Here’s Why The Upcoming Mazda CX-70 Has The Potential To Be A Game Changer

Summary

• Mazda is undergoing a radical makeover and moving towards the premium end of the market, with a focus on luxury and driving dynamics.
• The CX-70, a two-row mid-size SUV, is expected to bring luxury, refinement, and sportiness to its segment, with a rear-wheel drive-biased AWD system for superior dynamics.
• Mazda is using powerful six-cylinder engines and premium materials in the CX-70, signaling its aspirations to compete with premium brands like Land Rover, Mercedes, and BMW.

For the past few years, the Mazda brand was beginning to fall back with its model lineup – especially in the U.S. It dropped the Mazda6, whereas, with crossovers, there was the CX-3, the CX-9, and the MX-30. The CX-5 was an exception and continued to perform well in the compact SUV segment.

Also, believe it or not, European diesel-engined variants even had reliability issues. But more recently, Mazda has been knocking it out of the park as the brand is undergoing a radical makeover and is moving more towards the premium end of the market.

Mazda’s crossover models have now adopted the zero in the name and include models like the CX-30. The Japanese automaker’s portfolio of SUVs is expanding further as part of Mazda’s Large Product platform, with models like the CX-50 and CX-90 already making it Stateside. The is CX-70 set to join the model lineup soon.

Over the pond in Europe and in Japan, there is a new model that isn’t coming to the U.S., dubbed the CX-60. The CX-70 is expected to be similar to the CX-60, sort of like its American cousin. It should also be similar to the already launched CX-90 SUV, most likely with a missing third-row. The CX-70 will focus on luxury and driving dynamics but not in the conventional way. In this article, we will touch upon how this two-row mid-size SUV might shake things up in the segment.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources including Mazda, J.D. Power and Car and Driver.

Mazda Needs A Point Of Differentiation

Up until recently, Mazda was trying to follow the herd. The company’s older vehicle offerings tried to compete with other automotive giants in the sector, such as Toyota, without having any specific point of differentiation or advantage over the competition. In simple terms, Mazda used to be just another relatively affordable Japanese offering.

This was a problem. Toyota was, and still is, selling in huge numbers, mostly due to the company’s reputation for reliability and dependability. When people are in the market for an SUV that will just do the job, Toyota is most likely the first choice.

As for brands like Subaru, on the other hand, focus more on the outdoorsy part of the market. For example, say you need a vehicle that can tackle relatively difficult terrain without being thirsty, heavy, and huge (like full-sized off-roaders or trucks are.) Well, this is where Subaru comes in.

With their great Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system and X-Mode, Subarus are more efficient at sending power where it needs to go than most other crossovers making them fantastic off the pavement. Of course, buyers are aware of this and choose Subaru when in the market for a winter or adventure-ready crossover.

So, as you can see, some of America’s best-selling Crossovers have a point of differentiation, an ability. This is exactly what Mazda needs, and lately, it seems as if it is exactly what the company is doing.

Why The CX-70 Is Expected To Be A Game Changer

The Mazda CX-70 is expected to be a game-changer for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it should bring luxury, refinement, and sportiness to the mid-sized segment. Mazda is taking driving experience and luxury seriously. The company has characterized vehicles as “not merely a mass of metal. It must create an emotional connection between car and driver. Sort of like a connection between a rider and his horse.”

The CX-70 will stay true to Mazda’s new premium and sporty ethos since it will sit on the same platform as the CX-90. This means that the vehicle should have a longitudinally mounted engine (meaning it will be facing front to back and not side to side, i.e transversely like in most crossovers) with a rear-wheel drive-biased AWD system. This is great news when it comes to handling characteristics, as such a setup provides for great driving manners and superior dynamics.

The CX-70s Engines Are Here To Change The Game

Mazda has been making some of the best engines in the SUV market lately. While most are downsizing to four-cylinder engines, Mazda continues to employ silky, smooth, and powerful six-cylinder units that take their models to the next level. This is another signal of Mazda’s aspirations to move upmarket and compete with premium brands such as Land Rover, Mercedes, and BMW.

Now, it has been confirmed that the CX-70 will utilize the same engines as the CX-90. Therefore, we can be certain that the mid-sizer will feature a variety of engine options, with choices ranging from the low-output turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid powertrain to the high-output inline-six and the 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid option.

Mazda CX-90 Powertrains

Worth noting is that the two turbocharged inline-sixes have the same internal construction. However, the high-output engine runs on higher boost pressure, leading to the difference in power. It is also tuned to work on high-octane gas, which helps it achieve its power figure of 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

So, think about it, the CX-90, which is larger than the anticipated CX-70, is currently one of the best driving crossovers out there. The CX-70 should mostly likely be slightly smaller and lighter, making it better for city use, while retaining the same sporty character of the CX-90. Also, with the Hybird model, it should be able to tackle daily city commutes in full EV mode, keeping fuel bills down while providing a more relaxed driving experience. The CX-70 might just be the perfect all-rounder.

The CX-70s Exterior Is Expected To Be Premium But Subtle

The CX-70 has not been unveiled yet; however, it is expected to look similar to the European market CX-60 and, of course, the larger CX-90. This means the two-row mid-size SUV might have a slightly boxier and more muscular design than other crossovers.

Since the CX-70 is said to feature six-cylinder engines, we can also expect a long and muscular hood. This should make driving the vehicle and staring outside the windscreen and down the long hood a satisfying and premium experience.

A Unique Blend Of Japanese Tradition And Modern Functionality In The Interior

Of course, with a shift towards more premium products, Mazda is also drastically updating its interiors. However, this isn’t another luxury effort like all the rest. Mazda has, once again, picked a more Japanese route. Within Mazda’s Kodo Design philosophy, which also incorporates driving characteristics and exterior design, the brand also tries to eliminate unnecessary elements to create an abundance of space that reflects the ethos of less is more.

It is safe to say that Mazda has done a great job implementing this mindset. On the inside, first and foremost, you should be greeted with a similar dashboard to the CX-90 which is decorated with woven textiles. Woven textiles have a rich history in Japan (Toyota as a company began through textiles) but also provide the dashboard with a unique look not found on any other vehicle.

The CX-70 might also offer wood and Nappa leather. This type of leather is known for its premium feel and toughness, but also resistance to color fade. Of course, these additions will improve the interior even further.

Technology And Safety Should Also Set The CX-70 Apart

Safety and technology are paramount in today’s vehicles. The mid-sized Mazda CX-70 is expected to offer the same infotainment system as the CX-90. This means that wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto should be available, helping you stay connected easily and safely.

Also, worth mentioning is that the CX-70 should offer i-Activsense technology. This is Mazda’s own system that offers an array of safety features. Imagine it sort of like Toyota’s Safety Sense. The system works by using multiple radar-based sensors and cameras to monitor traffic and road conditions.

When the system detects a potential hazard, the driver will be alerted to perform a corrective action. In some cases, the vehicle automatically assists the driver in applying the brakes or adjusting the steering wheel. The standard safety features include:

• Lane Keep Assist
• Hill Launch Assist
• Vehicle Exit Warning
• Driver Attention Alert
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Lane Departure Warning System
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go

By including the above technological and safety features, Mazda will ensure that the CX-70 will be a well-rounded and well-performing offering in the SUV space. You will notice that similar models such as the CX-90 don’t use particularly large screens or flashy gadgets. Remember, minimalism is the name of the game here. Everything remains simple and clear rather than cluttered.

The CX-70s Attributes Should Redefine The Two-Row Mid-Sized Crossover

The mid-sized crossover is a rather boring class. Such models need to primarily be practical, economical, and relatively affordable. This is a combination that leads to uninspiring driving characteristics and looks. Mazda is here to prove that this doesn’t have to be the case. With the CX-70 all set to make its debut tomorrow, the CX-70 should provide buyers with the choice of a premium, dynamic, and sporty SUV, with seating for five.

Furthermore, should it be priced more competitively against the European competition, the combination of a rear-biased drivetrain, premium materials, and amazing engines could all play a role in creating an SUV that could shake up the segment and one you will look forward to driving. Watch this space.