Ihad the privilege recently of taking the new Mazda CX-60 from OGR for a weekend test drive, not something I’d usually do.
As someone who’s used to driving my much-loved BMW X6, I wondered how this new fancy hybrid would compare with my trusty ‘Beemer’.
Let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised.
Jumping into the spacious front cabin I was instantly taken by the interior featuring a soft Nappa leather which screamed luxury.
It’s been a while since I have driven a brand new vehicle, so there was plenty to take in, not to mention the lovely new car scent.
Now I’m not going to pretend that I’m any kind of car expert, but I know what I do like in a vehicle, things that make my life easy and ensure a comfortable driving experience.
I’m talking cupholders, which were perfectly placed and just the right kind of snug, holding my takeaway coffees perfectly in place all weekend long – it really is the little things in life.
Once I’d placed said coffee, my eyes were drawn to the array of console information, which was informative without being overwhelming.
The driver heads-up display was exceptional, I loved that it showed the speed limit, what speed zone you were about to enter, and warned if you were slightly creeping above it.
I was particularly impressed the heads-up display even detected when I was going through a roadwork area and lit up to warn me of the approaching 40kph.
The entirety of the centre console technology display is bang on, easy to navigate, with exceptional reversing cameras which not only show the rear view but the 360 degree perspective of the vehicle on a good-sized screen.
This made it very easy to park, especially with the camera angles, ensuring spot on accuracy.
The in-cabin lighting, which can be adjusted to taste, was a nice touch, ensuring plenty of lighting if required at night.
Importantly, the Bose speakers ensured effortless surround sound, which we tried with everything from a bit of Taylor Swift right through to the rock of Def Leppard.
When it came to driver comfort there was plenty on offer.
In typical Mount Gambier weather, I had the opportunity to try out the heated seats and more importantly, the luxury of the heated steering wheel – what a divine addition.
Given the overcast and slightly cool conditions I did not have the opportunity to try the cooling seat function, but am sure they would be much appreciated in summer, especially when you are climbing into a hot car.
There was plenty of room inside the cabin for four adults and we could have fitted a fifth in if required without much of a squeeze.
There was certainly plenty of leg room and the all important cupholders in the rear.
The double sunroof was a nice addition, and while we opened it just to get a feel, it would have been perfect on a warmer day.
Given I turned the Mazda CX-60 into a mobile office I appreciated the ample boot space which allowed me to spread my camera gear out.
As far as driving the car goes, despite the fact it’s a hybrid there was plenty of power and I found it easy to put the foot down and power away effortlessly.
We took it for a run to Port MacDonnell for a pizza and the Mazda shifted effortlessly between hybrid and petrol, with no real lag that I could detect.
For a bigger car it cornered well, sat beautifully on the road and had great little add ons like a distracted driver warning and an alert if you veered slightly from the carriageway.
We were out and about in the Mazda CX-60 quite a bit over the weekend and everyone we showed it to loved it and was quite impressed with the level of luxury.
If you want to know more about the specs of this beautiful vehicle make sure you head in to see the crew at OGR who are much more well versed than I am.
But all I have got to say in summary is: Look out BMW and Mercedes, the Mazda CX-60 is coming for you!
