The rejuvenation of the Mazda CX-60 is underway with a significant overhaul set to arrive in the first half of 2025.
A critical and commercial fizzer since its mid-2023 launch, the 2025 Mazda CX-60 five-seat premium SUV will lob with more affordable entry-level pricing and a series of technical updates to fix driving issues.
“It’s a significant change that reflects our aim of continuous improvement,” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said.
The revised range will be led by a new Pure trim level which just so happens to open the box-fresh three-row CX-80 line-up.
A CX-60 Touring will also be introduced, meaning there will be a total of five trims compared to the current three (Evolve, GT and Azami).
The 2025 CX-60 will also have its suspension, steering, transmission, all-wheel drive and stability systems retuned to reflect the key changes introduced with the CX-80.
In addition, Evolve and GT variants will gain standard equipment from the optional Vision Technology package that currently charges for such items as a 360-degree camera with see through technology, adaptive LED headlights and front cross traffic alert in an effort to enhance the value factor.
That said, it’s understood there’ll be no significant design or engine modifications.
Mazda is forecasting a significant hike in average monthly sales for the CX-60 to 550 per month – a lift of more than 200 units per month compared to current levels.
If it pans out, it will be a significant contributor to the total 1400 sales Mazda wants each month from its Large Product Group (CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, CX-90).
At its July 2023 Australian launch, the all-new CX-60 comprised three model lines with pricing starting at $59,800 plus on-road costs for the mild hybrid turbo-petrol Evolve.
The CX-60 arrived in Australia already under scrutiny from preview media reviews for its stiff ride, heavy steering and coarse transmission. Local reviews reported similar issues.
Mazda responded with new rear shock absorbers that were put into production in October 2023 and made available to owners of older CX-60s.
More recently, Mazda Australia dropped the price for the cheapest CX-60 variant to $56,990 drive-away.
“If you look at the CX-60 sale rates since we have offered some drive-away pricing it has lifted and by adding two more grades – Pure and Touring – that should attract a few more customers who say that’s where their price affordability rate is,” Bhindi said.
The local boss was cautious on whether the suspension changes would have a sales impact: “Whether it brings any more customers, that’s a guessing game.”
The current drive-away pricing is expected to stay in-place until the updated CX-60 arrives, at which point the MY25 pricing will be announced – ideally positioning the CX-60 below its three-row CX-80 sibling which starts from $54,950 plus on-road costs.
“You can be confident the 2025 model’s pricing proposition will be compelling and aligned closely with the CX-80,” Bhindi said.
The five-model line-up will then comprise the Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT and Azami.
If it is aligned with the CX-80 Pure, the base CX-60 will cop an equipment cut and only come with the most affordable mild hybrid petrol engine and not the mild hybrid turbo-diesel or plug-in hybrid petrol-electric set-up.
Bhindi confirmed the CX-60’s dynamic retune would reflect the CX-80, which changes the suspension geometry in search of a more moderate and precise steering response, removes the rear anti-roll bar, upgrades subframe bushings, swaps to softer rear springs with firmer shock absorbers and increased spring travel.
Those changes are made in search of “a balanced and comfortable ride with great stability and control”, a CX-80 media information pack explains.
Current Mazda CX-60 Pictured