Although Mazda seems to have been in a calm state lately, readers familiar with Mazda should know that it is holding back a big move. What's the big deal? Or is it the new generation of rotors that have been rumored for years but have not been seen? Apparently not. The new platform of longitudinal rear-drive, in-line six-cylinder, and hybrid should have new news and new models coming out.
The first new car was actually an SUV?
Leaving aside the platform information, let's look directly at the new car. What many people did not expect was that the first model under Mazda's new platform would actually be an SUV, and the current name was also officially exposed: CX-60. It is reported that Mazda officials have announced that it will be officially released on March 8, and we will take a look at it before that.
As early as last November, there was already information about the CX-60. Although the clarity of the video screenshot is not high, the basic design can already be determined. For example, it is still a Mazda family design language, obvious longitudinal rear-drive characteristics, and so on. And compared with today's Mazda models on sale, the design of the headlight group is more concise.
From another clearer screenshot, it can be seen that the overall side of the CX-60 is still compact, which can also confirm the positioning of its 5 SUVs. And in this state, the CX-60's longitudinal rear-drive features are more obvious. It is reported that in addition to the CX-60, Mazda will also launch the CX-80 in the later period to meet the consumers of the 7-seat SUV market.
The official trailer is appetizing
In addition to the video exposure circulating on the Internet above, the official has now announced the warm-up video. However, in terms of content, there are still not many, such as the integration of daytime lights and flying wing decorations with more details, the internal structure of the headlight group contains part of the daytime lights, and so on.
This routine is also extended to the interior, and it is also a 12-second video, a few details flashed by. On closer inspection, the area in front of the co-pilot is not only blessed with stitching, but also has several different materials at the door panel. Leaving aside whether there will be major changes in the design, it seems that Mazda will focus on improving the interior materials on the new platform and new models.
According to the currently known information, foreign media have also produced renderings. In fact, the overall visual effect is not much different from the Mazda family style we are familiar with, except that the structure of the flying wing middle net and the headlight group has changed to a certain extent. But it is undeniable that the look and feel of the entire front end is thicker and heavier, will it be the gain brought by the longitudinal rear-drive structure?
Then turn your attention to the rear of the new car. At this time, the CX-60 looks like some CX-5 shadow inside, but the structural changes in the overall cockpit can still be felt. The structure of the tail light group also has a slight change, especially the design of the internal LED strip. The exhaust pipe openings with a total of four sides are very eye-catching, but from the spy photos, it seems that it will be a fake exhaust decoration.
The combined output of the hybrid is over 300 horses
The powertrain is arguably the CX-60's biggest highlight and not one of them. Mazda's proud longitudinal rear-drive platform is expected to be equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine combined with an electric motor to form a plug-in hybrid system, and the combined output power may exceed 300 horses. At the same time, there may be a mild hybrid version launched, rear drive and four-wheel drive options. In addition, the gasoline version of the engine may still be a four-cylinder layout, and the diesel version will use an in-line six-cylinder layout.
There is not much information about the specific powertrain, but what can be known is that with the launch of the CX-60, future models such as the Mazda 6 will also use this platform. Information about this platform can also be reviewed by clicking on the link on the right (vertical 6 cylinders!). Mazda releases brand new engine, 350 rear-drive Mazda 6 is coming? ）。
Mazda's current predicament
Compared with other Japanese manufacturers, Mazda is really a niche and maverick one. When various automakers rushed to enter the pure electric vehicle market, it released MX-30 new energy to tell everyone how inconvenient the use of pure electric vehicles is; furthermore, when each car is shrinking and turbocharging, Mazda has engaged in a longitudinal rear-drive large-scale self-priming.
From the perspective of the car play group, Mazda's insistence on this and even the pursuit of control in the product are what we are willing to see. But put into the whole environment, the big market, it is doomed that Mazda's sales will not be high, or that there will not be many people who understand it and like it. Look again, now FAW Mazda has also officially announced its exit, hoping that Changan Mazda will fight for some gas.
Write at the end
With Mazda's current attitude, whether it is the CX-60 or the future CX-80, it seems that more emphasis will be on the European and Japanese domestic markets. The longitudinal rear-drive Mazda that the domestic market can first contact in the future may be a new generation of Mazda 6. In any case, the 300-horse rear-drive 6 can still be expected a little.