Mazda CX-60 suspension upgrade possible

Mazda has confirmed it is considering uprating the suspension of its new 2023 Mazda CX-60 and other forthcoming models on the same new rear-biased all-wheel drive platform.

The Mazda CX-60 has been criticised for its stiff and intrusive ride quality in reviews following both its international launch in October and its local release this week.

At the recent Australian launch of the new premium five-seat mid-size SUV, carsales found the ride comfort sub-par and downgraded the CX-60’s point score as a result.

In an emailed response to questions, Mazda Australia confirmed the cars driven by media were production examples and that the same suspension tune will be delivered to local customers.

Mazda Australia also confirmed that negative reviews of the CX-60 had not gone unnoticed.

“Confirming Mazda Corporation is aware of criticism levelled at CX-60 from media in Europe last year,” the email stated.

“As CX-60 makes its way into more markets, we continue to study the vehicle and review both media and customer feedback,” the statement added.

The CX-60 is the first of four vitally important new SUV models to be developed from Mazda’s new Large Product Group (LPG) architecture, featuring double-wishbone front- and multi-link rear suspension.

The large seven-seat CX-90 arrives in August, followed by the CX-80 in 2024. The only member of the group not confirmed for Australia is the CX-70, which has not yet been spied or formally revealed.

These new SUVs are being pitched upmarket as Mazda attempts to elevate from its mainstream positioning to become a premium brand that can charge higher prices.

The nine-variant CX-60 range is priced from just below $60,000 to $85,500 before on-road costs, while the six-member CX-90 range is priced from $74,385 to $93,865 plus ORCs.

At the Australian media launch on the NSW south coast, CX-60 program director Kohei Shibata said a move from passive to driver-adjustable adaptive dampers was under consideration.

“We actually have looked at the possibility of putting that [adaptive dampers into LPG Models],” Shibata told carsales via an interpreter.

“But we don’t believe that function is necessary for this price range necessarily.

“But as evolution of this model going forward, I think we will be looking at the potential of having that kind of function.

“At the moment this is not something we can immediately put in.”

Shibata said there were variances in suspension tune to reflect the different weights of CX-60 models with each of its three different new drivetrains – turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel mild-hybrid 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder and 2.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid.

“There are differences of tuning,” confirmed Shibata. “But when it comes to the composition and systems structures they are essentially the same.

“They all have the same concept and they all have the same target. Plug-in hybrid is heavier than other models but we made sure setting and structure-wise the PHEV offers the same performance as other models.”

The CX-60 also comes to Australia with three different tyre brand choices and carsales noted a variance in comfort and noise levels across them.

Shibata confirmed all three had been tested to Mazda’s quality standards, while the Mazda Australia statement said CX-60 buyers could not nominate a particular brand they wanted fitted to their vehicle.

“As with other manufacturers, we do not offer the option to choose between approved tyre brands and patterns, as this is dependent on fitment and supply at the time of production,” the statement read.

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