√2023 Mazda CX-60 arrives in Australia for testing

Two Mazda CX-60 test cars are now on Australian roads for up to six months of testing, ahead of a local launch previously tipped for late this year, or early next year.

The 2023 Mazda CX-60 mid-size SUV has arrived in Australia for testing, ahead of first showroom arrivals previously indicated to occur before the end of this year.

Two pre-production CX-60 examples have hit local roads to begin an “intensive local testing program”, which will involve 30,000km of driving over the course of “up to” six months.

Mazda Australia has provided a recent update on showroom arrival timing for the CX-60. First deliveries were previously indicated to occur by the end of 2022, however if the testing program lasts the full six months, arrivals may be pushed into 2023.

Australian details will follow closer to launch, including pricing – though Mazda Australia has previously indicated a starting price in line or overlapping with the flagship CX-5, at about $55,000 plus on-road costs.

It was previously indicated the CX-60 would launch with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with no hybrid technology – ahead of a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and petrol and/or diesel six-cylinder engines next year.

Photos of the pre-production test cars suggest they are fitted with one of the six-cylinder engines, which are available with 48-volt mild-hybrid engines – branded as M Hybrid, as shown on the white car’s infotainment screen – and the lack of the PHEV’s charging port.

The red vehicle appears to be a diesel, based on information shown in its instrument cluster in a supporting video shared by Mazda Australia.

“The program will measure key data in a series of high- and low-load scenarios that include powertrain stress-testing, towing capability, quality assurance, in-depth analysis of real-world driving range and other performance-related criteria,” Mazda Australia said in a press release.

“More than 30,000 kilometres will be covered during the testing phase and all data collated will be shared with Mazda’s Hiroshima [research] and [development] centre in Japan for analysis.

“Australia is considered a key market for contributing to the worldwide vehicle testing regime due to its unique road composition and climatic conditions.”

It’s unclear if the CX-60 will receive unique Australian tuning for its suspension and steering to suit local tastes – as is common in most Hyundai and Kia cars sold in Australia over the last decade.

“The two development vehicles will also be utilised to reinforce … [the] training schedule already being rolled out internally and across the 140-strong dealer network, strengthening local knowledge and understanding in readiness for the arrival of the CX-60,” Mazda said in a media release.

Stay tuned to Drive for more details on the 2023 Mazda CX-60, as its Australian launch approaches. Click the links below to read Drive’s earlier coverage.

MORE: 2023 Mazda CX-60 price set to exceed $50,000, overlap with CX-5
MORE: 2023 Mazda CX-60 likely to launch in Australia with petrol four-cylinder before hybrid, six cylinders
MORE: 2023 Mazda CX-60 diesel six-cylinder engines detailed
MORE: 2023 Mazda CX-60 revealed with six-cylinder and hybrid power, due in Australia this year

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