MAZDA launched its new CX-80 flagship SUV a couple of months back and I was very impressed when I sampled it on roads around Edinburgh and Fife.

On a launch you only get to spend a day or a few hours with a new car but now I have enjoyed a longer spell with the handsome SUV which is the most spacious SUV ever offered by Mazda in Europe.

It features three rows of seats, a superb cabin and a choice of two technically impressive advanced drivetrains.

Based on its sibling CX-60, the newcomer is offered with a choice of two engines - a six-cylinder diesel or a plug-in hybrid petrol.

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. On the launch I found the engine delivered its power instantly and smoothly and was refined. The 17.8kWh battery is 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 on electric only power.

I said at the time I would opt for the 3.3-litre mild hybrid diesel which made its debut in the CX-60 and after spending more time with it I would stick with my decision. 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 power plants. It can also get you to 62mph in just 8.4 seconds and makes a nice noise whilst doing it.

Mazda will steal sales from rivals who have abandoned diesel power and that is no surprise as on a couple of longer runs I achieved over 50mpg - astonishing for a car of this size.

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 latest model to arrive in Europe from Mazda's Large Product Group, it shares much with the smaller CX-60 and looks good from any angle.

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 thanks to its Soul of Motion design.

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.

The Takumi version I spent time with featured lovely white Nappa leather, maple wood trim and Japanese hanging stitching on the light fabric dash panel.

It also boasts a great Bose sound system and all the instruments and controls are easy to read and use, while the superb cabin makes you feel special and is a match for anything produced by more expensive brands.

There is a choice of driving modes and the car is a great drive with bags of versatile space. Theluxury interior and generous equipment levels go across all trims as well as all the latest award-winning safety equipment and driver aids.