FROM the outside, the new Mazda CX-60 Diesel is smartly bang-up-to-date with crisp, flowing lines and an appropriately macho stance.

It's built on a spanking new platform and is powered by an impressive 3.3-litre engine that's fresh out of the oven.

But in many ways, the top dog of the Mazda range is turning the clock back. As many manufacturers forsake diesel in the wake of climate change fears in favour of hybrid/petrol and electric power, the Japanese maker is investing heavily in the once uber-popular fuel.

Launched last year as a petrol plug-in version, the CX-60 is an upmarket, large SUV aimed at the Volvo, BMW and Audi market, where the majority of sales are corporate.

In terms of luxury, performance and styling it fits the bill well. But it was felt that there was still a need for diesel with its superior torque, towing ability and greater ‘real world' economy - enter the latest variant.

In a lot respects, the Diesel builds on the strengths of the petrol-plug-in, offering good on-road driving dynamics, a high level of standard equipment and a degree of prestige not far short of the German trio.

The six-cylinder turbo unit knocks out a gutsy 251 bhp in its most powerful form and is linked via an eight speed automatic gearbox to four-wheel-drive. Acceleration is punchy enough with 62mph coming up in around seven seconds, though it lags slightly behind BMW's straight six diesel.

It's a quiet engine that purrs away contentedly most of the time. Only at tick-over do you notice the telltale diesel rattle. Economy is one of its strengths - we managed regularly to get 45mpg on brisk country running. Emissions level is also good with a 138g/km.

Handling is tidy and competent rather than sporting and there's no denying the forces of gravity, for this is a tall vehicle and inevitably there's some cornering roll when pushing hard. Nevertheless, it's a pleasant drive and the ride quality we judged to be better and more controlled than the petrol version.

Mazda has made great strides in cabin design, which were first apparent in the excellent CX-5, the marque's best seller. This progress takes a further step forward in the CX-60 with quality plastic mouldings, lots of soft-touch materials all well fitted and pleasing to the eye and touch.

There's no shortage of space within the sizeable cabin. Large, well-shaped front seats hug and support their passengers and space in the rear is more than ample. The boot, too, is generously sized and well shaped holding up to 570litres of luggage. Rear seats split and fold to make way for extra cargo.

The Homura version we drove comes with electrically operated front seats, powered tailgate and panoramic opening glass sunroof as well as Bose sound equipment. Sat nav, climate control, parking sensors and reversing camera are standard across the line-up.