DIESEL POWER: Mazda CX-60 and CX-80 powered by mighty 3.3-litre, inline 6, e-Skyactiv D, derv burning engine

SAY hello to Mazda’s mighty CX-60 and CX-80 SUVs.

The CX-60 is a machine I’m very familiar with.

After all, it was my trusty steed as I navigated over 700 miles through Morocco with Mazda on one of its Epic Adventures last April.

The CX-80 is a new seven-seater version of the CX-60 and is now the new flagship of the Mazda line-up in Europe.

Dimensionally the CX-80’s wheelbase has grow by 250mm compared to the CX-60 to deliver the space needed for that extra, third row of seats.

And for added passenger comfort, the CX-80 is 26mm taller than the CX-60, but like its little brother, it’s a handsome machine.

Both look virtually identical with only the side profile showing off the CX-80’s longer length.

Both are big beasts and need proper engines to haul them along.

And even though there is a plug-in hybrid version which combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 129kW electric motor and a 17.8kWh high-capacity battery, Mazda built an entirely new diesel engine for the CX-60.

It’s called the e-Skyactiv D, is also available in the CX-80, and it’s 3.3-litres in size.

This in-line six-cylinder packs a punch producing 254bhp and 550Nm of torque, so it hauls the CX-60 and CX-80 along like freight trains.

Diesel passenger vehicles are few and far between these days but I’m still a big fan and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed driving both Mazda DERV-burning SUVs.

As the e-Skyactiv D engine is a straight-six, it’s super smooth, with a relentless delivery of power, and it even sounds great.

The CX-60 takes 7.4secs to go from 0-62mph while the bigger and slightly heavier CX-80 takes 8.4secs, but both have the same top speed of 136mph.

Both are all-wheel drive so the grip is superb, and the eight-speed auto is smooth shifting.

And you can also use the steering-wheel-mounted paddles for some manual gearbox shifting.

You can also stick it in Sport mode, watch the dials turn red, then launch yourself down the road at an alarming rate.

And for such a big bus the CX-80 manages to be just as nimble as the CX-60.

For 2025 Mazda made revisions to the rear suspension set-up to enhance comfort and stability, fitting softer rear springs and firmer shock absorber settings to improve overall handling.

Mazda prides itself with a full line-up of ‘driver cars’ so even its seven-seater model can proudly boast its Jinba Ittai ethos, which, loosely translated from Japanese means, ‘horse and rider as one’.

Both SUVs use 48v mild-hybrid tech to help them hit around 45mpg, or more on a long run, or if you are extra careful.

Inside, Mazda’s build quality shines with a really plush and luxurious interior, with front and rear heated and air-cooled seats.

There’s traditional rev counter and speedo dials — for an old-school feel with a modern twist — as it’s fully loaded with tech.

And they now come equipped with Alexa so you can use your voice to control your music, the air-con and navigation as well as third-party apps.

It’s got dual 12.3in screens, one for the driver and a central infotainment display that’s only touch operated when you are stopped.

When driving, you have to use the rotary dial — so you can keep your eyes on the road.

And top marks to Mazda for having simple-to-use, toggle switches for the heating and a strip of physical buttons for the rest of its most-used functions.

The CX-80 has a choice of seat configurations; you can opt for a three-seat middle row and two behind, or two captain’s seats in the middle with a walk-through space or a fixed centre console.

My test car was the regular three-seat middle-row option that is split 60-40 and can be slid back and forth with access into the third row, a simple affair.

I’m not the tallest guy in the world and was reasonably comfortable back there, although tall passengers would struggle — but if you’ve kids, they’ll love it.

The CX-60 and CX-80 are available in five trim levels: Exclusive-Line, Homura, Homura Plus, Takumi and Takumi Plus, with the new Homura grade featuring black Nappa leather seats and a revised dash panel.

There are also new paint options.

Soul Red Crystal is still my favourite, but now Zircon Sand Metallic, Artisan Red, and Melting Copper have been added too.