IT may have seemed counter-intuitive for a major auto manufacturer to put a new diesel engine in its flagship model, but Mazda bucked the trend with some success.

And with the ban on combustion engine vehicles ringmoved to 2035, the CX-60 diesel offers a great alternative in the highlycompetitive SUV market.

The striking-looking SUV is a challenger to premium German and Swedish brands, with an elegant, dynamic design that gives it a real road presence.

Available in three model grades: Exclusive-Line, Homura, and Takumi, all of which offer high levels of equipment and cutting-edge technology, it is firmly at the premium end of the market.

Featuring Mazda'sKodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy, it offers a striking profile, and high-end driver-centric cabin and an excellent driving experience,

Powered by Mazda's new 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv diesel engine and supplemented by a 48v mild-hybrid electric motor, the Japanese firm is confident this engine is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world.

The firm calls it the right solution at the right time. It features the fancy-named 'Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) Technology, which helps it achieve a thermal efficiency (the relationship between the total energy contained in the fuel, and the amount of energy used to perform useful work) of over 40 per cent.' Phew, well its hi-tech anyway.

Itis ideal for high-mileage drivers and those who need to tow regularly, thanks to its high torque delivery and 2,500kg trailer weight towing capacity.

Premium quality it is and you pay for that, but it comes with a range of features, including high-end safety equipment, connectivity through Mazda Connect for phone apps, and innovative navigation and infotainment through the high-end Bose system.

The interior theme is "Crafted in Japan," and all models feature leather upholstery, 12.3-inch colour central display screen, with a rotary dial which controls features like navigation, infotainment and connectivity, they also feature a head-up display, while the driver's instrument binnacle display is a full-colour TFT-LCD display.

The list goes on with auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, four USB-C inputs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus connected services via the My Mazda App.

On the road, the diesel engine is both refined and frugal and is available in two power levels: a 254ps all-wheel drive model with 550Nm of torque, assisted by a 48v mild-hybrid electric motor, and a less powerful 200ps unit available with rear-wheel drive only.

This model featured the AWD 254ps engine which delivers a claimed average of 53.3mpg with CO2 emissions from 137g/km. The drive comes via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be switched to steering wheel paddles and engaging Sport mode which sharpens up engine and suspension responses for a more rewarding drive.

It is very quick off the mark, hitting 60mph in just over seconds and like all diesels, offers that mid-range torque for effortless motorway overtaking.

Highly practical, there is plenty of space for five occupants together with a large 520-litre boot that opens up into a cavernous space with the rear seats folded. It is also packed with safety features, including airbags, a 360-degree monitor with extended field of view at low speeds, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Stylish and well-equipped, this SUV is an excellent choice for those who need a practical, premium, and reliable vehicle.