A quick look at the mid-sized SUV segment uncovers an overwhelming representation of fully electric, or hybrid powertrains with small-displacement internal combustion engines, coupled with an electric motor.
The majority are backed by a traditional convertor gearbox or a CVT, and while away their existence in utterly boring white-bread monotony. Enter the CX-60 D50e Azami. The “D” is relevant, because under the bonnet of this SUV sits a diesel engine with six cylinders.
Even more intriguing is the inline layout, with a turbocharger hanging off the hot side for good measure. The headline numbers read 187kW and 550Nm, the latter from a lowly 1500rpm. That format has been behind some of the most legendary engines ever made.
As a result, entering a week in the Rhodium White dipped high-riding wagon was filled with anticipation. First glances reveal a handsome and svelte design architecture. It doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not, and it remains largely unique in its look among peers.
It starts with an unmistakably-Mazda front end where a large grille dominates, with a bar-type treatment specific to this top-of-the-range Azami. That’s flanked by LED headlamps which provide excellent vision on high and low beams.
All that is rounded out with plenty of body colour panelling, right down to the deep front bumper. One thing we noticed was the disparity in the wheelbase versus track, leading to a visual that felt a little too upright and narrow for its length, from some angles.
Nonetheless the panel work is clean and well complemented by black-and-metallic finished 20-inch wheels, shod in quality 235/50 Bridgestone rubber. Up the back, a hands-free electric tailgate proved to be very useful during our time with the car.
It opens to reveal a very handy 477-litres of boot space, which also incorporates underfloor storage. This can extend out to 1726-litres with the rear row folded down. The interior is treated to super soft black Nappa leather trim with contrasting switching.
Inserts extends to the doors and dash fascia. Taking a seat for the first time conjures a cocooned feel, with soft touch materials everywhere, bar some faux metal-look trims, which are the only real let down.
If one were to magically appear in this interior without seeing the outside, it wouldn’t be inconceivable to think it was European. The front pews are good, but the seat pad bolstering felt a little narrow.
That’s especially so given how luxurious the rest of the interior feels, and we would’ve liked to have seen more under-thigh support. Despite this, we did enjoy how deep they sit in the cabin, with ample electric adjustment, along with heating and ventilation, for the front row.
The driver hangs onto a well-sized leather-wrapped wheel while peering at his or her own 12.3-inch multi-information display. This is supplemented by another 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the soft covered dash.
Unfortunately, the touchscreen is slightly too far away to use without leaning forward, so a combination of buttons and a rotary dial on the console need to be used to navigate. The intent is clear, but manipulation of the controls is a frustrating and unnecessary distraction.
Put simply, it’s backwards when compared to the competition and a real blight to what is an otherwise great cabin. A combination of a wireless charging pad and two USB ports facilitate device charging and wired and wireless access to Apple CarPlay and Android auto.
Storage is available in the form of two cupholders, and a shallow centre bin with split-fold cover on top. Thankfully the door pockets are a good size and sunglass holders are available. The latter is a simple amenity that seems to be omitted far too often.
The second row is where the long wheelbase becomes an asset, with leg room that could easily accommodate a couple of adults on a long trip. Back there they can charge devices through two USB ports and stay comfortable with separate air conditioning vents.
There’s also outboard seat heating. Head room is good and the massive sunroof breaking up the dark headliner allows ample natural light, making the space feel all the more luxurious.
It’s a shame however that the tilt and slide setup overhead means opening at speeds over 60km/h results in an inordinate amount of wind noise. Thankfully, the Bose 12-speaker sound system is amazing in quality and output.
It was a fantastic complement for a trip out to wine country during our time. Hitting the starter button brings the aforementioned straight six to life, which quickly settles to a silky smooth idle.
Being a mild hybrid, it deploys 48V technology to support functions such as stop and start, rather than providing drive. It’s a fantastically willing unit, with a wave of torque right down low, and a sonorous soundtrack right out to the 5000rpm redline.
It doesn’t feel like a diesel at all, but 1000km of range and 6.7-litres/100km are numbers that a petrol unit simply cannot match. While impressive, consumption during our testing was well off the quoted 5.0-litres/100km.
It’s backed by a dual clutch gearbox which remained a question mark around town, with some clunking and jerkiness that thankfully becomes a distant memory on the open road. The combined drivetrain provides smile-inducing performance in a straight line.
Things come undone when a bend presents itself. Despite several revisions to ride quality to soften things up, we found the CX-60 to be firmly sprung, but lacking in cornering prowess, with too much pitching and rolling to utilise the fruits of the drivetrain.
It left us a little confused as to the intent and target buyer. Safety is well catered for though, with the full gamut of functionality and provisions resulting in a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
We were thankful for the seamless and smart calibration of items such as lane keep assist but were a little perplexed by the fact that the driver rear view mirror would dip when reverse was selected.
Ultimately, what we liked about the CX-60 was that it’s different. It’s supremely refined and in the Azami grade comes with a level of luxury that is Lexus-like at a minimum. At $70,440 plus on-roads, it has seen a price cut but still occupies challenging territory.
It’s not perfect, but that drivetrain really sets it apart from the competition. For this rev-head writer, that’s a real consideration. You can find out more on the Mazda Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Mazda Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
