Mazda’s new CX-60 SUV will enter showrooms later this year, with the hybrid vehicle sporting a strong vein of Japanese influence in its interior. It will be offered to UK customers in three trim grades: Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi, with customers also able to add two option packs across all grades: Convenience Pack and Driver Assistance Pack, with a Comfort Pack available on Exclusive-Line.
According to Mazda, the interior design introduces the ideas of Kaichou – an element of disruption which mixes different textures and materials. In the Exclusive-Line and Homura models, the cabin blends black leather, dark dash trim and chrome surrounds, while the range-topping Takumi takes the principles of Kaichou to the next level, matching materials and textures such as white nappa leather, maple wood, chrome and high-quality fabrics.
In another example of the influence of Japanese craft in CX-60’s cabin, Takumi models also feature the stitching technique of Kakenui, a hanging stitch that leaves a seam with spaces between the trim fabrics revealing a glimpse of the material beneath. This technique can be seen in the Takumi’s fabric dash panel, a feature of the cabin that was also inspired by Musubu – the art of traditional Japanese binding.
The Takumi spec also features maple wood trim on the doors and central transmission tunnel and treatment of the wood reflects the Japanese aesthetic of Hacho – asymmetrical balance or intentional unevenness. Matched on the doors to real metal trim, the maple wood works with the light nappa leather, the diverse patterns of the woven fabrics and Kakenui hanging stitching to deliver a premium cabin experience with close ties to its Japanese heritage.
The interior design concept of the CX-60’s cabin sees a wide instrument panel with continuous lines which run through the cabin, while the horizontally symmetrical layout is centered around the driver. The Mazda ‘Commander Control’ knob, which operates the majority of vehicle and infotainment functions, has been moved forward by 132mm and raised 82mm to enable its operation with the user’s arm resting comfortably on the center armrest.
