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Benefits >> Elegant style, soft cabin, solid performance Cons ›› Gross transmission, frustrating radar cruise, high price
Australians are spoiled for choice if they want to recover the keys to a new Mazda SUV. Long-standing models such as CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5 are still on sale, but in the past two years, they have been joined by the largest and more premium CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90.
We led the CX-60 and the CX-90 to the end of 2023 and were impressed by the two, although they had flagrant faults. More recently, we lived with the CX-80 G40E Pure entry level for a week and found that it also checks many boxes. The last piece of the puzzle is the CX-70, and the Soul Red Crystal model that we tested is its version at the head of range, known as G50E Azami.
Rapid facts
Photo credits: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
Although Mazda’s name strategy may seem a little confusing, the CX-70 is essentially the two-row version of the CX-90, which is offered in configurations of six, seven and eight places. The CX-70, on the other hand, is available exclusively in five places and, with the exception of the CX-90 Azami, is the most expensive model of the Japanese brand sold in Australia. It starts at $ 91,925 in fairly high (~ 57 100 $), although our tester is even more expensive, because it was equipped with the $ 3,500 Package in (~ $ 2,200).
Unlike CX-60 and CX-80, the CX-70 is also available in the United States. It is at a price of $ 40,445 for the privileged 3.3 turbo garnish and amounts to $ 55,950, which is essentially the equivalent of Azami SP. Since buyers of new car in the world are always very in love with SUVs, is CX-70 a good option for those who can afford it? Discover.
Premium power and appearance
A key point of difference between the CX-70 that we tested and all the other recent Mazda models with which we lived is that he had the flagship version of the brand’s turbocharged petrol engine of the brand. This 341 hp pump mill (254 kW) between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque from 2000 to 4,500 rpm, which gives it a healthy advantage on the less powerful G40E engine offered in the CX-80. Although this unit is also an online turbo petrol online online, it is capped at 280 hp (209 kW) and 332 LB-PI (450 Nm).
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What is not different is the fact that the 3.3-liter flagship product continues to be coupled with the automatic transmission at eight speed of Mazda with Skyactiv driving, causing the four wheels via an AWD I-Active system. A diesel version of this engine is also offered, valued at 251 hp (187 kW) and 406 LB-PI (550 Nm). The two levels of G50E finish of the CX-70 also include a soft hybrid system of 48 volts.
Photo credits: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
Visually, it is undeniable that the CX-70 Azami seems to be a large high-end SUV. It is offered in a choice of eight different exterior colors, including interesting shades such as the fusion of metallic copper, metal zircon and metallic polymetal gray. But, in our eyes, the red crystal of the soul is that which suits it perfectly and could very well be the best color offered by any automotive manufacturer for the general public.
Azami models are also equipped with distinctive 21 -inch wheels with black and silver rays, adding to the daring design. There is also a good dose of black accents through the exterior and metallic badges that flow along the side skirts.
Prominent Japanese Luxury
The cabin is just as chic. As a standard, the CX-70 Azami is equipped with black Nappa leather, but it can be specified with nappa bordy leather or beige Nappa leather, which was the case with our car, it was equipped with the SP package.
It looks like a very premium place to sit. It may not be as soft as a German SUV of similar size, but it is much cheaper, so you can’t really expect it. That being said, it happens quite close. Beautiful soft suede leather to touch decorate part of the dashboard, door panels and seats. There are also a lot of tanned and black leather on the remaining interior surfaces. Unfortunately, the lower part of the central console and door panels is hard black plastic, which is really a confusing choice for an otherwise large interior.
The CX-70 GT base and the Azami lighthouse are responsible for the last and largest technological suite of Mazda. This includes its 12.3 -inch infotainment system, as opposed to the smallest display of 10.25 inches of certain other models. There is also a group of digital instruments of 12.3 inch, but it offers very few personalization possibilities and includes only a handful of small parameters with which you can play.
Photo credits: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
It’s the same with infotainment. Although it is easy to understand and operate, it’s a bit bland. Fortunately, Apple Carplay Wireless and Android Auto are included as standard, so I did not have to spend too much time to cope with it.
The CX-70 has the same wheelbase of 122.8 inches (3120 mm) as the CX-80 and CX-90, it is therefore not surprising that the space in the second row is excellent. There are space piles for adults, as well as dedicated air conditioning switches and two USB-C ports. Added luxury toppings include manual window shades and the option of tilt the heated seats.
There are enough 598 liters (21.1 cubic feet) of loading capacity at the rear with the second row seats in place or 2,015 liters (71.1 cubic feet) with them. However, there are clear reminders that this is based on the CX-90 to three rows, although it is marketed as a distinct model. Like the CX-90, there are cup holders and air vents where the third row would be, even if they are not useful and it is a shame that Mazda did not go to remove them.
This CX-70 gave us our first opportunity to taste the most powerful 3.3 liters that Mazda produces. With figures of 341 hp (254 kW) and 369 LB-PI (500 Nm), it should not be surprising that it seems very generous. However, he does not feel massively different from the 251 hp (209 kW) version of the same engine.
Photo credits: Brad Anderson / Carscoops
Is it good to drive?
Acceleration is very respectable for a vehicle of this size which tips the scales at 2,1900 kg (4,845 lb). It will take place at 100 km / h (62 MPH) in one touch in less than 7 seconds in ideal conditions and produces a beautiful burial in the process. The six years like this are a dying race, which is a shame, because they are well suited to vehicles like this, offering a lot of mid-range torque to make cruise on the highway and overtaking.
The low -speed manners of the 3.3 -liter petrol are also much better than diesel. While diesel feels a little harsh and jerky, the essence is much more fluid and more refined. The accelerator’s response is excellent, although it has a little time to get used to the sensitivity of the accelerator.
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The CX-80 that we recently led had 18-inch entry-level wheels, which gives it slightly better driving than high-end CX-60 and CX-90 models. Similarly, the 21-inch wheels of the Azami CX-70 have a negative impact on driving, but only slightly. It remains smooth and conforms on most surfaces, most of the time, but can feel a little firm and sometimes shocking. We would like to see Mazda soften the rides of all its new SUVs because it would help improve comfort for those in the second row.
As mentioned, the CX-70 has the same automatic at eight speeds as its brothers and sisters. It will be acceptable for most buyers, but it is not the best gearbox and could make with additional refinement.
Where the CX-70 Excel is a driving feeling. The direction is well weighted and beautifully precise, helping to give the Mazda a welcome sporting sensation. It has a fairly firm driving, but noise, vibrations and hardness levels are all in control.
A negative point was the radar cruise control. In most situations, it works superbly. However, on country roads, when fixed at 110 km / h (62 MPH), this would frequently and unnecessarily slow the CX-70 around slight curves, which prompted me to deactivate it. Interestingly, Mazda cites combined consumption of fuel of 8.1 l / 100 km (29 American MPG), which is better than the 8.4 l / 100 km (28 American MPG) cited for the CX-80 with the six in line less powerful than we have recently tested. I have an average of 8.2 l / 100 (28.6 American MPG), but it was strongly biased towards the motorway cruise and was closer to 10 l / 100 km (23.5 MPG American) in urban areas.
Verdict
Although it is certainly not cheap, the CX-70 in its flagship garnish is more logical than some of the lower versions. The outdoor and interior class of oozing, while the 3.3 -liter striker offers a lot of excitement. However, it is difficult not to feel like Mazda could have improved it. With improvements to transmission, driving and certain plastics in the cabin, as well as a more distinctive design, it could be better distinguished from CX-90 to three rows and stand alone in the brand’s SUV range.
