MAZDA has just launched its new CX-80 flagship and it is off to a winning start as it has just been given a top safety rating.

It has been named Best in Class Large SUV by Euro NCAP after a series of tests and is a reward for Mazda's safety innovations.

The handsome family SUV offers three rows of seats, a superb cabin and a choice of impressive technically advanced drivetrains.

Based on its sibling CX-60, it's the most spacious SUV ever offered by Mazda in Europe.

The newcomer is offered with a choice of two engines - a six-cylinder diesel or a plug-in hybrid petrol.

I recently had the chance to try both versions in and around Edinburgh and Fife.

For tax reasons the plug-in will probably takemost UK sales and its 2.5-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor, creating 323 bhp and 369lb ft of torque.

That means it is good for a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds whichis impressive for such a large vehicle. The engine delivers its power instantly and smoothly and feels refined. The 17.8kWh battery is apparently good for up to 38 miles of electric only driving and so if it is kept charged should allow owners to tackle most of their daily commute.

I have to say that I would opt for the 3.3-litre mild hybrid diesel which made its debut in the CX-60. Don't be put off by its size as this technically advanced unit delivers 251 bhp and yet can achieve nearly 50mpg - better than some much smaller units. It can also get you to 62mph in just 8.4 seconds and makes a nice noise whilst doing it.

It should certainly help Mazda steal sales from rivals who have abandoned diesel power.

On a variety of roads the CX-80 performed well with little body roll and the suspension dealt well with most surfaces. Thanks to its four-wheel-drive system it alwaysoffered stacks of grip and the steering was accurate with just the right amount of feedback.

The CX-80 is a very large car but thanks to clever Mazda design it is striking. It is the latest model to arrive in Europe from Mazda's Large Product Group and it shares much with the smaller CX-60.

Longer and taller than its sibling in order to deliver the space needed for a three-row interior it has an identical width.

Inside the superbly crafted cabin provides lots of head and legroom for passengers and can even take adults in the third row. Owners can also select from three different seating configurations and enjoy the premium feel.

The driving position is excellent with good all-round vision and the CX-80 has real presence on the road.

A big 12.3-inch screen provides all the information and entertainment you need and is operated by Mazda's traditional rotary controller in the centre console.

With new colours and priced from just over £50,000 to £60,515, the CX-80 is available in the UK across five grades: Exclusive-Line, Homura, Takumi, Homura Plus and Takumi Plus. Takumi and Takumi Plus grade Mazda CX-80s feature lovely white Nappa leather, maple wood trim and Japanese hanging stitching on the light fabric dash panel, while the Homura grade contrasts this with a darker cabin ambiance that features a black interior with Nappa leather upholstery and gunmetal trim finishes.

All the instruments and controls are easy to read and use and the superb cabin makes you feel good and is a match for anything produced by more expensive prestige models

A great drive,bags of versatile space, superb interiorsand generous equipment levels across all trims as well as all the latest safety equipment and driver aids mean that the CX-80 is well worth a look for those that require seven seats.

Commenting on the all-new Mazda CX-80, Jeremy Thomson, managing director, Mazda Motors UK, said: "The all-new Mazda CX-80 is our new flagship SUV, a car that sits at the very top of our range in the UK, it offers a unique blend of space, practicality, luxury and stand-out design. It combines progressive design anchored in Japanese aesthetics with outstanding on-board accommodation that delivers quality, style, flexibility and superior technology, all combined with the signature driving performance delivered by every Mazda."

He added: "The all-new Mazda CX-80 is a car that will allow us to challenge the established premium brands in the UK market with a luxury SUV that is the most spacious car in Mazda's European line-up. This opens the Mazda brand up to customers who need the space and practicality of a three-row large SUV."