Mazda CX-90 and CX-70 PHEV release timing still unclear

The chances of wider access to Mazda’s petrol-electric plug-in hybrid technology in Australia remain unclear despite strong buyer interest.

Detailed VFACTS sales figures reveal the PHEV flagship of the Mazda CX-60 range accounted for 1139 out of 2779 – or 41 per cent – sales of the new premium five-seat mid-size SUV in the six months it has been available in Australia (July-December 2023).

Mazda Australia has confirmed it wants to add the powerful four-cylinder turbo-petrol PHEV system to its large seven-seat SUV flagship, the CX-90, but can’t offer release timing.

It says it would also like to have the PHEV as part of the model range for the five-seat Mazda CX-70 large SUV that was unveiled last week and is due on sale in Australia by the end of 2024.

For now though, the CX-70 has only been confirmed for Australia with the same mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains as the CX-90.

“For CX-90 there is still a plan to get plug-in hybrid but I can’t confirm timing,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

“It is available in the US and they are doing very well with it.

“The 70 would be similar, but again we are doing very well with PHEV in 60 so there appears to be an appetite for it and an appreciation for the technology.

“But for the 70 we will make that evaluation once we launch the mild-hybrid versions.”

The CX-90 PHEV was previously expected to arrive at the end of 2024, but Mazda Australia isn’t willing to confirm that yet.

If and when it does arrive, a CX-90 PHEV would be priced well beyond $100,000 and become the most expensive model ever offered by the Japanese brand Down Under.

Mazda Australia marketing chief Alastair Doak told carsales that this market’s unique Australian Design Rule requirements posed a challenge for the PHEV system in CX-90 and CX-70.

The CX-90 and CX-70 are predominantly aimed at left-hand drive markets such as North America, so adapting the PHEV system just for Australia is a hard ask.

“It would require specific homologation for Australia,” Doak confirmed. “The US market has different homologation rules and standards so it would be a big job.

“It’s not just a case of pick up the paperwork and submit it and away we go. It requires engineering investment.”

Added Bhindi: “The engineers at Mazda Corporation have got a pathway to it and a schedule and priorities.

“It’s that complex. It’s not us saying we don’t want it, we are saying we want it and when the factory can make it available in the priorities [we will get it].”

Of course, Mazda Australia does have some clout with its parent company, which did the engineering work to offer the CX-90 and CX-70 with diesel power here, despite the fact North America does without them.

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