Mazda has revealed details of its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), its flagship CX-60 SUV, ahead of an autumn arrival in UK car showrooms.
Prices start at £43,950 for the all-new model, which will sit above the recently refreshed CX5 and will offer owners a zero-emissions range of 39-miles, combined with CO2 emissions from 33g/km.
An all-new e-Skyactiv drivetrain combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox with an electric motor and a 17.8kWh battery to deliver 327PS and a potential 5.8 second dash to 62mph.
Mazda quotes a combined fuel economy figure of 188mpg.
The brand has said that the CX-60 line-up will be expanded with the addition of three-litre straight-six petrol and 3.3-litre diesel engine options – both utilising a 48V mild-hybrid system – at a later date.
It is the first of two new SUVs set to join the Mazda line-up, along with the Toyota Yaris-based Mazda 2 Hybrid.
Mazda Motors UK managing director Jeremy Thomson said: “The Mazda CX-60 heralds the start of a new chapter for Mazda, not only is it our first car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it also sets new standards for interior quality, design and technology – highlighting Mazda’s uniquely Japanese premium brand direction.
“With the positioning of the high voltage battery at the centre of the car and as low as possible, this is a PHEV with a particularly low centre of gravity.
“This, combined with a permanent all-wheel drive system incorporating shaft-driven transfer of torque between the axles, gives the car superior handling characteristics on a par with the best in the premium segment.”
Mazda brought its first fully electric vehicle (EV), the MX-30 crossover, to the UK last year.
It is offering its first PHEV with three trim options: Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi.
Drivers can also specify two option packs across all grades: Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack. There is also a Comfort Pack available on Exclusive-Line.
Mazda’s entry-level CX-60 Exclusive-Line is equipped with LED headlights, reversing camera, leather upholstery, heated front seats, lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring.
The £46,700 Homura features body coloured wheel arch mouldings and 20-inch black alloys.
Inside, there’s seat heating for the outer rear seats and ambient lighting, plus ventilated front seats and a Bose sound system.
It’s also equipped with the Mazda Driver Personalisation System that will recognise the occupant of the driver’s seat via facial recognition and automatically adjust the surroundings – seat position, steering wheel, mirrors, head-up display, even the sound and climate control settings – to fit their physique as well as their personal preferences.
The range-topping CX-60 Takumi (£48,050) features 20-inch black machined alloys and white nappa leather upholstery.
The Mazda CX-60 has a boot volume of 570-litres, making it the most practical car in Mazda’s line up.
