New vehicles, especially those that cram a huge number of tech during its debut, are bound to run into issues. Built entirely new from the ground up, the Mazda CX-60 wasn’t immune to them; in its first year, there have been no less than 11 service or customer satisfaction campaigns. While that’s been a fodder for consternation, it’s proof that Mazda’s taking the matter seriously, rolling out continuous updates to better their premium five-seater SUV.
All but one of the CX-60’s issues are classified as “customer satisfaction campaigns,” meaning they have nothing to do with vehicle safety; rather, it’s about improving the overall driving experience. These require just a software update, either via its Powertrain Control Module, Vehicle Control Module, or its Transmission Control Module. And these are done every time a CX-60 comes in for its scheduled PMS. According to Mazda Philippines, these include:
- Check Engine light may turn on at light accelerator at low RPM with medium loads despite no change in driving characteristics.
- Shift shock and jerky feel when shifting/driving.
- Front Cross Traffic Alert may falsely operate when driving near objects with high reflection.
- Images on 360-degree camera may flicker.
- Sensor issue may turn the Check Engine light on after which i-Stop may not engage.
- Master Warning Light may turn on when braking on a downhill slope, activating failsafe mode despite no restriction in driving.
- Unintentional warning or braking when backing up because View Monitor Camera detects adjacent items as obstacles, triggering the Smart Brake Support.
- Driver Recognition System may not recognize the driver due to insufficient time programmed into the system.
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control may reduce speed to match adjacent vehicle when driving on a curved road.
- Dynamic Stability Control may falsely switch off due to “electrical noise” at start up.
The sole “special service campaign” is the only one that requires a mechanical fix and this one centers around the CX-60’s steering. A worm gear in the steering gear assembly may generate excessive friction resulting in an increased force required to turn the steering wheel. To correct the issue, a special grease is applied along with a softer preload spring.
And while not technically part of any campaign, complaints about the CX-60’s fidgety ride can finally be laid to rest as Mazda has rolled out re-tuned rear shock absorbers. The revised bits are already fitted on all current CX-60 units sitting at dealers, but current owners can have them installed free of charge. If you prefer the firmer ride, you’re more than welcome to keep the current state of tune, Mazda says.
The running changes and updates have one believe that the CX-60 is closer to what Mazda has envisioned for it in the first place.
Starting with the most transformative aspect: the ride. This is the biggest win, especially when going over badly pockmarked roads. Subjectively, it’s now a close match to the CX-5. It’s no longer affected or perturbed by evenly-spaced undulations (road corrugations and expansion joints, to name a few).
That said, the newly-tuned rear shocks mean that the CX-60 feels uneven when going over deeper or larger potholes. The frontend doesn’t exhibit much vertical movement, true to its sporty and dynamic design brief. Reactionary, this will have you believe that the rear end will, more or less, behave the same way. Only, it doesn’t. In fact, the rear has much more vertical movement thanks to the softer shocks and this will catch you off-guard for a couple of times. Thankfully, the rebound rates are still well-controlled, dissipating any hint of it bottoming out.
It's worth mentioning too that the newly-tuned shocks have improved the ride with no ill effects to the CX-60’s handling. For what it’s worth, it drives like a two-ton MX-5, especially in the way it uses weight transfer to communicate its intentions faithfully. The sharp-witted steering, controlled body roll, and excellent NVH complete the equation.
Now, when it comes to the transmission, the 8-speed multi-plate clutch automatic has had most of its jerkiness or clunkiness eliminated. There are still a couple of times you can catch it off-guard, but this normally happens when it changes its mind in the middle of a shift because of some driver input. For instance, when a driver slows down or brakes, the gearbox will intuitively select a lower gear. Anytime the driver gases up during this moment, there’s a momentary jerk as the car re-thinks its decision as it selects (or holds) another gear. Being more deliberate with throttle engagements or gassing up after it selects a gear helps in this case.
There are still some audible clunking noises as the clutches go through the gears, but in time you’ll learn that’s part of the experience—rhythmic shifting feel and all that. Overall, it still doesn’t match the refinement of a more traditional torque converter, but then again, no torque converter can match the directness of this gearbox.
Another key takeaway? To maximize the i-Stop, it’s worth while to engage the Auto Hold function. Typically, the CX-60 is overly conservative in engaging its idle engine start-stop system even if you’re fully depressed on the brake pedal. However, with Auto Hold on, it will engage i-Stop every opportunity it gets.
When Mazda launched the CX-60, they set for themselves very lofty and ambitious goals. Though they believed that they’ve met all the targets they’ve set for themselves, customers and pundits, myself included, said otherwise. Though the positives far outweigh the negatives, it’s these negative traits that have managed to grab the headlines. Taking customer feedback seriously, Mazda engineers have tinkered, changed, and ultimately, improved on the formula. A year on, the CX-60 is now worthy of being recommended.
Read our previous reviews of the Mazda CX-60 here:
Yeah that's good and all... but any word on the burning cx9?
ReplyDeleteThey've reached out to the owner. It doesn't seem anything mechanical from Mazda as reports say the fire originated from the area where the battery is located.
DeleteThe reputation and image of the CX-60 is already tarnished
ReplyDeleteIt'll take a year or two to fix it.
Uly, would you prefer this "improved" cx60's ride and handling over Sorento? (You reviewed both)
ReplyDeleteVery different characters. I think the CX-60 is still the driver's SUV meaning it emphasizes dynamic handling over comfort whereas the Sorento is the other way around.
DeleteSince I'm self-driven, I'd pick the CX-60.
The Sorento is just too much money for what it is. If Kia PH offered standard AWD to go with the diesel, it would be a closer match up. Perhaps with the update, they could have the hybrid too.
I have driven the cx60 3 months ago. Overall very impressed with the interior the ride however slightly stiff but maybe will be less of an issue with a heavier load. This car has a lot of compromises to be an outright a segment leader. Though nice try by Mazda the interior alone and engine would be enough to persuade some buyers
ReplyDeleteAs a Cx60 owner, this article is spot on. Several software and hardware updates and my unit is now way smoother. Happy with how Mazda attended to the concerns.
ReplyDeleteI still think that for what it offers (driving dynamics, design and tech), its unbeatable for the price. Not even competing on the same plane with mainstream suvs.
Always wanted one after seeing it in the flesh but all the negative reviews about the transmission dissuaded me from ever seriously considering it. How's Mazda's service and spare parts availability nowadays?
ReplyDeleteService and after sales support is good but depends really on the dealer you choose. Parts availability is a non issue.
DeleteCurrent Mazda user here for the past 10+years here and have been bringing mine to CASA even post-Yojin free PMS. No issues. Had a major repair (figured in a collision) last year and it took only 1 week to repair. Most major parts are available even for my current car which is not a volume-seller/discontinued. What more for new models.
DeleteThank you for the feedback, appreciate it.
DeleteOwned 3 mazdas in the past 10 years. the oldest one approacing 8 years old now. apart from wear and tear items, they have been pretty solid. Resale value has been way better now than it was than during the ford ownership era.
DeleteTook 3 months for my Mazda 3 2020's rear bumper to arrive from Japan.
DeleteIs there any news on when will Mazda drops prices of their hybrid cars?
ReplyDeleteMazda already with 0 tariff
DeleteMazda only sells mild hybrid vehicles
DeleteThey won’t. The CX-60 and CX-90 HEVs already benefit from JPEPA wherein 3.0L and up engine are tax exempt.
DeleteI love how they classify these items as “customer satisfaction campaigns” lol yeah when my 360 camera display flickers I don’t think of it as an issue, it’s just that i’m not “satisfied” hahaha
ReplyDeleteAre they already rolling out the improved suspension for early owners for cx60 in the Phil? our dealer has not yet informed us
ReplyDeleteYes they are. It's optional, but you can ask for it to be installed.
DeleteYou can ask your dealer. Mine was already replaced.
DeleteAre the updates only for cx60? How about the cx90?
ReplyDeleteHad looked cx60 in the showroom, and it really looks stunning and very luxurious feel. But with new competitors, hope that they can lower down their prices. Considering that it has been a year since release.
ReplyDelete