The elegant Mazda CX-80 is the flagship of the range and highlights Mazda’s ability to offer a premium seven-seat SUV amongst stiff competition

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Car Reviewed: Mazda CX-80 3.3D 254ps AWD Takumi Plus

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The CX-80 enables Mazda to compete with premium brands in the segment and is the largest car in the European line-up.

In 2022 came the Mazda CX-60, powered by the same diesel engine, and now it is joined by the CX-80, the seven-seat offering; the CX-60 also comes with a series of updates for this year.

The premium SUV is offered with two powertrains: a 3.3-litre e-SkyActiv straight six with 251hp or a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid with 323hp, both use an eight-speed auto transmission, along with electronically controlled four-wheel drive. The PHEV gives an electric range of 38 miles.

This CX-80 is large and pretty handsome, at nearly 5 metres long; it’s more than generous in space, slightly big to manoeuvre, but well assisted with parking cameras and aids.

As expected with a Mazda, it is all very well put together, with five grades available: Takumi Plus at the top of the range, followed by Exclusive-Line, Homura, Takumi, and Homura Plus; all models are available with option packs to customise seat layouts and other equipment.

There is a choice of three middle-row seat combinations; the seven-seat layout with the middle-row bench will be standard, as there are six seat options: two captain’s style seats with a walk-through space or two captain’s seats with a fixed centre console. Whichever style, it’s a roomy vehicle with the tallest of passengers able to be seated comfortably.

It’s all very well laid out for the driver, with Alexa used for voice control of music, air-conditioning, navigation and other third-party apps. Apple CarPlay and Android are also available and easy to set up.

The Takumi Plus is at the top end, so expect stylish premium fabrics. The lighter-coloured interior was very pleasing for a vehicle this size, and it is easy to get comfy for a long drive. Heating and ventilation are controlled by traditional-style buttons and a large rotary controller with a home button for the touchscreen…which you don’t actually have to touch. Once you get used to it, it works very well.

The Takumi Plus model we drove first came in one of the latest Mazda colours, Artisan red, created using Mazda painting technology. Another new colour is melting copper, which is slightly unusual at first glance but grows on you and becomes quite appealing. Nine colours in all are available.

On the road, the 3.3-litre diesel pulled well; it’s very torquey and easy to get the most out of, and it’s reasonably economical, too, giving around 48.7mpg. It rides well; 0-62mph comes up in 8.4 seconds. It’s a big car but generally pleasing to drive and would be great for long distances.

Another thing to note is that the CX-80 is impressive for towing and an excellent choice for those with caravans, boats, or trailers. A standout feature is the camera system, which helps align the hitch accurately. This system includes rear-view cameras and guidelines that help you back up precisely to the trailer.

The diesel is the better choice if long distances are your bag; the PHEV is suitable if your driving needs are different, shorter distances, and charging is available at home. Then, you could benefit from driving electric with better mpg and lower emissions.

You may not have considered a Mazda, but this is undoubtedly a posh, likeable one, and the CX-60 has sold surprisingly well. Mazda has high hopes for the CX-80. It is a bold move.

The brand has much more to come as it moves towards electrification amongst its other well-chosen power trains. The electrified All-New Mazda 6e and a new sports car, the Mazda Iconic with innovative rotary engine and EV tech, were being teased at the recent event.