Forget CX-50! 2023 Mazda CX-60 Confirmed For Australian Launch ...

Mazda has revealed key details on its next-generation SUV line-up due in the next two years, with one of the all-new models, the two-row CX-60, already confirmed for an Australian launch “before the end of 2022”.

But before we go too far, it’s worth noting that the CX-50 – which been widely reported on as the successor of sorts for the two-row CX-5 mid-size SUV – is still happening, but it will actually be based on the same platform as the current Mazda3 small car and CX-30 small SUV.

Until now, it’d been speculated that the CX-50 would be use Mazda’s new architecture for large vehicles, which supports rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as well as four- and six-cylinder engines with mild and plug-in hybridisation respectively.

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Instead, those underpinnings will be used by the CX-60 mid-sizer and three other all-new SUVs, the two-row CX-70, three-row CX-80 and three-row CX-90, all of which could end up joining the former in local showrooms.

“We are currently working through whether they make sense for our market and offer a strong business case for adding them to our existing line-up,” a Mazda spokesperson told CarsGuide.

“That work has already been done for CX-60, so we can confirm you will see that in Australia before the end of 2022.”

As reported, the aforementioned CX-5 and the three-row CX-8 large SUV will be sold locally alongside the CX-60, but time will tell if the three-row CX-9 large SUV carries on if the CX-80 and/or CX-90 large SUVs make their way Down Under.

For reference, the CX-50 has been ruled out for Australia, with it to built in the US from January next year for North America, which will also be the major market for the wide-body CX-70 and CX-90.

Meanwhile, the regular-body CX-60 and CX-80 will instead be available in Europe, Japan and other markets that have “narrower roads and smaller parking lots”, according to Mazda.

Either way, RWD and AWD layouts will be supported, with market-specific powertrains to include a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a petrol four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.

But for those that want higher-performance options, turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines with 48V mild-hybrid systems will be offered in SkyActiv-X petrol and SkyActiv-D diesel forms. Stay tuned.