2021 Maxus D60 1.5 AT Elite

It’s actually classified as a mid-size (and actually looks it) but Maxus Philippines snuck it in as compact SUV to go head-to-head with the few seven-seaters in this segment. If its size is already a big plus for you, read on as I tell you more about the D60 1.5 AT Elite.

The first thing that stands out is this grille which mixes two very unique elements, ‘Cool black gypsophila’ and ‘Dark Cobweb’. I had to look it up (because I’m not a plantito) and found out for the first time that it’s known commonly as Baby’s Breath. It’s something I won’t very quickly pair with a spider’s silk product but to the designers’ credit, this implementation is flawless. It’s so good that it was all people could talk about for weeks before the official launch.

Topping off the fine-looking and very angular nose are very slim LED split matrix headlamps (with auto feature and daytime running lamps) on either side. Too bad it doesn’t have front fog lamps. It has stylish vents in its place though and a silver finisher running along the bottom of the bumper.

On the body is what the automaker calls ‘sea wave art’ which is highlighted by very expressive sheet metal as shown in all its sharp lines and subtle undulations. It also has the same matching silver finisher that stretches along the rocker panel and a color-keyed garnish tracing the daylight opening before connecting to the roof rails.

At the back are very sleek LED diamond taillights connected by a lightbar, a rear spoiler, and dual exhausts with yet another silver garnish.

A theme was set, followed, and the result is an undoubtedly eye-catching package from any angle. Style cues mix and match perfectly, and seem to capture the essence of a modern compact SUV. If there’s one thing I’d take off, it would probably be just the faux hood vents that obviously don’t serve any purpose and probably even take a little off its aesthetic value.

I like how the whole vehicle literally lights up when locking or unlocking it. It may be too much for some because both the headlights and rear light bar turn on but it has the looks so might as well flaunt it.

The cabin is as meticulous as the exterior, and while it’s just mostly black with chrome accents and the steering wheel looks a little tacky, the layout and equipment still manage to give off a very premium and sophisticated vibe.

There are plenty of soft-touch materials over the slender dashboard and the panels around it. The best feature here is on the center stack: the vibrant eight-inch touchscreen (with Bluetooth and USB connectivity) and the glossy touch panel of the manual climate control system right below it. It’s beautifully designed and looks very upmarket. My only gripe is the slow response of the fan switch and there’s no numerical temp display so you’ll have to go by feel if it’s cold enough.

It looks a little odd that the leather multifunction steering wheel doesn’t have the red stitching that’s on the leather seats and the dashboard. Maxus should rectify this in the next update.

Space is good in this seven-seater because of the vehicle’s overall size. There’s plenty of headroom too. Plus, I like that there are aircon vents in the second row and a pull-down armrest with cupholders as well.

The 1.5L turbo gas engine is powerful considering the 1.5-ton curb weight. I would have liked to have more than 169-PS because it falls short at highway speeds. To its credit, city performance is great. Also, the 250-Nm of torque gives sufficient enough pull so as not feel its heft and makes overtaking in urban conditions very easy. Fuel consumption is okay at 9.17 km/l in mixed conditions.

Handling feels very light for its size so it’s easy on the arms but rollover resistance isn’t very high, but seeing as how this vehicle is tall, cornering will surely not be its strong suit.

I give it two thumbs up for comfort as noise, vibration, and harshness levels were very low. One way I could tell was despite the limitations of the six speakers, I could still clearly enjoy my playlist regardless of the road condition.

As a compact SUV, it’s big. One of its best come-ons is it’s priced only like a high-end crossover (introductory special at P1.258 million, SRP is P1.338 million). It still has a few things to improve on but as a first-generation model, 2021 Maxus D60 1.5 AT Elite got a lot of things right.