Mazda CX-60 seen in Malaysia – positioned above the CX-5, will the RWD platform SUV be launched soon?

The Mazda CX-60 has been spotted in Malaysia ahead of an expected launch here, as suggested by MIDF Research back in December last year. First introduced to the world in March 2022, the CX-60 is the brand’s first SUV to be built on the Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture with a front-engine longitudinal layout and rear-wheel drive.

It’s not known what powertrains are used by these lightly disguised units seen in the photos, although there are a few possibilities if we refer to neighbouring markets that have already welcomed the SUV. In the Philippines, the CX-60 is offered with either an inline-six turbocharged petrol or turbodiesel engine, both with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The two engines have an identical displacement of 3.3 litres, with the petrol unit serving up 284 PS (280 hp or 209 kW) and 450 Nm of torque, while the diesel makes 254 PS (251 hp or 187 kW) and 550 Nm. Mazda’s M Hybrid Boost 48-volt mild hybrid system with a 0.33-kWh lithium-ion battery as well as a small electric motor rated at 16 PS (16 hp or 12 kW) and 153 Nm is standard and sits between the engine and transmission.

As for Singapore, the model only comes with a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine making 191 PS (189 hp or 141 kW) and 261 Nm. This exclusively drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed auto box and there’s no mild hybrid system present.

Indonesia got the CX-60 in July last year after Singapore and the Philippines, with the country getting two trim levels but only a sole powertrain, which is the same mild-hybrid 3.3 litre turbocharged inline-six petrol as the Philippines. The CX-60 is also available with a first-for-the-brand plug-in hybrid system with 327 PS (323 hp or 241 kW) and 500 Nm, although that’s not offered in the aforementioned Southeast Asian markets.

For those curious where the CX-60 sits in Mazda’s line-up, it measures 4,740-4,745 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, 1,670-1,685 mm tall and the wheelbase spans 2,870 mm. That puts the five-seat SUV in the middle of its fellow two-row stablemate, the CX-5 (4,575 mm long, 2,700 mm wheelbase), and the three-row CX-8 (4,900 mm long, 2,930 mm wheelbase).

Are you looking forward to the arrival of the CX-60? What powertrains are you hoping will be offered here? More importantly, how much do you think the premium-focused SUV will be priced at? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

GALLERY: Mazda CX-60 at 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show

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