The new CX-60 in 3.3 Takumi form is the first Mazda to be priced north of a million bucks in Mzansi.
It costs R1,074,400, which is inclusive of a five-year warranty and service plan, with no restriction on mileage.
Similar money gets you into high-tier grades of large sport-utility vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. You could also have slightly smaller options from German premium marques, such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. But just breaking R1 million, you will be getting into the base models of these cars.
Where value for money is concerned, the CX-60 makes a strong argument, especially now that it finally packs a powerplant complementing its intention to be considered an upmarket product.
The biggest talking point of the Takumi-grade model is the six-cylinder, turbocharged-diesel unit under its lengthy hood. Mild hybrid assistance credits 12.4kW/153Nm to the mix, making for a 187kW/550Nm total output. It feels rather stout, delivering a hearty surge of acceleration, combined with characterful acoustics. The claimed 0-100km/h sprint time is a respectable 7.3 seconds.
Let’s go back to those acoustics for a second. While internal combustion engine apologists may deem characterful to be an apt term, some connoisseurs of oil-burners may feel the tone of the 3.3-litre is on the gruff side, particularly versus diesels found in German contenders.
That may be somewhat valid but it sure beats the pained drone emitted from the normally-aspirated 2.5-litre alternative, which certainly struggled to propel the heavyset CX-60 with conviction.
Economy from the 3.3-litre is fair, if not spectacular. They claim a low 4.9l/100km but our average over mixed conditions settled at 7.6l/100km.
With a grippy all-wheel drive system and the sharp-witted, eight-speed automatic transmission on duty, the powertrain encourages a point-and-squirt approach, mashing the throttle for expedient overtaking, enjoying the steady wave of torque.
It is a sizable vehicle, with a length of 4,745mm, a height of 1,686mm and width of 2,134mm. But fairly sharp reflexes and a weighted but direct steering system to veil those large dimensions and 1,935kg mass.
On the inside, the Takumi feels like a well-crafted product, worthy of a premium label. Leather upholstery is complemented by leather-lined fascia surfaces, elegant metallic fixtures and a contemporary, flowing design.
Although specification is generous, with everything from a 12-speaker Bose sound system to the comprehensive MZD Connect interface, there was one big omission. The lack of heated seats was noticeable — although they did have a ventilation function, which you might be happy about in summer.
At 477l, the boot space is average with rear seats in place, opening up to a whopping 1,726l when folded down.
Visually, there is no denying that the big Mazda is a beguiling creature. Especially in a striking shade like the signature Soul Red crystal metallic hue, accentuating its curves, strategic creases and taut proportions. For a regular family chariot, it manages to turn heads.
When we first tested the CX-60 last year, our biggest issue was the 2.5-litre petrol engine.
Now that this has been remedied with the gutsy in-line, six-cylinder diesel, the product has a serious trump card and is much easier to recommend.
