Mazda has provided our first official glimpse of the first model in its line of rear-wheel-drive SUVs, the 2022 Mazda CX-60 – which will debut a new 223kW-plus plug-in hybrid system that’s locked in for Australia.
A single teaser image released by Mazda previews the new CX-60’s LED headlight – accompanied by a press release confirming the new SUV will be revealed in full one month from now, on March 8.
While the rest of the vehicle’s styling isn’t shown, the teaser confirmed undisguised spy photos published last year of the new CX-60 during a photo shoot – revealing its full-body styling, with smooth surfacing and proportions that point to its rear-wheel-drive layout.
Alongside the teaser are details of the CX-60’s new plug-in hybrid system – and confirmation it will come to Australia, either alongside the wider range in late 2022 or at a later date, joining a range of six-cylinder and four-cylinder petrol engines in showrooms.
The PHEV system will pair a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with a “performance-enhancing” electric motor for a power output in excess of 223kW – making one of the company’s most powerful production models, and its most potent mid-size SUV, outgunning today’s 170kW turbo CX-5.
“Mazda’s first PHEV powertrain will offer smooth and powerful acceleration giving the driver greater confidence and driving enjoyment in the widest possible range of driving scenarios,” the company says
The new CX-60 will be the first of four new Mazda SUVs available globally on the company’s new ‘Large’ rear- and all-wheel drive architecture – also including a larger CX-80 with three rows of seats, which is under consideration for Australia.
For more details on the new Mazda CX-60, click here to read Drive’s earlier story at the time of the leaked photos.
The 2022 Mazda CX-60 has been confirmed for launch in Australia before the end of this year.
