MAZDA’s Ambitious Large Product Range Faces Criticism and Teething Issues

Will Mazda’s commitment to listening to feedback and making improvements help overcome the teething issues faced by the CX-60 and CX-90?

MAZDA took on a massive challenge with the creation of its Large Product range, including the flagship SUVs CX-60 and CX-90. While there was immense anticipation and hype, the reaction since the launch has been largely tepid. The most prominent criticisms have been around refinement, ride quality, and the eight-speed automatic transmission. However, Mazda is open to feedback and constantly evolving their products. While adjustments for the CX-60 and CX-90 remain uncertain, Mazda has a history of responding quickly to criticism and making improvements. The extensive clean-sheet engineering and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic have likely contributed to the teething issues. Despite this, Mazda is not ignoring the valid criticisms and is open to addressing them.

Mazda embarked on its most ambitious program to date with the creation of its Large Product range, featuring flagship SUVs CX-60 and CX-90. The anticipation and hype surrounding these models were immense. However, the reaction since their launch has been largely tepid. The motoring press has consistently criticized the refinement and ride quality of both models. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the eight-speed automatic transmission, the sole choice in the range. These criticisms have not been limited to Australian journalists but have also been echoed in overseas reviews.

Despite the criticism, Mazda Australia’s managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, assures that the company is receptive to feedback. The engineers, R&D people, and program managers listen to the complaints and take them into consideration. While the specific actions taken in response to the feedback are unknown, it is clear that Mazda is open to making improvements. Bhindi points out that constant evolution is a part of any product’s lifecycle, including the Large Product range. It remains to be seen if adjustments will be made for the CX-60 and CX-90, but Mazda has a track record of responding quickly when products do not meet expectations.

The challenges faced by Mazda in the creation of the Large Product range should not be overlooked. The project required extensive clean-sheet engineering, as almost every core technology had to be developed from scratch. Mazda’s insistence on conducting all engineering in-house further added to the complexity. The four Large Product models, including the CX-60, CX-90, recently revealed CX-70, and yet-to-be-shown CX-80, are built on an all-new longitudinally-engined architecture. These models are powered by clean-sheet inline-six diesel and petrol engines and feature a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission. They also offer a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid option, a first for Mazda. Many of these areas are uncharted territory for the brand, as Mazda has no prior experience in them.

It is worth noting that the final stages of testing and validation for the CX-60 and CX-90 coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan’s disruptive lockdowns likely had an impact on fine-tuning these complex vehicles. Considering these factors, it is no surprise that there are teething issues. However, Mazda deserves credit for not ignoring the criticisms. While adjustments for the CX-60 and CX-90 are uncertain, Mazda has shown in the past that it can respond quickly to criticism and make improvements. The company’s commitment to listening to feedback is commendable, and it remains to be seen how they will address the valid concerns raised by both journalists and consumers.

• MAZDA’s Large Product range, including CX-60 and CX-90, has faced criticism for refinement and ride quality.
• The eight-speed automatic transmission has been a common concern.
• Mazda is receptive to feedback and constantly evolving their products.
• Adjustments for CX-60 and CX-90 are uncertain, but Mazda has a history of making improvements.
• The extensive clean-sheet engineering and testing during the pandemic likely contributed to the teething issues.
• Despite the challenges, Mazda is not ignoring the valid criticisms and is open to addressing them.

Mazda’s Large Product range, particularly the CX-60 and CX-90, has faced criticism for refinement, ride quality, and the eight-speed automatic transmission. The challenges of extensive clean-sheet engineering, in-house development, and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic have likely contributed to the teething issues. However, Mazda is not ignoring the valid criticisms. The company is receptive to feedback and open to making improvements. Despite the uncertainties surrounding adjustments for the CX-60 and CX-90, Mazda has a history of addressing criticism promptly. The commitment to constantly evolving their products is evident. Time will tell how Mazda will address the concerns raised by journalists and consumers.