Mazda crossover with mild hybrid and 340 hp
Many car manufacturers are gradually switching to electric drives with new models. Mazda is not going its own way for the first time in its history. In addition to all the electricity trends, the technology-loving Japanese are using a newly developed inline six-cylinder engine for their large crossovers. A tour through eastern Canada with the Mazda CX-70 shows just how sensible this is.
The North American state has been promoting its Electric Highway running east-west parallel to the American border for years, but anyone who drives an electric car in Canada should ideally have a charging station in their own garage. Otherwise, the endless stretches in the second largest country in the world can quickly become uncomfortable when the battery pack is running low.
The Mazda CX-70 3.3 T MHEV is also available as a 340 hp variant.
Image: Stefan Gundhoff / Mazda/ Car Whiz
The number of electric cars and plug-in hybrids is currently correspondingly low, as 27,000 charging stations at 11,000 locations leave large gaps, and the charging speed of most charging stations is slow. But even in this large state, there is no need to ignore technical advances in drive technology, and a mild hybrid system is ideal here to reduce real consumption in everyday use to a minimum.
Mazda CX-70: Additional electric module delivers 60 additional hp
The Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo MHEV is the answer – not too big and not too compact for North American standards. With plenty of space and long-distance qualities for those distances that are a bit longer in Canada than in the USA. With the Mazda CX-70, which is similar in construction to the European CX-60, the customer has the choice of whether the 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder with turbocharging 206 kW/280 hp or 250 kW/340 hp plus a small electric module (11 kW/17 hp/161 Nm).
The 3.3 liter inline six-cylinder engine powers the Mazda with 280 hp.
Image: Stefan Gundhoff / Mazda/ Car Whiz
The low price alone leaves you with little doubt about choosing the larger and more elegant version, because just under 63,000 Canadian dollars is not a lot of money for the fully equipped CX-70 3.3 Turbo Signature – the equivalent of just 41,700 euros. In return, you get a full range of equipment with high-quality nappa leather interior, air-conditioned seats, Alcantara trim, electric panoramic roof, Bose sound system, LED headlights, 21-inch wheels, electric tailgate and a complete package of driver assistance systems that is just as pleasing as the gigantic amount of space in the front and back.
Not only the overall length of 5.10 meters is noticeable here, but especially the 3.12 meter long wheelbase. In the rear there is also a separate climate control, air vents, seat heating and doors that open comfortably wide, which not only make it easy to stow Child seats easier than ever. The driver looks at razor-sharp displays; however, he would be happy with a larger screen in the middle of the dashboard, as operation is easier than with most touch systems using the direct selection buttons and the central rotary push button.
Everything in view, razor-sharp displays provide the most important data at the wheel.
Image: Mazda
The CX-70 is also available as a plug-in hybrid, but on long journeys, purely electric driving is hardly worth it in urban areas. Those who prefer to drive in the Great Lakes, Toronto or Montreal may consider the PHEV, but on the long distances from New Brunswick and nova Scotia makes more sense as a mild hybrid.
This is because it ensures that the 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine with its smooth running gets a boost exactly when it needs it, for example on the north bank of the St. Lawrence River. The 11 kW electric module, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of just 0.33 kWh, kicks in briefly when overtaking. The low-revving six-cylinder engine is particularly noticeable on the long highways at a monotonous speed of between 100 and 130 km/h, and the automatic start-stop system makes a pleasant impression.
The interior impresses with high-quality nappa leather.
Image: Stefan Gundhoff / Mazda/ Car Whiz
If you take your foot off the accelerator at higher speeds on the endless Canada Highay 2 from Riviere-du-Loup to Great Falls, for example, the rev counter drops to zero and the rest is done by the mild hybrid system, which ensures the energy supply and also acts as a starter generator when you step on the accelerator.
Up to 800 kilometers range
The technology package quietly ensures that the promised standard consumption of 9.5 liters of premium fuel per 100 kilometers in the Canadian expanse is reduced to 8.5 liters despite brisk driving. The 74-liter tank allows a range of 800 kilometers. There are more than enough gas stations between Montreal and Halifax – even on the sleepy potato island of Prince Edward Island.
The Mazda is 5.10 meters long.
Image: Stefan Gundhoff / Mazda/ Car Whiz
Admittedly, the more powerful 340 hp version is not necessary, even if the Japanese crossover is anything but a lightweight model with a weight of 2.2 tons, not least because of its comfort features, all-wheel drive and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. But the inline six-cylinder engine is a stunner and makes it even easier not to opt for the plug-in hybrid, which offers a notable electric range but is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The six-cylinder engine works discreetly in the background, runs smoother than ever except when starting up, and has the necessary bite when you demand it. Steering, chassis and brakes – just as convincing as the design, with which the CX-70 looks much more than a mid-range model. Only the drive programs, which can be switched on the wide center tunnel, are so barely noticeable that you almost forget about them. In Europe, too, you can look forward to the upcoming Mazda CX-80, which is technically almost identical but offers a third row of seats.
Technical data: Mazda CX-70 3.3 Turbo MHEV Signature
Motor: Inline six-cylinder with turbocharging and electric moduleDisplacement: 3283 ccPerfomance: 250 kW/340 hpMax. torque: 500 Nm at 2000 – 4500 rpmMaximum speed: 200km/hStandard consumption: 9.5 litres/100kmTest consumption: 8.5 litres/100kmDrive: All-wheel driveGearbox: Eight-speed automaticTank volume: 74 litersEmpty weight: 2205kgCargo space: from 1120 litersTensile load: 2200kg
