The Mazda CX-60’s comprehensive range of advanced i-Activsense driver assistance systems ensure active safety at the highest level, and target a Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating, while as with all Mazda vehicles, high levels of passive safety and pedestrian mitigation are designed to protect in the worse-case situation.
Several new technologies debut in the Mazda CX-60: See-Through View - a next-generation 360-degree monitor with extended field of view at low speeds is part of the Convenience Pack with the PHEV and the combined Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack with diesel models, while Hill Descent Control (HDC), which assists in safely descending steep slopes with slippery or rough road surfaces is standard across all models, and i-Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), which can now incorporate speed limits from Traffic Sign Recognition, is part of the Driver Assistance Pack on the PHEV and the combined Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack with diesel models.
Also standard across all models, Vehicle Exit Warning (BSM) for rear-approaching road users is a system to avoid opening a front door into rear approaching road users when parallel parking on the road.
Other i-Activsense systems include: Advanced Smart City Brake Assist (Advanced SCBS) with pedestrian and cyclist detection and intersection function, Rear Emergency Brake Assist (SBS-R) with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist with Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Drowsiness Detection (DAA).
Included in the optional Convenience Pack with the PHEV and the combined Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack with diesel models, Mazda’s 360° View Monitor uses a four camera system that covers all sides of the vehicle to display a bird’s-eye view of the car from above on the centre display, as well as a choice of front, rear and left or right side views. The Mazda CX-60 adds See-Through View as a further evolution of the 360° View Monitor functionality. It displays an image on the screen that seemingly allows the driver to see through the front and rear corners of the car from their viewpoint, making it easier to spot objects obscured by the vehicle’s bodywork. This helps the driver remain fully aware of surrounding conditions when driving slowly in tight spaces such as car parks and narrow alleys.
Standard across the Mazda CX-60 range, Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) uses a forward-sensing camera to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead -both by day and at night - and help avoid collisions or mitigate damage in the event one does occur. The system automatically stops or reduces the speed of the car when there is a risk of collision with the vehicle or pedestrian in front.
Other key i-Activsense driver-supporting technologies included as standard across the range include Mazda’s Lane-keep Assist System and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Blind Spot Monitoring keeps the driver aware of vehicles approaching when, for example, changing lanes. Its Rear Cross Traffic Alert function monitors the vehicle‘s surroundings when reversing, alerting the driver when it detects vehicles approaching from the sides.
Part of the optional Driver Assistance Pack on PHEV and combined Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack on diesel models, Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop and Go function automatically maintains the appropriate vehicle speed and optimum following distance, even if the vehicle ahead comes to a complete standstill. i-Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) is an additional function which allows drivers to easily set the MRCC to the speed limit by using Traffic Sign Recognition.
As you expect from Mazda, the new CX-60 has been developed with the very highest standards of passive safety. When it comes to front impact mitigation three breakthrough technologies combine to deliver excellent frontal collision safety performance: Firstly, the multi-path structure efficiency absorbs energy through three separate load paths -main, upper and lower- to soften the impact on occupants and minimise cabin deformation. Secondly, the axial compression frame doubles energy absorption efficiency whilst contributing to both space and weight savings. Thirdly, the framework is designed to be as straight as possible. These technologies not only ensure the Mazda CX-60 has outstanding forward collision resistance, but also support its design by contributing to a class-leading short front overhang of only 842 mm.
When it comes to side impact protection, the frame connections, which are traditionally a weak point in terms of bending and twisting, have been strengthened to distribute the load. A 1,800 MPa grade high-strength material made using Mazda’s new moulding technology has been combined with conventional 1,300 MPa grade material in the same parts to enhance strength in non-bending areas whilst reducing it in bending areas, achieving an ideal deformation mode whilst reducing weight. The roof design marries the open, airy feel of a panoramic roof with the strength required in the event of a roll over. The open feel has been maintained by adopting a thin roof bow, adjusting the roof cross-section, and using stronger materials for the bow itself – 980 MPa as opposed to 500MPa- to make the roof stronger. Cabin occupant protection in the event of a side impact is further enhanced by the fitting of both centre airbags and rear seat side airbags.
To protect occupants from a rear impact, the CX-60 is designed to absorb twice as much rear impact energy as the current CX-5. To date, Mazda vehicles have absorbed energy by the bending and deformation of the rear frame. However, the Mazda CX-60 uses axial deformation of the rear side frame to absorb double the energy. At the same time, the thickness of the side frame has been reduced to effect further weight saving.
e-Skyactiv PHEV versions of the new Mazda CX-60 are equipped with comprehensive high voltage protection measures to protect vehicle occupants from the risk of electric shocks. In addition to the strength of the vehicle body, physical protection has been added to the battery itself, ensuring both direct and indirect contact protection as well as insulation resistance. Specifically, this involved using malleable aluminium -an extremely strong, crack-resistant material- for the battery housing, as well as adding energy absorbing material to the outside of the housing to prevent it from breaking. Multiple measures based on different electrical principles have also been implemented to cut off parts other than the battery from the high voltage system in the event of a collision. A circuit interrupter and voltage reducer are used to shut off the flow of electricity that would cause power dissipation.
The Mazda CX-60’s pedestrian injury mitigation measures include a bonnet that achieves both pedestrian head protection and rigidity in a single structure by adopting a cross-sectional structure that divides the panel into an upper section that absorbs energy and a lower section that provides rigidity. In addition, the design ensures there is sufficient space between this structure and rigid under-bonnet parts such as the engine. In addition, the front wings have been given enough height to expand the bonnet crush zone so that it will gently absorb head impact in the case of a collision with a pedestrian. The front bumper face ensures ample space between the bumper cover (design surface) and the bonnet and bumper beam. The weight of the internal structure of the bumper face has been carefully controlled so that it will gently absorb leg and hip impact. And the internal structure of the bumper face is divided vertically to absorb energy from straight ahead and above, while the inclusion of a support bracket helps prevent bumper hanging.
With the robust passive safety you’d expect and an even more advanced offering of intelligent active safety technology, the Mazda CX-60 delivers the very latest safety standards and crucially delivers a host of systems to assist the driver to enjoy the drive, by reducing fatigue and supporting when required but never detracting from the love of driving.