Mazda Hosts New CX-60 First Drives in Our Region

Mazda has once again chosen the north to host first drive events for a brand new model, with journalists from around the UK heading to our region for their first UK experience of the new CX-60 SUV.

Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel played host to the drive event — a familiar venue for writers in the north. It’s based at the famous Stanley Dock, built from a coverted rum and tobacco warehouse, and is packed with Liverpudlian memorabilia — including the RMS Titanic, which was registered in the city.

Of course that space was converted to a much more Japanese-themed area for Mazda’s presentation on the new CX-60, featuring Japanese artist Ikuko Iwamoto, to highlight the SUV’s “Crafted in Japan” qualities.

The CX-60 itself is a new two-row SUV that slots into the range above the existing CX-5. It will launch in the UK as a plug-in hybrid version — available for attendees to drive in Liverpool — with other engine options coming after launch including a regular petrol model and, oddly, a brand-new diesel.

In PHEV form it’s the most powerful Mazda road car ever produced — although it’s also the largest and the heaviest (in Europe at least) — pairing a 191hp, 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine with a 134hp electric motor for a combined 322hp. Additionally it’s the first ever Mazda to be available as a plug-in hybrid, with the only previous electrification from the brand coming by way of the MX-30 battery-electric.

Priced from £43,950 for the Exclusive-Line trim — with slightly more expensive Homura and Takumi trims also available — the CX-60 will be going head-to-head with some premium SUVs in a tightly packed market segment.