IN a world of rapidly changing automotive technology one auto manufacturer at least is keeping a wary foot in the past.

Electric cars may, on the face of it, be the future, but with its latest model Mazda is sensibly still fighting the corner of the much-loved diesel.

And after sampling the new 3.3-litre, six-cylinder CX-60 diesel I'd say its likely to score a knockout victory for a lot of car enthusiasts.

Electric cars are a definite bonus for the environment but when it comes to effortless torque, or pulling power, the new CX-60 is an unquestionable champion.

And with its 48-volt mild hybrid system this newly developed 251bhp diesel is, according to Mazda, one of the cleanest ever and a world away from bad press diesels models of the past.

Certainly from a driver's point of view a diesel like this with some 540 Nm of torque - or pulling power - is a delight to drive.

It's no slouch away from the traffic lights either with 62 miles-per-hour coming up in just 7.4 seconds, but where it really shines is in its mid-range performance with an instant response to your right foot, often without even having to drop down a gear in the eight-speed auto box.

Slip the driving mode into Sport and there's a spine-tingling roar from this beefy engine and instant response. Use the paddles behind the steering wheel and it really does lighten up your driving day.

It's definitely one of the best diesels I have driven in a long time. And being a straight six it's better balanced than a V6 and is exceptionally smooth and refined with very little engine noise entering the cabin.

At 70 miles per hour the rev counter reads just 1,600 revs as this big diesel just purrs along, unhurried and unfussed ensuring relaxed journeys.

And with fuel consumption of more than 54 miles per gallon you can travel some 700 miles on a full tank of fuel.

But apart from its sheer driving pleasure a big diesel like this is ideal for anyone who does a high mileage or tows a boat or caravan. It's a car which one enthusiast told me has enough torque to "pull a planet" and is another example of what Mazda calls its "multi solution approach".

Two power levels are available; a 197 bhp, rear-wheel-drive and the 251 bhp all-wheel-drive model driven here.

They are just part of a range of CX-60 models, which includes the bestselling plug-in hybrid version.

And without doubt they all have plenty of kerb appeal with their high stance, steeply raked windscreen, muscular haunches and deep macho black grille.

Inside its equally refined and appealing with a definite upmarket feel thanks to leather upholstery, stylish trim and a high driving position giving good all-round vision.

The Homura grade model driven here is packed with a whole host of refinements and creature comforts including an opening glass sunroof, a head-up display, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a powered tailgate not to mention a 12-speaker Bose surround sound audio system.

There's generous space for five passengers as well as a bumper 570 litres of luggage space beneath the tailgate with all the seatbacks in the upright position.

This is a big vehicle by any standards, with the 20-inch black alloy wheels making it look even bigger and more imposing.