ON sale since summer 2022, the current Mazda CX-60 has impressed with an engine line-up that includes Mazda's first-plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and a new 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder diesel.

Both the PHEV and the e-Skyactiv D MHEV are offered in three highly specified model grades - Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi.

The brand says the CX-60 e-Skyactiv-D MHEV offers the perfect solution for many private buyers, higher-mileage drivers or anyone who tows regularly

In the course of developing the 3.3-litre engine, Mazda has created a - wait for it - a Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) Technology, which it claims makes the new e-Skyactiv D unit one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world.

Developed using the ‘right sizing' concept which optimises displacement to improve both fuel and power efficiency, the longitudinally installed common rail electric direct injection six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D unit is offered with a choice of two power outputs: 200ps and 450Nm with rear-wheel drive and, as driven here, a 254ps and 550Nm with Mazda i-Activ all-wheel drive.

Indeed, the Homura is offered exclusively with the 254PS AWD drivetrain, as is the range-topping Takumi grade. Both cars can be specified with the optional Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack.

As you'd expect from a Mazda, the new e-Skyactiv D-powered CX-60 delivers an impressive blend of performance and efficiency, alongside the driver focused handling, impressive comfort and quality found across the CX-60 range. The AWD 254PS Homura officially returns 53.3mpg though I managed just 41.8mpg.

Despite the 3.3-litre engine and oodles of torque, the CX-60 doesn't bolt like a scalded cat when you put your foot down. Instead, the speed builds at a nice pace with the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox making the most of the power range. Whenever you need it to perform, it will not disappoint.

There's a lovely rumble under acceleration, it's effortlessly smooth on the motorway and, even around town, it behaves like a much smaller car, if that makes sense.

When the 2025 Mazda CX-60 arrives in the UK in early summer next year, updates include interior changes to the Homura grade that replicate the cabin of the CX-80 Homura. This includes new black Nappa leather seats and a revised dash panel. The roof and pillars feature black lining, while cabin panels have been revised to a matt black and metal-like finish.

I found the CX-60 an enjoyable, comfortable and engaging drive but others remanded unconvinced. So while technical updates to the 2025 model are subtle, revisions include rear suspension set-up changes to enhance comfort and stability, an example being softer rear spring and firmer shock absorber settings that are aligned with recalibrated stability systems to improve overall handling and comfort balance.

As well as a crisp, clear and easy-to-use touchscreen system, the CX-60 thankfully retains an array of physical buttons and switches - something us ‘oldies' appreciate!

The SUV's seats are strong and supportive and electrically adjustable, however, for such a big car I felt the rear knee room was disappointing (I'm 6ft 2in). There's plenty of headroom though.

The boot offers an ample 570 litres of luggage space, which can be turned into a cavernous 1,726 with the rear seats down.

The CX-60 comes with AEB and blindspot monitoring as standard, but everything else is included in the £1,900 Convenience & Driver Assistance Pack on the diesels.

Among the safety tech is an infrared camera that monitors your face to see if you are distracted or tired - or looking down at a phone while driving. If it detects your eyes straying from the road for even a couple of seconds, it emits an audible alert.

£50,720

251bhp, 3,283cc, six-cylinder diesel engine driving all-four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission

136 mph

7.4 seconds

53.3mpg

39

137g/km

33%

3yrs/unlimited mileage