Mazda Australia eyes four new SUVs, CX-60 confirmed

MAZDA has announced it will be going on an SUV onslaught next year with the global introduction of five new models, three of which have been confirmed to be under study for the Australian market and one already locked in.

The new high-riding portfolio consists of the CX-50, CX-60, CX70, CX-80 and CX-90, the latter three being the ones under consideration by Mazda Australia while the CX-60 has already had its local introduction pencilled in for next year.

One exception is the CX-50, which has not been made available to the Australian market as it will be produced in Alabama.

Together, the latter four models form what Mazda is calling the ‘large product group’, with the CX-60 and CX-70 both offering up two rows of seating, while the CX-80 and CX-90 will stick true to form and offer three rows.

Just like the CX-30 does now between the pint-sized CX-3 and mid-sized CX-5, the new double-digit models will bridge the size and specification gaps between the existing single-digit models.

This means the CX-60 and CX-70 will slot in between the CX-5 and seven-seat CX-8 whereas the CX-80 and CX-90 should slot in above the CX-8 and CX-9 respectively (if they get the green light locally), however it seems the CX-9 may not be around for too much longer.

In announcing local plans for the new SUV portfolio, a Mazda Australia spokesperson described the “next generation large architecture product” (CX-60) as “a very different offering”.

“As such, you will see CX-5 and CX-8 continue to live alongside it,” they said.

Despite Mazda’s local arm claiming to have the “broadest product offering of any market globally”, it is suspected that the CX-9 could end up on the chopping black on account of it being the oldest of what will eventually be four three-row large SUVs.

The CX-90 has already been confirmed to be replacing the CX-9 in North America by the end of 2023 and Australian supply of the latter is sourced from the United States.

All the new models are underpinned by a new-generation platform and will usher in a series of new powertrains, including a pair of inline six-cylinders – one petrol and one diesel – boosted by a 48V mild hybrid system, a turbocharged high-performance version of the petrol six and at least one plug-in hybrid petrol four-cylinder.

It remains to be seen which engines make it to Australia, though most of them are expected to get a start here, primarily in the CX-60.

“We are committed to offering Australian drivers as many choices as possible,” the spokesperson said in relation to the new portfolio.

“We look forward to sharing more information soon.”

Electrification will also be a big focus point for Mazda as it strives to electrify its entire global portfolio by 2030.