Sarah Miller had been shopping for a family SUV for three months when she stumbled across something that made her stop scrolling through car websites. There it was: a proper six-cylinder diesel SUV with rear-wheel drive, priced at £11,000 less than the equivalent BMW X3. Her husband thought she’d made a mistake reading the price tag.
“I kept double-checking the numbers,” Sarah recalls. “In 2024, finding a genuine straight-six diesel that doesn’t cost German luxury money felt like discovering buried treasure.”
She wasn’t alone in her surprise. While Europe races toward electric targets and German manufacturers push their diesel SUVs into premium territory, Mazda has taken a completely different path with their CX-60 six-cylinder diesel SUV.
Japan’s Bold Counter-Move to Europe’s Electric Push
The Mazda CX-60 represents one of the automotive world’s most fascinating contradictions. At a time when every manufacturer seems obsessed with battery capacity and charging speeds, Mazda has doubled down on what many consider a dying technology: the six-cylinder diesel SUV.
But this isn’t just any diesel. The CX-60 houses a 3.3-litre straight-six diesel engine that delivers the kind of smooth, effortless power that smaller four-cylinder units simply can’t match. It’s the same longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive layout that BMW and Mercedes reserve for their most expensive models.
“The CX-60 brings back that old-school SUV character that got lost when everyone went hybrid,” explains automotive analyst James Peterson. “It’s got proper torque, real towing capacity, and a 1,000-kilometre range on a single tank.”
The engine comes in two configurations: a 200hp rear-wheel-drive version and a more powerful 254hp all-wheel-drive variant. Both feature an eight-speed automatic gearbox and mild-hybrid 48-volt assistance to improve fuel economy and low-speed refinement.
The Numbers Game: How Mazda Undercuts German Rivals
Where the CX-60 really shocks the market is on pricing. While German manufacturers push their six-cylinder diesel SUVs well into luxury territory, Mazda has positioned the CX-60 as genuinely affordable premium transport.
| Vehicle | Engine | Starting Price | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-60 Diesel | 3.3L I6 Diesel | £42,000 | Baseline |
| BMW X3 xDrive30d | 3.0L I6 Diesel | £53,000 | +£11,000 |
| Mercedes GLC 300d | 2.0L I4 Diesel | £51,500 | +£9,500 |
| Audi Q5 40 TDI | 2.0L I4 Diesel | £49,800 | +£7,800 |
The pricing strategy becomes even more remarkable when you consider what buyers get for their money:
- Genuine six-cylinder smoothness (German rivals mostly use four-cylinder engines at this price)
- Rear-wheel-drive architecture with available all-wheel drive
- 450-550 Nm of torque depending on specification
- Premium interior materials and advanced safety systems
- Seven-year warranty coverage
“Mazda is essentially offering German engineering philosophy at Japanese pricing,” notes industry consultant Maria Rodriguez. “They’re betting that buyers still value traditional strengths like range, refinement, and value over the latest electrification trends.”
Real-World Impact for British Families
The CX-60’s approach resonates particularly well with British families who need genuine utility from their SUV. Unlike many electric alternatives, the six-cylinder diesel SUV delivers consistent performance regardless of weather, doesn’t require charging infrastructure planning, and offers the kind of long-distance comfort that makes family holidays genuinely relaxing.
Take towing capacity, for example. The CX-60 can pull 2,500kg when properly equipped – enough for large caravans, horse boxes, or boat trailers. Most electric SUVs either can’t match this figure or see their already-limited range decimated when towing.
For business users, the mathematics are equally compelling. The mild-hybrid system helps achieve real-world fuel consumption figures of around 40-45 mpg on mixed driving, while the large fuel tank means fewer stops during long journeys.
“We’re seeing a lot of interest from customers who tried electric but found it didn’t suit their lifestyle,” says dealership manager Tom Harrison. “The CX-60 gives them premium SUV capability without the range anxiety or premium German pricing.”
The timing couldn’t be more interesting. While cities prepare stricter diesel access rules and manufacturers trumpet their electric ambitions, Mazda has identified a gap in the market for buyers who want traditional SUV strengths at accessible prices.
This strategy extends beyond just the UK market. Across Europe, the CX-60 six-cylinder diesel SUV is finding buyers who appreciate its combination of smooth performance, practical capability, and competitive pricing. It’s a reminder that not every automotive innovation needs to involve batteries and charging cables.
The real test will be whether Mazda’s contrarian bet pays off in sales figures. Early indicators suggest strong interest, particularly from buyers who want the six-cylinder experience without German luxury pricing. Whether this represents a sustainable niche or a temporary market anomaly remains to be seen.
For now, the CX-60 stands as proof that sometimes the best way forward is to perfect what already works, rather than chase the latest trends. In a world obsessed with electric futures, Mazda’s six-cylinder diesel SUV offers a compelling present-day alternative.
FAQs
Is the Mazda CX-60 really £11,000 cheaper than German rivals?
Yes, the CX-60 starts around £42,000 while equivalent BMW X3 models begin at £53,000, representing genuine savings of over £11,000.
How does a six-cylinder diesel compare to smaller engines?
The straight-six offers much smoother power delivery, better refinement at motorway speeds, and superior towing capability compared to four-cylinder alternatives.
What’s the real-world fuel economy like?
Owners report achieving 40-45 mpg in mixed driving, with the mild-hybrid system helping optimize consumption during city driving.
Does the CX-60 have any electric assistance?
Yes, it features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that recovers energy during braking and assists acceleration, though it cannot drive on electric power alone.
Is this diesel SUV future-proof given emission regulations?
The CX-60 meets current Euro 6 standards and includes modern emission control systems, though future city access restrictions may vary by location.
How does the warranty compare to German brands?
Mazda offers a seven-year warranty on the CX-60, significantly longer than the typical three-year coverage from BMW, Mercedes, or Audi.
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