Mazda CX-80 review

You can’t expect much from a gigantic seven-seater. But the CX-80 does what it can, only feeling oversized if you overdo it into say a small roundabout. The chassis has actually been slightly retuned since the launch of the CX-60, so it steers more calmly and progressively. It's an easy car to bowl along in, even when the going gets twisty. It turns decisively and reassuringly, although there's little real feel to the wheel, and obviously traction is never an issue.

Is it comfortable for everyone?

It's not soft like the Hyundai Santa Fe. Mazdas are always tuned to feel slightly taut. But it isn't harsh or crashy. That said the 18-inch wheels of the base model transmit less high-frequency vibes.

What’s the performance like?

The PHEV’s 6.8 seconds to 62mph looks good on paper. But in practice if you want heavy acceleration at short notice from a steady speed, the result is a lot of noise for not a lot of movement. The eight-speed auto can be ponderous in the plug-in as the computer brain tries to juggle everything.

That's not a problem in the diesel car, which - although 1.6s slower to 62mph - feels like it’s making more progress because you get out what it puts in.

Which powertrain is better?

The diesel is objectively a better drive, with a bit less weight for the suspension to cope with and a smoother application of power and torque. The straight six motor has a strangely appealing sound to it, and unlike the PHEV the noise and forward motion sync up. It's more natural, in other words.

Of course, the diesel doesn’t really make too much sense these days, especially if you’re a company car driver. But if you put in the motorway miles and can’t charge at home...