2023 Mazda CX-60 continues Japanese brand's safety-rating hot streak - but there's a catch

ANCAP has awarded all Mazda CX-60 variants with a maximum five-star rating, making it another model in the Japanese brand's stable with strong safety credentials, but there is a caveat.

And that is that the CX-60 was assessed on last year's less-stringent criteria, with the Australian result derived from the testing of a European, left-hand-drive CX-60 Core grade.

Of note, the Core is not offered in Australia, with the local market opting for a three-trim mix called Evolve, GT and Azami.

According to ANCAP, the new testing criteria "will include new areas such as the ability of a vehicle to avoid a crash with a motorcyclist, child presence detections and vehicle submergence", which the local CX-60 was not assessed for.

The safety body has also tweaked the weighting of certain scores and expanded existing examinations that makes it harder overall to achieve a maximum five stars.

Regardless, ANCAP notes the CX-60 achieved a record score for the child occupant protection and vulnerable road user protection tests of 93 and 89 per cent respectively.

As for the adult occupant protection and safety assist categories, the CX-60 netted 91 and 77 per cent.

The CX-60 was also lauded for its level of advanced driver safety assistance systems, but ANCAP noted the performance of the emergency lane-keep assist system was only 'marginal'.

Drivers could also be at risk in a frontal offset crash, with examination showing only 'adequate' and 'marginal' protection for the chest and legs, while the crash also say an "incorrect knee airbag deployment," according to ANCAP.

Still, ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said the CX-60 is a safe bet for families after a mid-size SUV with multiple powertrain options as the latest Mazda comes equipped with a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid powertrain.

"The CX-60 will be a welcome and safe addition to the medium SUV segment, and provide varied choice to customers looking for a safe and environmentally friendly vehicle," she said.