Powertrain detail revealed about the CX-60 in run-up to full unveiling next month.

POTENTIAL that Mazda’s CX-60, a new large rear-drive sports utility confirmed for New Zealand, will arrive here with something new for the brand – a plug-in hybrid system – seems high.

First detail of the drivetrain for the model plus a teaser glimpse of the exterior styling (above) has been released by Mazda.

Mazda New Zealand indicated last October that CX-60 was among new SUVs it intends to add into the local selection from this year, all these being part of a ‘Large Model Group’, based on the marque’s latest Mazda6 architecture.

The CX-60 shapes up as a CX-5-sized two-row alternative, most probably sporting a sleeker bodystyle, while others are three-row SUVs, on a slightly wider version of the platform.

In a run-up to a full reveal on March 8, Hiroshima has now absolutely confirmed that CX-60 will run a 223kW-plus plug-in hybrid powertrain, as an option to six-cylinder and four-cylinder petrol engines.

Comment about the potential for this powertrain coming to NZ has been sought from the national distributor. That Mazda Australia has signalled intent to take it suggests there’s availability to this part of the world

The PHEV system pairs a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with a ‘performance-enhancing’ electric motor for a power output in excess of 223kW – making one of the company's most powerful production models, and its most potent mid-size SUV.

Although Mazda has not yet detailed the powertrain’s full story, it’s expected to be the same one developed by Toyota and already used by a version of the RAV4, called the Prime, which Toyota NZ also has the hots for.

If that proves to be the case, it will allow Kiwis a first tangible involvement into the long-standing technology-sharing agreement between the brands. This evidences in Europe, where the Toyota Yaris hybrid is also sold as a Mazda2.

Prime primarily goes into North America; it’s been available there for two years. TNZ had intended to release in locally last year, but obviously that didn’t happen. Perhaps Mazda might beat them to the punch.

Apparently earmarked for this tech are the CX-60 and a larger sister model, the CX-80.

Mazda also has its own powertrains in development, in the form of a six-cylinder in-line engine that will have a mild 48 volt set-up. Other brands with such set-ups use them to assist in reducing the load on the powertrain, to improve economy, but not to directly motivate the recipient vehicle. The sixes will come in diesel and petrol flavours.

There are four new CX models in all; in addition to the even-numbered types already outlined are a CX-70 and CX-90. All are on a new underpinning from Hiroshima; the ‘odds’ have a narrower body width than the ‘evens’.

Conceivably, then, the first might be prioritised for Japan. Toyota did the same back in the day with the Previa; NZ received the fat export type and the Estima, notwithstanding that it became a popular used import choice here, was designed for home market use.

Even though this platform favours a rear-drive ingredient the brand only offers currently in its MX-5 sports car, it can also be tailored for all-wheel-drive.