The Mazda CX-70 is a US-spec SUV that looks remarkably similar to the CX-90

Mazda USA claims the SUV you see above is the “first-ever CX-70”. What it fails to mention is that it should really be referred to as “the second-ever CX-90, only with the third row of seats removed”.

Seriously, have a quick click on this link and refresh your memory of the CX-90, then come back here and look at the CX-70. Almost identical, aren’t they? Both cars are built on the same platform and get the same powertrain options too (more on that in a second), although the ‘new’ CX-70 does have ever-so-slightly sportier looking bumpers front and rear.

What else is different? Well, while the CX-90 can fit up to eight people in its three rows of seating, the CX-70 only gets two rows and a maximum of five people on board. That means you get a giant boot with plenty of neat little storage tricks to stop things rattling around. Electric folding rear seats too if you want to make this essentially a massive van at the touch of a button.

Inside there’s also a new red leather interior that Mazda says is inspired by the 100th Anniversary Special Edition MX-5, and Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant appears for the first time. All very exciting.

Anyway, those powertrains are led by a 3.3-litre straight-six turbo petrol that comes with mild-hybrid assist and can be had in either 276bhp or 335bhp forms. Looking for more hybridisation? There’s also a plug-in hybrid that pairs a 2.5-litre four-pot petrol with an electric motor for 319bhp. All powertrains get an eight-speed auto gearbox.

Was there a real need for Mazda to chuck the seats out of a CX-90?