Earlier this year, a trip to The Motorist in Sherburn in Elmet provided the chance to drive Mazda’s new family car, the CX-80. It’s the company’s first attempt at a seven-seat SUV and I came away from the launch event suitably impressed. However, when subjected to a longer test, some cars shine a little less brightly. But I had high hopes when my test car rolled up the driveway, of a comfortable and pleasant week.

The look of the CX-60 is carried over which is no bad thing as it is one of the better and more distinctive cars in its class. CX-80 boasts a wheelbase some 225mm longer though and gives it the space for that extra row of seats.
The Plug-in-Hybrid is likely to be the biggest seller. This model pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 175PS electric motor to deliver an impressive combined 327PS and 500Nm of torque. I was a tad underwhelmed with the transitions from electric to petrol modes.

With many miles to cover, including my annual trip to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Drive Day at Millbrook, I opted for the diesel model. Mazda insist there is demand for this engine, especially from those who need to tow or run fully laden most of the time. Company buyers will likely steer clear because of the tax implications.

As a motorway cruiser the CX-80 excels. The cabin is suitably hushed, seats extremely comfortable and the ride impressive. Two long four-hour stints behind the wheel were easily accomplished and although I was unable to get close to Mazda’s official combined economy figure of 48.7mpg, 39.2mpg seemed quite reasonable to me, given my brisk driving style.

Away from the high-speed cruise, the CX-80 acquitted itself quite well on some of the twisty lanes that populate my favourite driving routes. Safe and secure was the order of the day, with good visibility and accurate steering making the car feel less cumbersome than its exterior dimensions would suggest.

As is usually the case with seven-seat cars, the rearmost seats are best reserved for children, though adults will fit at a push. Getting in and out is a tad ungraceful though. Mazda can fit two captains chair in the middle row if desired, but I suspect most will prefer a standard three-seat bench. Thus equipped, there’s head and leg room aplenty.

Premium materials adorn the cabin, giving the CX-80 a suitably upmarket feel as befitting the £50,000 price tag that most will cost. My test car was in range-opening Exclusive Line spec and wanted for little. Three-zone climate control, wireless smartphone connectivity, heated seats and a head-up display are just some of the highlights.

Spend more if you will and you can get a Bose sound system, ventilated seats and smarter wheels, but I am not sure I would bother.

So, should the CX-80 be on your shopping list? Most certainly and would-be buyers are likely to be won over by the build quality, the spacious and versatile interior and efficient powertrains. I much prefer the refined nature of the six-cylinder diesel engine, but the petrol hybrid is efficient and offers tax savings for many that cannot be ignored these days. Bravo to Mazda though for giving buyers the choice.

Fast Facts
Mazda CX-80 Exclusive Line Diesel
Price £52,475 ( £57,941 with options)
Melting Copper paint (£650)
Comfort Pack (£1,400)
Convenience Pack (£1,750)
Towbar (£1,666)
254PS & 550Nm torque
Combined economy 48.7mpg
Emissions 149g/km CO2
Towing capacity 2,500kg (braked)
Insurance group 37A