Bermaz launches the 2025 Mazda CX-60 - CBU CR-V rival priced at RM200k, 2.5 SkyActiv-G, RWD

The Mazda CX-60 has just been launched here in Malaysia, the first SUV under the Hiroshima-based automaker to emerge in our market armed with their new large vehicle platform that is predominantly rear-wheel drive. Priced at RM200,510 for a sole variant that’s highly specified, the CX-60 is positioned to compete against the Honda CR-V while offering the upmarket styling, build quality, and driving dynamics fitting of a premium entrant.

Bermaz, who also launched the more luxurious CX-80 flagship model at the same event, had previously delayed the arrival of the CX-60 and strategically waited for the model to adopt improvements that would fit the preferences of Malaysian drivers.  Remarkably, given its price point, it arrives fully imported (CBU) from Japan and is available in a sole 2.5G High variant.

Under its rather long bonnet, the CX-60 is powered by a carried-over SkyActiv-G 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-4 petrol engine rated at 191 PS and 261 Nm of torque, which should be ring a bell to anyone familiar with Mazda’s crop of petrol engines, notably powering the Mazda 6, CX-8, and others.

Importantly, it is paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels, with this setup being identical to the CX-60 units already sold in Singapore. Unfortunately, Bermaz has not indicated that Malaysia will be receiving Mazda’s crop of new 3.3-litre inline-6 engines. Which is a shame considering its presence in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Backing up the new model is Mazda’s 5-year, 100,000-km warranty and 5-year free maintenance package. You get to choose from 5 exterior colours, namely Soul Red Crystal, Jet Black, Zircon Sand, Platinum Quartz and Rhodium White.

As for standard equipment, it is quite highly appointed inside and out with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED signature lighting, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, walk-away auto door lock, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-camera system, wireless phone charger, hands-free powered tailgate and a full suite of Mazda I-Activsense ADAS features, including Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH), blind spot monitoring, front and rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention monitoring, front and rear Smart Brake Support (SBS; autonomous emergency braking), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (with stop and go) as well as Cruising & Traffic Support.

Stepping inside, the CX-60 is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, powered front seats with driver-side memory function, black leather seat upholstery throughout the cabin, a 12.3-inch infotainment system wireless Apple CarPlay and presumably Android Auto support, as well as a 12-speaker BOSE sound system.

Making its debut here in SUV form in the CX-60 (and CX-80) is Mazda’s new Kinematic Posture Control is also included to stabilise the vehicle’s posture by controlling the brakes on sharp curves. Think of it as an evolution of the brand’s G-Vectoring Control, except tuned and calibrated for rear-drive applications.

With the exception of its carried over engine and the absence of more powerful powertrain options, it's truly hard to fault the CX-60. It's high specification and supreme behaviour on the road make it feel like an SUV leagues beyond its price, which also beggars belief due to it arriving here as a fully imported unit.