A new cost-cutter engine option for CX-60 would likely bring down the price … but perhaps also the pedigree.

PREMIUM positioning of Mazda’s top-drawer CX-60 sports utility allows no room for a new budget engine, so it won’t be offered here.

That seems to be gist of explanation out of Mazda New Zealand in respect to a 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G engine adding to the existing powertrain portfolio elsewhere.

A familiar choice for a range of Mazda models, including the current CX-5, the 2.5 is delivering in 138kW/250Nm format for the CX-60 as a G25 edition.

A top executive for the Auckland-domiciled national distributor’s product and powertrain strategy suggests Kiwis shouldn’t hold out hope.

The engine is going into a lowest cost rear-wheel-drive edition that in Australia will sell for just under $50k Kiwi - so, basically, a $20k saving over the cheapest CX-60 here.

Asked about the potential for the pure 2.5 here, Mazda NZ product and communications manager Paul Sherley suggested it was not an appropriate fit.

“Given the differing product and powertrain strategies between each market, the 2.5 litre Skyactiv-G option will not be included in New Zealand’s future CX-60 range.”

Asked if he could elaborate on what specific strategy was at issue, he said: “There are several factors if you were to look at various countries and their ranges.

“We have a different grade and equipment structure in New Zealand, and our powertrain preferences differ as well.

“So whether this is a comparison between New Zealand and Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom etc, each market offers the most appropriate equipment and powertrains for its local customers.”

A sux-cylinder diesel that has applied in other markets since the car entered international production two years ago is also being held out here for similar reasons.

Mazda Australia has advised local media it expects one third of CX-60 customers to choose the new'G25' editions.

Presently, the cheapest CX-60 here is the SP Hybrid, which starts at $69,990 and packs a 209kW/450Nm 3.3-litre six. The choice then steps up to a Homura grade car with the same engine, for $6000 more.

Above those are the 241kW/500Nm PHEV cars, in $87,990 Homura and $90,990 Takami.

With an unladen mass of 1670kg, the base CX-60 is said to have one of the lowest power-to-weight ratios in the petrol-powered Mazda range, with 0-100kmh in about 10 seconds.