Mazda’s commitment to innovation has once again been recognized as the CX-60 e-Skyactiv D secures third place in the prestigious 2024 Diesel&EcoCar Magazine Diesel Top 50. Additionally, the CX-60 was named Best Large SUV, further solidifying Mazda’s growing reputation for blending cutting-edge technology with premium automotive craftsmanship.
In a significant achievement, Mazda was also honoured with the first-ever Editor’s Award for Innovation from Diesel&EcoCar Magazine, highlighting the revolutionary nature of the CX-60’s 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D mild-hybrid engine. This same engine will power the upcoming Mazda CX-80, demonstrating Mazda’s forward-thinking approach in a market where diesel technology is gradually shrinking.
A Class-Leading Powertrain
The Mazda CX-60’s 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D engine exemplifies Mazda’s unwavering dedication to enhancing diesel powertrain technology. Available in two outputs, 200ps with rear-wheel drive and 254ps with all-wheel drive, the CX-60 delivers a muscular yet refined driving experience. Equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, it achieves a remarkable fuel efficiency of over 55mpg while offering the ability to tow up to 2,500kg.
Diesel&EcoCar Magazine’s editor, Ian Robinson, praised the CX-60’s powertrain, noting, “Mazda’s six-cylinder diesel engine is not only smooth and powerful, but it also integrates the latest mild-hybrid technology. With options of 200ps and 254ps, both deliver a muscular driving experience, while Mazda’s interiors continue to set new benchmarks for quality and durability.”
Robinson’s comments further underscore the remarkable engineering behind Mazda’s diesel powertrain, particularly in a market where diesel options are diminishing.
Innovation in the Face of Change
Mazda’s innovative spirit was clearly recognized with the Editor’s Award for Innovation, where Robinson acknowledged the brand’s ability to stand out in a changing landscape. “In a market where diesel power is shrinking, Mazda deserves commendation for persisting with technology that suits the needs of the vehicle and, more importantly, the customer,” he remarked. The engine’s Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) technology and its lightweight design enable the CX-60 to deliver both high power and excellent fuel efficiency, making it one of the cleanest diesel engines globally.
Notably, the e-Skyactiv D engine achieves a thermal efficiency exceeding 40%, thanks to Mazda’s ‘right-sizing’ concept, optimizing displacement to strike a balance between performance and economy. This exceptional design allows the 3.3-litre engine to rival competitors while maintaining Mazda’s distinctive focus on efficiency.
Excellence in Design and Performance
Mazda’s CX-60 is available in three trim levels: Exclusive-Line, Homura, and the luxurious Takumi, each designed to reflect Mazda’s signature Kodo design philosophy. The dynamic styling of the CX-60 is complemented by its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture, showcasing a blend of elegance, strength, and advanced engineering.
The 200ps version, offered exclusively in the Exclusive-Line trim with rear-wheel drive, achieves a fuel economy of 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 129g/km. For those opting for more power, the 254ps version, available with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system, delivers an equally impressive 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions starting from 137g/km.
Designed with refinement and efficiency in mind, the in-line six-cylinder configuration ensures a smoother and quieter engine, making long drives both enjoyable and fuel-efficient. The engine’s low vibration levels further enhance the driving experience, providing an impressive combination of power, comfort, and economy.
A Strong Future for Diesel Innovation
Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, echoed the significance of these accolades, stating, “The 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D MHEV is designed for customers seeking long-distance efficiency and towing capacity. While our PHEV is the top-selling CX-60 in the UK, the diesel variant remains a testament to Mazda’s innovative spirit.”
In a competitive market where diesel technology faces increasing scrutiny, Mazda’s triumph at the 2024 Diesel Top 50 proves the brand’s commitment to providing a multi-solution approach for sustainable mobility. The CX-60 e-Skyactiv D is a shining example of how Mazda’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence continues to deliver exceptional vehicles tailored to modern customer needs.
By continuing to innovate, particularly with their class-leading diesel technology, Mazda is not only catering to the present market demands but is also preparing for the future with advancements like the upcoming three-row CX-80, which will feature the same award-winning engine. Mazda’s ability to balance performance, economy, and sustainability ensures its position as a leader in the automotive world for years to come.
