Mazda Southern Africa will add a flagship Takumi derivative, powered by a 3.3-litre inline 6-cylinder turbodiesel with mild-hybrid tech, to its CX-60 line-up early in 2024.

This move will see the local subsidiary of the Hiroshima-based brand make a more deliberate push into the Executive SUV segment (where the highly-specced and suitably powerful top-of-the-range CX-60 will compete against the likes of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60) than it did when it launched a pair of 4-cylinder petrol derivatives of the model in Mzansi earlier this year.

The CX-60 was conceived to promote Mazda into a higher market segment than its ageing CX-5 sibling (it was part of a global product strategy on the part of the Japanese brand), but the first 2 derivatives of the CX-60 that were launched in Mzansi (powered by the brand’s familiar 2.5-litre naturally aspirated motor) seemed equipped – and priced – to a level that would see the model compete with upper-end medium SUVs and slightly bigger family cars such as the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander.

In fact, the model’s less-than-spectacular launch line-up inspired regular Cars.co.za opinionista – Lance Branquinho –to pen an article titled ‘Did Mazda give the CX-60 the wrong engine?’ in which he speculated that the Japanese brand may have been dissuaded from introducing its inline 6-cylinder engine in its South African line-up of the CX-60 because of fuel quality- and price-positioning issues.

Now, however, Mazda Southern Africa has clearly indicated that there is no impediment to the local introduction of a CX-60 derivative with a 3.3-litre inline-6 e-Skyactiv D diesel engine equipped with 48V mild-hybrid technology. Pricing and the full specification of the Takumi-spec flagship derivative will only be confirmed closer to the time of local introduction (February 2024), however.

In terms of its exterior execution, the flagship turbodiesel CX-60 Takumi variant features an exclusive front bumper design, a piano black grille, a bright metallic finish to the front signature wings, side signatures and glazing surrounds, as well as 20-inch, black metallic, diamond-cut alloy wheels.

The newcomer’s interior treatment might be Mazda’s crowning achievement, however. In other markets (such as Australia), Takumi is a lavish optional trim package that is available on top-spec derivatives. Takumi trim incorporates pure white nappa leather seats, suede fabric-trimmed dashboard panel with detailed stitching and light-coloured maple wood inserts on the centre console and door trims…

But what about the engine’s outputs? According to a Mazda Southern Africa spokesperson, the CX-60 Takumi will produce maximum power of 187 kW and peak torque of 550 Nm – outputs that correspond with those of the (all-wheel-drive) derivative overseas (also equipped with a 3.3-litre inline-6 turbodiesel and 48V mild-hybrid tech). So, yes, the flagship derivative will probably be offered in AWD guise in SA.

In terms of performance, Mazda Motor Europe claims the 3.3 e-SkyActiv D MHEV AWD (as the derivative is known in continental markets) can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 7.6 sec and reach a 219-kph top speed.

The 48V mild-hybrid system (M Hybrid Boost) consists of, inter alia, a 0.33kWhlithium-ion battery and a 12.4 kW/153 Nm electric motor/generator, the latter of which is integrated with the 8-speed transmission. The motor supports the engine at low loads and -engine speeds, while its battery is recharged by the engine or regenerative braking. Mazda quotes an average consumption figure of 5.3 L/100 km (WLTP).

Suffice it to say, the Mazda CX-60 that we reviewed earlier this year impressed the test team with its stylish cabin, impressive build quality and rear-wheel-drive handling dynamics. The addition of a 3.3-litre inline-6 turbodiesel motor – introduced as part of the Japanese brand’s “right-sizing” concept, which optimises displacement to improve both fuel and power efficiency – should suit the package very well.

Watch Ashley Oldfield’s video review of the new Mazda CX-60 below:

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