Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid SUV is on the way, but not to America. The Mazda CX-60 debuts in Europe and Japan on March 8.

This debut leaves us out of the mix, which might sound a bit unfair, but we will see something new from this brand very soon. That new model will be the CX-70, which is said to be a little larger than the CX-60 while sharing a platform and powertrain layout. Where the CX-60 is ideal for the cramped cities of Europe and Japan, the CX-70 is more suitable for our open roads.

A Powerful SUV from Mazda

Mazda makes this new SUV interesting with more power than we’ve seen from the brand in a long time. The CX-60 is the first PHEV model from this brand, but instead of giving it pure fuel-sipping qualities, Mazda gives this SUV plenty of power. This SUV combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor attached to a battery pack. We don’t yet know the total driving range of this hybrid, but we expect to see it produce more than 300 horsepower. That’s a lot of power for a compact crossover SUV.

Bigger Will be Better; We Hope

Even though we won’t see the Mazda CX-60 arrive in the United States, we’ll have something bigger and hopefully a little better. The new CX-70 should be a bit wider and larger than the CX-60 PHEV. The new Mazda CX-70 should have the same 300 horsepower coming out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain, but we don’t yet have a release date for this SUV. Eventually, a pair of larger models will make it to both the European market and ours here in the U. S. after the CX-60 and CX70 arrive.

We Could Get a Lot More from Mazda

Mazda’s previously announced plans are that they intend to bring a lot more to the U.S. market than a pair of PHEV models. These plans include possibilities for an inline-six gasoline engine and diesel engine models. These other powertrain possibilities should be compatible with mild-hybrid powertrain features. These plans have not come to any form of fruition yet but are likely the next development by Mazda once the CX-60, CX-70, and larger models make their way to their respective markets for sale.

New Models Use RWD Layouts

The new Mazda CX-60 is also different in its basic power layout. Until now, all SUVs from the Mazda brand have been either FWD or AWD offerings. The CX-60 will be the first to have all of its power sent to the rear wheels in base versions. We also expect to see AWD options for the CX-60 giving the markets where it will operate the option of power going to all four wheels. These same systems should be part of the new Mazda CX-70 that will make its way to our shores as part of this premium-level brand.

Harmonious Interior Design for the Mazda CX-60

We’ve known the premium-level qualities of the Mazda lineup for several years. Upon introducing the CX-60, we will see upscale materials and unique designs in this new SUV. The design will embody the Japanese idea of Kaicho, which is harmony coming from mixing materials and textures. Some of these materials will include Nappa leather, maple wood trim, Japanese textiles, and chrome. Another Japanese style, called Musubu, inspires how items in the CX-60 assemble together. This impressive packaging can give us an SUV that reaches much closer to luxury levels than previous Mazda models.

Going Against the Grain

The grain that Mazda discovered after years of research is that most drives prefer fully-electric vehicles or models with an internal combustion engine over hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Why then, is Mazda moving forward with these two PHEV models? The only answer we can come up with is that when it’s time to change, it’s time to change. The automotive market has evolved beyond a simple ICE to show that hybrid and PHEV models can offer true power and performance. This is a serious change from the days of hybrids offering low power levels only to offer higher fuel-efficiency numbers.

The MX-30 Will Change, Maybe

In other markets, the rotary-engine-equipped vehicle will be the MX-30, which will be a series plug-in hybrid vehicle. The MX-30 we have now is the first regular production electric car, but the 100-mile range doesn’t cut the mustard. Many EV models offer driving ranges that are three to four times this amount, making the MX-30 a vehicle that is extremely far behind. Will the hybrid MX-30 still wear this name when it arrives in the United States? If the CX-4/CX-30 naming situation tells us anything, the rotary-engine-equipped model will have a different name here than in other markets.

The Waiting Game has Begun

Even though the new Mazda CX-60 will not show up at auto shows in the United States, we’re intrigued by what this new SUV will bring to Europe and Japan. Once we know what the CX-60 gives drives, we’ll count the days until the CX-70 makes its way to our shores. Will you drive one of the PHEV models from Mazda? You might want to wait until more information is available to answer that question.