Within the Chaotic SUV Launch, Mazda Hopes You'll Overlook | Carscoops

      A hurried launch during the pandemic left Mazda's latest model struggling with issues and on the verge of failure due to limited testing.

      Mazda has acknowledged that the CX-60 was released prematurely following pandemic disruptions.

      COVID restrictions limited local testing and affected drivetrain tuning.

      Substantial suspension and gearbox problems have led to two significant updates since its debut.

      Mazda has recognized that the CX-60 was launched before it was adequately prepared, with its development constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote work and restricted testing. The company now admits that the hurried development process resulted in problems that became apparent once the vehicle was on the road.

      Since its release, Mazda has issued two sets of mechanical updates to address the issues that time and circumstances initially left unresolved.

      Though the CX-60 is not available in the United States, it has faced criticism in certain markets for having a stiff suspension, transmission troubles, and, particularly in its PHEV version, a poorly calibrated hybrid system.

      What Went Wrong?

      In a recent conversation with Australian media, Alexander Fritsche, Mazda Europe’s senior manager of product development and engineering, mentioned that the company felt pressured for a quick launch of the model.

      “We had a somewhat expedited start with this product, I admit, that wasn’t 100 percent ready,” he told Drive. “There were several issues in the market with this vehicle in Europe. All available resources at Mazda worked diligently to make improvements, and I believe the car is now well-refined.

      “For the larger vehicle we offer here in Europe, there were significant lessons learned… The situation was further complicated by the coronavirus, making international development even more challenging,” he explained.

      Impeded by Limited Testing

      Fritsche pointed out that the lack of local testing in Europe was a considerable hindrance. “We recognized that due to COVID limitations, we could not conduct local testing in Europe effectively,” he said.

      “Thus, aspects had to be tested in environments that may not have fully represented customer conditions. There were also drivetrain issues where implementing fixes swiftly was challenging due to market pressures for the product’s release.”

      Fritsche noted that Mazda now has a clearer understanding of the importance of ensuring a new model meets high standards before its launch. “We learned a lot, believe me—there were serious discussions and significant repercussions to ensure our products satisfy customers from the outset,” he stated.

      Can It Redeem Itself?

      Following the initial feedback regarding the CX-60’s suspension, Mazda equipped models manufactured from October 2023 with new rear shock absorbers. However, in late 2024, the company announced that another suspension revision was impending. The suspension has been further adjusted for the 2025 model year after facing critiques for being excessively firm.

      While it is commendable that Mazda has acknowledged the shortcomings of the CX-60, one could argue that a seasoned legacy car manufacturer should have avoided such missteps initially.