I took the Mazda CX-60 Exclusive for a drive – it’s smooth, goes like stink and proves diesel is not dead

MUSIC to the ears for lots of Sun readers: Diesel is NOT dead.

It’ll continue to fuel Mazda-shaped SUVs for many years yet.

While everyone else is sacking off diesel power faster than Premier League managers, Mazda continues to invest in it – and improve it.

So much so, the latest 3.3-litre diesel engine in this CX-60:

• Is cleaner than many petrols
• Emits NOx at just one-third of the compliance level for the forthcoming Euro 7 regulations
• Nudges 600 miles to a tank

Anyone who tows anything, or travels big miles every week to earn a crust, needs a fuel-efficient diesel. Simple as.

Electric cars don’t go much farther than your own postcode. Petrol SUVs are ultra-thirsty.

Whereas we averaged 48mpg in the CX-60 diesel and we weren’t even trying to be good.

Also, it goes like stink.

Mazda is all about “right-sizing”. Which means it believes higher capacity engines are better for fuel efficiency and performance than smaller engines, because they are less stressed.

I agree.

This 3.3-litre six-cylinder with 48v mild hybrid tech is all the proof you need.

Smooth, strong, quiet, buckets of low-down torque, paired beautifully with an eight-speed auto. You won’t get embarrassed at the lights. Overtaking isn’t a problem.

Yet fuel consumption is better than the smaller 2.2-litre diesel in the CX-5. You could do London to Inverness in one go.

Our test car was 254hp with full-time 4WD, grip galore, and a special Towing mode. It’ll pull 2.5 tonnes. Mazda will also sell you a 200hp rear-drive version that’ll do up to 56mpg and costs a bit less.

Tip. Whichever engine you choose, go for the smaller 18in wheels over the flashier 20in wheels as they ride a little better.

Also, stick with the base Exclusive-Line trim, which has head-up display, 12in central screen, heated steering wheel and front seats. 

All you need.

You don’t need maple wood and white Nappa leather in the poshest Takumi trim at £50k, as lovely as it is.

Got a big family? The seven-seat CX-80, coming soon, will use the same fantastic diesel engines.