CAR /
IMPRESSION
April 15, 2022
Test Drive of Mazda's New SUV Prototype, the CX-60—How Does the Handling, Similar to the Roadster 990S, Perform? | MAZDA
An Incredibly Flat Ride
Both powertrains offer smooth acceleration from a standstill, largely thanks to the electric motor. Once moving, the engine kicks in with vigorous acceleration. The diesel engine operates without the typical knocking sound, feeling like a completely new type of powerplant.
In addition to strong acceleration, the handling is exceptional. The test course included a slalom section marked by construction cones. Both the gasoline and diesel variants demonstrated minimal body roll, with the nose smoothly and naturally tucking into the turns, which was quite satisfying.
What was most surprising, however, was the ride comfort. This model is equipped with a suspension system developed under a new concept that Mazda calls Kinetic Posture Control, a technology previously implemented in the Roadster 990S.
In a word, the defining characteristic of this suspension is an incredibly flat ride. Neither the occupants' heads nor their bodies are subjected to any jarring movements. While the test course itself has excellent road surfaces, making it difficult to judge for general roads, the difference compared to conventional cars was astonishing.
The fundamental principle of Kinetic Posture Control is the management of the vehicle's vertical pitching motion. In conventional cars, the center of pitching motion is typically located just ahead of the rear wheels. However, this prototype is designed with a virtual pitching center located far behind the vehicle's body, resulting in remarkably stable vehicle dynamics.
Although it's an SUV in form, the driving experience resembles that of a luxury sedan. While the interior and exterior designs are updated, they adhere strictly to Mazda's design language, offering no radical departures. However, given the significant advancements in its content, as a fan, I felt a slight disappointment that perhaps a bolder direction could have been pursued.
The CX-60 is scheduled for release in Europe in the summer of 2022. While slightly delayed for Japan, it is expected to launch within 2022. The engine lineup for Japan appears to include the 3.3-liter 6-cylinder diesel (available in mild-hybrid and non-mild-hybrid variants), a 2.5-liter gasoline, and a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid.
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