SOMETIMES the moons align and this is one of those occasions.
It is hard to put your finger on why, as most cars are pretty good nowadays, but for some reason certain cars feel extra special.
Mazda’s brilliant new CX-60 diesel is just such a car. A diesel? A what? Yes, an oil burner. But why would you buy one of those? Well, it’s a mild hybrid so can be sold new until 2035, that’s 12 years and in that time I will have changed my car four times.
You can then buy and drive second hand ones with impunity and since Mazdas are supremely well made they are going to last the course – and some.
But why would you want a diesel when there are so many great petrols around including Mazda’s plug-in hybrid. Well, because it’s a cracking six cylinder motor which is lusty, spirited and frugal, that’s why.
This is the lowest powered variant but you would never know. It sounds all meaty and purposeful the minute you press the starter button. It is smooth and boasts instant pick up and even though, at 200PS, it is 54PS down on the other diesel and 127PS less than the PHEV, it never ever feels wanting. There is bags of lovely torque available from next to no revs so it feel sprightly off the mark and forceful in the mid-range, which you need for safe and swift overtakes.
It will cruise all day at the motorway maximum, or more if you are abroad, and it will sip at the fuel – 50mpg is absolutely no problem with this motor.
If you are worried about the environment don’t be as the diesel is helped by a 48V mild hybrid set-up, the CO2 figure is just 138g/km and the NOx rating is low too. It’s the cleanest in its sector and in the world and rivals many a petrol-powered machine.
It looks smart, large and imposing on the road sharing the CX family aesthetic but with even bolder lines and more rugged proportions. The extra girth over the rest of its siblings makes it large and comfortable inside with a generous load bay for your belongings, so it is practical too.
Add in delectable, sporty handling, immense grip, true poise, light steering and powerful brakes and you have a vehicle that is as enjoyable to drive along the twisties as anything you are likely to find. It is just plain fun, like and MX-5 on steroids.
It’s a gorgeous sunny summer’s evening and the road splits left and right. One way takes you to the motorway and the quick route home, the other through the hills on amazing roads, which is actually shorter but takes ten minutes longer. No contest. It’s the twisty way for me and the school commute is instantly turned into a lovely drive out – and that’s down to the Mazda.
I don’t care that it takes longer because I want to be behind the wheel and you can’t say that about too many cars on the market, especially after a day at work.
The other reason for being happy in the CX-60 is the interior which is exquisitely built.
Even the entry Exclusive-Line feels plush and features meticulous build and detailing thanks to Japanese craftsmanship. High grade trim and delightful stitching set the Mazda apart. It feels squeak and rattle free and will be for many years to come.
When Mazda designed and built the new CX-60 the moon was definitely in the ascendancy. It’s an absolutely cracking SUV in every sense and one that feel special every time you climb behind the wheel.
Fact File
Mazda CX-60 diesel
Engine: 3.3 e-Skyactiv diesel MHEV
Power: 200PS, 450Nm torque
0-62mph: 8.4 secs
Top speed: 132mph
Combined MPG: 56
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
CO2 g/km: 129
Price: From £43,101.00
