These days, buying a car can feel like navigating murky waters. There are too many choices. Every manufacturer promises luxury, performance and cutting-edge technology, making it difficult to separate substance from marketing hype.
When shopping for a vehicle, it’s worth asking a simple question: what do you really need it to do? Is it about function or flash? Is it about keeping up with the neighbours? Or do you want a reliable set of wheels that can serve your family for years to come? I suppose that’s where the Mazda CX-60 Takumi fits in.
Mazda’s flagship SUV does not scream for attention, but from the moment I saw it, the CX-60 Takumi made an impression. Its muscular stance, upright proportions and long bonnet give it a commanding road presence. The design is clean and elegant, faithful to Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy, which favours simplicity and motion over aggressive styling cues. Our test vehicle’s striking Cherry Blossom wrap only added to its visual appeal, turning heads without trying too hard.
Interestingly, Mazda uses the Japanese word “Takumi”, meaning “master craftsman”, to identify the highest-specification model in the CX-60 range. After spending time with it, the name starts to make sense.
Slide into the cabin, and you’re greeted by an environment that feels warm, solid and classy. The Nappa leather upholstery is wonderfully soft, while the overall fit and finish is among the best Mazda has ever produced. The steering wheel feels perfectly weighted in your hands, and every touchpoint conveys quality.
And then there are the buttons. Yes, actual physical buttons. In an era where manufacturers seem determined to bury every vehicle function inside an oversized touchscreen, Mazda has thankfully resisted the temptation. Climate controls and key functions remain easy to access without navigating endless digital menus. It is a simple feature, yet one that makes a noticeable difference when driving.
The CX-60 Takumi comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a Bose 12-speaker sound system, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera system. I would have liked heated seats as well, which feels like an omission at this price point. Overall, everything feels intuitive and easy to use.
Shifting gears, the drive stirred the soul. Power comes from Mazda’s impressive 3.3-litre straight-six turbodiesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Producing 187kW and 550Nm, it delivers power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Numbers only tell part of the story.
Behind the wheel, the CX-60 feels excellent on the road. It’s effortless. The straight-six engine delivers power smoothly, while the abundance of torque makes overtaking and highway cruising stress-free. Mazda claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.3 seconds and fuel consumption of just 4.9l/100km. While those headline figures are appealing, I averaged 8.0l/100km in mixed driving conditions, mostly in Johannesburg’s urban sprawl.
As for driving dynamics, the steering feels precise and engaging. Despite its size, the CX-60 remains enjoyable to drive, with a level of driver involvement that many rivals struggle to replicate. At just over R1.1 million, the CX-60 Takumi faces formidable competition. Buyers will inevitably compare it with vehicles such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus NX. All carry a higher price tag, while the CX-60 Takumi comes jam-packed with features for less.
It may not have the badge prestige of some of its European rivals, but it offers a compelling package. For families seeking a premium SUV that quietly gets the job done without demanding attention, the Mazda CX-60 Takumi delivers without breaking a sweat. And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes it special.
©HigherEducationMedia