performance
The CX-60 offers a well-judged range of engines that cater to a variety of driving styles. The base 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces around 140 kW of power, delivering smooth and responsive performance that feels lively around town and steady on the open road. There’s also a 2.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol variant that adds efficiency and refinement without complicating the driving experience. At the top, the 3.3-litre turbo-diesel mild-hybrid engine is the real highlight, producing roughly 187 kW of power and about 550 Nm of torque. This diesel engine is exceptionally strong in real-world driving, offering effortless overtaking performance, excellent torque low in the rev range, and reassuring driveability on loaded trips or steeper gradients. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard, the powertrain package feels both refined and capable.
Pricing & Warranty
The Mazda CX-60 starts in the R700 000+ range for entry-level petrol models, with higher trims incrementally increasing and the top-of-the-range diesel flagship exceeding R1 000 000. All variants come standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. Mazda backs the CX-60 with a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty alongside a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, providing reassuring support for ownership.
Pros
Strong and refined engine options, especially powerful diesel
Premium cabin and well-executed ergonomics
Balanced dynamics for both city and highway driving
Strong warranty and service inclusions
Cons
Suspension can feel firm over very rough surfaces
Infotainment interface may not appeal to touchscreen purists
Pricing moves into premium SUV territory
Verdict: 4/5
The Mazda CX-60 delivers a compelling mix of performance, comfort and everyday usability tailored to South African roads and lifestyles. It’s a confident offering from Mazda and a convincing contender in its segment – refined, powerful and practical in equal measure.