Mazda will be switching gears to focus more on the lucrative SUV market by introducing 5 new SUVs from 2022 onwards. Beginning with the American-built CX-50, next up on the line could be the CX-60 which is more likely to come into Malaysia.

But before we get excited, let’s look at what goes under Mazda’s newest premium SUV. The CX-60 is expected to be running on newly-developed 3.0-litre inline-6 petrol and diesel engines according to Best Car Web.

The Japanese publication also speculates that the petrol engine might be paired to a supercharger while the diesel unit will be turbocharged. Both engines could also be paired to a 48V mild-hybrid system.

Also read: Look hard enough, and you will see the all-new 2022 Mazda 6’s inline 6-cylinder engine

Interestingly, power from this new line-up of 6-cylinder engines will be sent to the rear. As we all know, seeing the words ‘rear-wheel-drive’ on any vehicle will send a fizzing sensation to petrolheads.

With that, Mazda is firmly putting its foot down against premium SUV rivals from Germany, the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, both of which come with rear-wheel drive.

Besides the 6-cylinder motors, the CX-60 could also be offered with a smaller 2.5-litre 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) unit. Japanese media also speculate that the CX-60 could be offered as a coupe-SUV.

However, the CX-60 will not be replacing the popular CX-5. The model will sit slightly above Mazda’s money-maker in its Japanese line-up and besides, a larger CX-80 is also planned that will gain a third row but the same mechanicals.

The CX-60 and CX-80 are earmarked for the European and Japanese markets while the CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90 are aimed at American markets. Hence, Malaysia is likely to get the CX-60 and CX-80 sometime in the future out of the 5 models announced.

Also read: 5 new SUVs confirmed - Mazda CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, CX-90 starting 2022

Though spyshots of the CX-60 were revealed a month ago, don’t expect the CX-60 to be launched so soon. Best Car Web speculates that the SUV would be launched around the second half of 2022 or the first half of 2023.

Also read: Spied: 2023 Mazda CX-60 caught undisguised – Will it come with inline-6 and RWD?

The CX-60 won’t be the only FR Mazda that will be making its debut in 2022. The next-gen Mazda 6 is also planned to be launched as early as July 2022. Like the CX-60, it could be powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 engine as well as a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder PHEV unit.

Also read: All-new Mazda 6: RWD, double wishbone and multi-link suspension makes it a 4-door MX-5