Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc which is the official distributor of Mazda in the Philippines has just launched the new 2023 Mazda CX-60. The country is also the debut market for the CX-60 in Southeast Asia.

The fully imported from Japan (CBU) CX-60 is available in the Philippines in two variants:

• CX-60 3.3L AWD Turbo – PHP 2.79 million (~RM 230k)
• CX-60 3.3L AWD Turbo-D Sport – PHP 2.89 million (~RM 238k)

For that price, buyers could get a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid which starts from PHP 2.62 million (~RM 216K) but the CX-60 is still more affordable than the BMW X3 which starts from PHP 3.89 million (~RM 321k) or the Lexus NX which starts from PHP 3.44 million (~RM 284k).

The first model to be built on Mazda’s Large Vehicle Platform, the CX-60 is a front-engine, all-wheel drive (AWD) premium SUV. It features a highly rigid bodyshell matched to a front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension setup.

Also read: Mazda explains why German RWD cars can't match the CX-60's FR platform's comfortable driving position

The powertrain units are placed in the middle to transmit power to the road surface more efficiently and the imposing-looking SUV has a small turning radius of 5.4 m. Kinematic Posture Control is also featured in the CX-60 that mitigates body roll when cornering.

Powering the two variants is a pair of turbocharged 3.3-litre 6-cylinder engines in petrol or diesel guises which are paired with a 48V mild hybrid system. Mazda claims that the lightweight engine’s delivery is smooth and quiet whilst delivering a clean and engaging sound at full song.

The petrol-powered turbocharged 6-cylinder e-Skyactic-G engine makes 284 PS and 450 Nm while 0-100 km/h is done in 6.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the e-Skyactiv-D produces 254 PS and 550 Nm with a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Both offer a top speed of 219 km/h.

Also read: Malaysia-bound Mazda CX-60 launched in Australia as a hybrid-only model, 328 PS / 500 Nm

Both variants are equipped with a newly-developed 8-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission without the use of a torque converter. Instead, the CX-60 uses an electronically controlled multi-plate system that Mazda claims to offer clean and rhythmic switching between gears.

The new system also enables accurate control of the M Hybrid Boost electric motor. The rear-biased i-Activ AWD system is supported by Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) that facilitates switching between 4 different driving modes: Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing.

The CX-60’s design is unmistakably Mazda with the iconic Evolved Kodo Design. With the long hood and iconic wing shape on the front grille, it’s almost a dead ringer for Mazda’s other SUVs in its lineup.

Also read: Review: Mazda CX-5 2.0L High - The driving enthusiasts' choice?

Inside, the CX-60 has a generous 570-litre boot space which is the largest in any Mazda vehicle. There are 3 main displays – a 12.3-inch fully digital driver’s instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment display (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a 10.4-inch heads-up display.

Making its debut in the CX-60 is the Driver Personalisation System that makes it easy for drivers to achieve their ideal driving position. The system gathers information by entering the driver’s height data via the infotainment display and an in-car camera to detect the location of their eyes.

The system would then automatically adjust the seat, steering wheel, Active Driving Display, and door mirrors to match the driver’s height and eye position.

Both Filipino-spec variants of the CX-60 come with the i-Activesense ADAS suite which includes:

• Mazda Radar Cruise Control
• Front Smart Brake Support with Forward Obstruction Warning
• Rear Smart Brake Support
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Cross Brake Support
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Front Cross Traffic Alert

Back in Malaysia, Mazda’s local distributor, also called Bermaz Motor has not yet confirmed the arrival of the CX-60 but it isn’t ruled out either. To quote a Bermaz spokesperson, “We can’t comment on the CX-60 yet but if you look at our model line-up, you will see that all right-hand drive Mazda models are available for sale in Malaysia.”

Also read: Malaysians can look forward to the Mazda CX-60, here's what you need to know

Special thanks to our colleagues at AutoFun PH for providing live photos for the launch.