Mazda Has Mostly Fixed The CX-60 (Suspension Change & Transmission Update 2024 Review)

Summary

In response to criticism of the Mazda CX-60's initial ride quality and transmission issues, Tom Baker from Chasing Cars reviews the significant running changes made by Mazda, including suspension hardware and software updates. The upgrades have improved the ride by about 40%, making it more disciplined and comfortable, though not the best in its class. The transmission issues have been resolved, transforming the CX-60 from an initially unrecommendable vehicle to one that is now acceptable and worth test driving for those who prefer a firm and sporty ride.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The Mazda CX-60 had initial issues with ride quality, body control, and transmission calibration that were not acceptable to reviewers.
• ⏱ Mazda acknowledged these faults and made significant running changes to the suspension and transmission, both in terms of hardware and software, for new builds.
• 🆓 Early customers of the CX-60 are eligible for a free upgrade to the new suspension hardware and a software update at their dealer.
• 🔧 The changes made to the CX-60 were substantial and unusual for the industry, reflecting a serious response to criticism received at launch.
• 📈 Tom Baker, the reviewer, had previously run a long-term test of a CX-60 and found it impossible to recommend due to the aforementioned faults.
• 🔄 The upgraded CX-60 features new suspension hardware and software, as well as transmission software updates, which have improved the vehicle's performance.
• 🛣️ The improvements are most noticeable on bumpy roads, where the previous model suffered from poor damping and body control.
• 🚀 The ride quality has seen an estimated 40% improvement, moving from 'unpleasant' to 'acceptable', though still not the best in its class.
• 🔄 The transmission issues have been largely resolved with the software update, providing a smoother and more expected driving experience.
• 🚀 The CX-60 is now considered 'acceptable' and 'livable', a significant turnaround from its initial reception.
• 🌟 The response by Mazda to address the issues is seen as commendable and highlights the importance of independent road testing in vehicle evaluation.

Q & A

Who is the presenter of the 'Chasing Cars' video?

Tom Baker is the presenter of the 'Chasing Cars' video.

What was the initial issue with the Mazda CX-60 when it was first released?

The initial issues with the Mazda CX-60 included unacceptable ride quality, body control, and transmission calibration.

What changes did Mazda make to address the issues with the CX-60?

Mazda made significant running changes to the suspension hardware and the transmission software at the production line for new builds. They also offered a free upgrade to early customers, swapping out the suspension hardware and providing a software update.

How does the presenter describe the CX-60's ride quality before the upgrades?

The presenter describes the CX-60's ride quality before the upgrades as impossible to recommend due to its poor handling on normal and bumpy roads.

What was the main criticism of the CX-60's suspension before the upgrades?

The main criticism was that the car felt like the front and rear axles weren't communicating properly, with the front end feeling overdamped and the rear end underdamped and lacking control.

What improvements did the presenter notice after the suspension and transmission upgrades?

The presenter noticed a 40% improvement in ride quality and body control, making the CX-60 more disciplined and comfortable, especially over bumps. The transmission was also significantly improved, with the software update fixing previous issues.

How does the presenter suggest potential buyers approach a test drive of the upgraded CX-60?

The presenter suggests that potential buyers should test drive the CX-60, ideally overnight, to experience the firm ride and see if it aligns with their preferences for a premium SUV.

What was the initial reaction of the presenter to the CX-60's transmission before the software update?

The presenter found the transmission to be bizarrely calibrated, with a sound that resembled a slipping clutch effect, which was not expected for this type of automatic transmission.

How does the presenter evaluate the CX-60's ride after the upgrades in comparison to its competitors?

While the CX-60's ride is improved and now acceptable, the presenter still considers other vehicles in the class, such as the BMW X3 with adaptive dampers and the Volkswagen Touareg with air suspension, to be better.

What does the presenter emphasize about Mazda's response to the criticism and the subsequent upgrades?

The presenter emphasizes the importance of Mazda's acknowledgment of the issues and their proactive approach in making significant changes to address the criticism, which should be celebrated.

What role does independent road testing play according to the presenter's perspective?

According to the presenter, independent road testing is crucial for providing an unvarnished opinion on vehicles, which can lead manufacturers to address and correct issues, as seen with the Mazda CX-60.