By Otsile Kadiege

Last year Mazda South Africa introduced the CX-60 as the brand’s new flagship model. Although a near-perfect SUV, it lacked power and torque, and its fuel consumption wasn’t too friendly either, especially in these trying times. Enter the 3.3D AWD Takumi. The newly added derivative gets its unique exterior styling and a turbodiesel engine which gets more power and torque and promises better fuel consumption.

CX-60 Takumi exterior

Outside, the Takumi derivative introduces a couple of model-specific exterior styling like an exclusive front bumper design, a bar type piano black grille, a bright metal finish to the front signature wings, side signatures and glazing surrounds, and 20-inch black metallic, diamond-cut machined alloy wheels.

CX-60 Takumi interior

Inside and true to Mazda fashion, you are met with a luxurious and modern cabin that will easily rival premium brands. The CX-60 comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Meanwhile the driver’s cockpit area features a full 12-inch TFT-LCD driver’s instrument meter display and a large window Head-up Display.

Performance and driving impressions

Under the bonnet, the CX-60 is powered by a 3.3-litre in-line 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine with mild hybrid technology developing an impressive 187kW and 550Nm. It’s paired with an 8-speed auto transmission and has a claimed fuel-consumption of 4.9l/100km. Zero to 100km/h is achieved in a claimed 7.3 seconds.

After a short drive, we were thoroughly impressed with the newly added powerplant. The power and torque delivery is almost immediate and there’s a smile-inducing growl from the Inline-6 diesel engine once you put your foot down.

The transmission is a tad bit jerky in traffic but it’s compliant once you hit the open road. It’s steering wheel is a bit too firm but definitely isn’t a deal breaker. That said, the ride quality and interior comfort are both commendable.

CX-60 range Pricing

CX-60 2.5 Dynamic – R770,800

CX-60 2.5 Individual AWD – R879,900

CX-60 3.3D Takumi AWD – R1,074,400