Mazda CX-60: luxury and pace offered by the Japanese firm’s new family SUV

Launching a new - diesel-powered - version of its flagship CX-60 SUV might seem a contrary move by Mazda when so much focus is on electric cars, but they have long been known for going their own way. And first impressions are good.

It presented the premium CX-60 - a size up from the firm’s mainstay, the CX-5 - last year - and equipped it with a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol engine setup, with all-wheel drive.

The latest addition to the range is not only diesel - offering a choice of either 197 bhp with rear-wheel drive only, or a 254 bhp version with all-wheel drive - but a big one, too.

Far from dropping in a highly-tuned, hard-working four-cylinder diesel into this sizable family car, Mazda has introduced a particularly smooth-running in-line six, of 3.3 litres. Capable of dashing from 0-62 mph in just 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 136 mph, it’s no slouch.

But speed isn’t really the point. According to Mazda more is less; a bigger engine works less hard and will be less stressed than a smaller unit. This low-compression 48-volt mild hybrid setup also runs cooler - more efficiently - controlled by its innovative new combustion control software, than a smaller unit. The upshot is, says Mazda, a six-cylinder engine offering better fuel economy than a comparable four. Also, you get that creamy smoothness and intoxicating burble enjoyed only by drivers of in-line sixes. The engine configuration is even ‘celebrated’ by a special badge on the side.

Long-distance drivers will love it for its decent fuel economy - a claimed combined MPG of 53.3 - 54.3 - its range on a full tank (600 miles or more) and laid back driving characteristics. Paired with an efficient eight-speed automatic gearbox which makes the most of the impressive low-revving pulling power, it is a particularly relaxed drive.

Spacious too. There’s room enough for three adults in the back seat - if they don’t mind cosying up a little - and the boot boasts 570 litres of space, with the seats in place.

The CX-60’s other party piece is its spectacular interior. The Takumi model on test was fitted out in a dramatic blend of light-coloured woven fabric with prominent stitching, teamed with white maple wood interior panels and white Nappa leather seat trim, creating an ambience that wouldn’t be out of place in a private jet.

The light, airy atmosphere is heightened - on the Takumi - with a generous panoramic glass roof, the front section of which can be tilted, or opened to the elements.

Standard equipment levels are generous, including a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster display, and 12.3-inch colour centre display, Wireless Apple CarPlay which worked seamlessly with the apps on my iPhone 13 Pro, Connected Services and efficient head-up display. Safety is key on this car with aids such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and driver attention assist.

There are also LED headlights with auto-levelling and high beam control, a reversing camera as well as front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats and cruise control with adjustable speed limiter.

In-cabin stowage is good with decent-sized door ‘bins’, more pockets on the back of the front seats, a useful central, lidded box – even an anachronistic fold-out parking coin stowage compartment.

The Takumi (the highest of three including Exclusive-Line and Homura) also gets 20-inch Black Metallic Machine alloy wheels, a stylish Gloss Black front grille and ‘Mazda Driver Personalisation System’ that automatically tailors seating position including mirrors to the driver, plus a punchy 12-speaker surround-sound system.

On the road it’s a premium experience; quiet at all speeds and very comfortable. Sight-lines out are clear - good for safety in traffic and at junctions - and, bucking the trend, Mazda has, usefully, retained a selection of buttons for controls, doing away with the need to delve into menus, much of the time. Other functions can be accessed via the prominent, intuitive, central Commander knob.

The CX-60 is not as sporty or as nimble as the CX-5, nor is its ride quality as good - it doesn’t smooth out poor road surfaces as does the smaller car - but it can nevertheless be hustled and enjoyed on cross-country roads, especially if the Mi-Drive system, allowing a selection of Sport, Comfort of Off-Road modes - is pressed into use. There is sufficient feel to the steering and it offers a commanding view over traffic. Its forte is long-distance cruising, although it is effective in towns and cities too, with that high-up seating position, reasonable turning circle and reversing aids.

There is still a big UK market for diesel, despite the share falling. The new CX-60 will help meet that demand - with knobs on - including for long-distance drivers and those who need to tow. It is competitively-priced, efficient, comfortable, spacious, luxurious - and a refreshingly styled alternative to other rivals in this popular sector.