By Malusi Msomi

Mazda has been on a roll with its premium push, and the CX-60 Takumi feels like the brand saying, “Yes, we can do fancy too.” This flagship model arrives dressed to impress, kicking things off with a bespoke front bumper, a piano black bar-style grille and bright metal accents along the front wings, side trims and window surrounds. The 20-inch black metallic diamond-cut alloys seal the deal. Subtle? Not really. Stylish? Absolutely.

The Platinum Quartz paint deserves a special mention. It adds an elegant finish that beautifully complements the Takumi’s design details, making the CX-60 look every bit the flagship Mazda wants it to be.

Step inside and things get even better. The cabin delivers classic Mazda craftsmanship, with premium materials and a layout that feels thoughtfully put together. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen sits front and centre with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The driver gets a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, a large head-up display and a Bose sound system that does a great job of drowning out that one friend who always sings along off-key. The Takumi also gets leather seats with ventilation. Heating would have been nice for those chilly Highveld mornings, but Mazda clearly thinks warm seats build character. Space is generous for five passengers, the boot is practical and the overall ride experience leans towards premium comfort rather than sharp-edged sportiness.

Under the bonnet is the star of the show. Mazda’s 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel mild hybrid engine produces 187 kW and 550 Nm. It’s smooth, strong and surprisingly efficient for something with this much muscle, with Mazda claiming 4.9 L/100km. Those numbers are ambitious as we managed 6.7 L/100 km which is still not bad for a 2 ton SUV. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is silky on the open road but can feel a little hesitant in stop-and-go traffic, like it’s still deciding whether it wants to be sporty or sensible.

On the road, the CX-60 Takumi delivers a confident and refined drive. That big six-cylinder has torque everywhere, making overtaking feel effortless. 

Pricing starts at R1,074,400, which puts it up against some serious competition. Yet after spending time with it, the CX-60 Takumi proves it has the style, refinement and performance to stand tall in the crowd.

A polished premium SUV with a straight-six diesel, loads of comfort and just enough flair to make you smile. Mazda has done something rather special here.