Mazda Australia is pushing for a break on the CX-70 and CX-90 PHEVs

Mazda Australia has suspended its plans to introduce plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its CX-70 and CX-90 large SUVs are focusing on upcoming hybrid and electric models.

In conversation with Daily Sparkz Speaking at the launch of the CX-60 G25 four-cylinder rear-wheel drive mid-size SUV range, Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi noted that the business case for importing the large PHEVs was no longer viable following the end of the Federal Government’s Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for PHEVs.

“The technology is available in the US and engineering efforts are required to comply with ADRs (Australian Design Rules). That is possible, but we have decided to take a pause on it,” Mr Bhindi said.

With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new car. Click Here to get a great deal.

“We offer plug-in (hybrid) powertrains for CX-60 and CX-80 and what we saw was that PHEV was attractive to consumers when the FBT depreciation was in place and since then the desire to adopt this technology has basically disappeared. We have CX-60 and CX-80 (PHEVs) to cover that already.”

“We have concluded that CX-70 and CX-90 (PHEV) can remain in place while our technical resources work on future battery electric R&D. That doesn’t mean we can’t bring this back to the table, but for now I can say we have held it off,” Mr Bhindi added.

The CX-70 and CX-90 PHEVs offered in North America feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 141 kW of power and 260 Nm of torque, paired with a 129 kW/270 Nm electric motor and a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery for a total output of 241 kW and 500 Nm.

Mazda USA claims an electric range of 26 miles (41.8 km) for the CX-70 PHEV, which is significantly less than the “up to 76 km” that the Mazda CX-60 PHEV claims in Australia.