- CX-60 moves to 6-cylinder-only mild hybrid powertrain.
- Homura model dropped, replaced by two Takami versions.
- New Takami Kuro features blacked-out exterior, tan interior.
Mazda New Zealand has completed a fundamental change in character for the CX-60, the smallest of its Large Product Platform models (but larger than the CX-5).
At launch back in the heady days of the Clean Car Discount (CCD) in 2023, the CX-60 was very focused on plug-in hybrid technology. The sporty Homura was the only model available with the 3.3-litre inline-6 mild hybrid option: everything else was powered by a 2.5-litre PHEV powertrain (and you could have the Homura with that too).
In the time since, the mild hybrid 6-cylinder has been a bit of a hit for the CX-60. In 2024, Mazda NZ dropped the entry-level Touring PHEV (the only model to meet the price cap for the now-defunct CCD) and introduced a new entry model, the blacked-out CX-60 SP powered by the inline-6.
Now, the CX-60 range has been further reshaped for NZ. The PHEV powertrain has been dropped completely (although it continues in the larger-but-closely-related CX-80) and the mid-range Homura is also no more. Instead, there are now two versions of the flagship Takami: a standard model and the Takami Kuro. Both are $78,990, sitting above the $69,990 CX-60 SP.
That pricing will all flow on from the forthcoming new-generation CX-5, which will top out at $61,990 for the Takami.
Kuro means "black" in Japanese and if you're thinking you've heard it before, Honda is also applying that monicker to the flagship version of its Super-One city-EV (which has black exterior detailing).
Highlights of the CX-60 SP include black leather upholstery (electrically adjustable with front-seat heating), black metallic 20-inch alloys and LED headlights. Gloss black exterior mirrors are matched with black chrome signature wing and honeycomb front grille. Power operated tailgate, 360 View Monitor and Mazda's Personalisation System are also standard equipment.
Takami Kuro builds on that package with tan (no, not black!) Nappa leather interior trim and a large panoramic sunroof. Other cabin features include Bose audio, electric steering wheel adjustment with heating and ventilation, and heated outer rear seats. The 360 View Monitor also includes See-Through View functionality.
The CX-60 Takami (non-Kuro) exterior features bright highlights and machined-finish alloy wheels. This exterior also features an exclusive front bumper design, bar-type piano-black grille, and bright metal finish to the front signature wings, side signatures and window surrounds. Some trim accents are body-coloured.
The interior features white Nappa leather with maple wood inserts. An exclusive feature on Takami (not featured on Takami Kuro) is the instrument panel insert featuring woven cloth, with exposed stitching. The Japanese stitching technique is called Kakenui and creates "hanging stitching" seams with spaces between the trim fabrics, revealing a glimpse of the material beneath.
The refreshed CX-60 will be in local showrooms from late July.