Large SUV goes against the grain with a big diesel engine in a quest to blend economy with pulling power On sale Now Price from £42,990
Lawrence Cheung lawrence.cheung@haymarket.com
DIESEL CARS. REMEMBER what they were like? They’ve fallen out of fashion as quickly as cigarette smoking in recent years; buyers have dashed away from the black pump as though they were quitting a dirty habit. Yet, while many manufacturers have diverted their development efforts to electric cars, Mazda thinks there’s still a place for diesel power, and its new e-Skyactiv D engine makes its debut in the CX-60.
The logic is that diesel engines still make sense to many high-mileage drivers, because their innate economy means stopping for fuel less often than would be the case in a petrol or hybrid car. A diesel’s strong low-down pulling power is also well suited to those who tow.
The 3.3-litre six-cylinder unit is offered in a choice of two power outputs. There’s an entry-level 197bhp unit, which drives the rear wheels only, and a more powerful 251bhp version with four-wheel drive. Among the emissions-reducing and economy-boosting tech both versions use is a 48V mild hybrid system, a coasting function and something called Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) technology. This is said to help the engine burn fuel more efficiently, making the most of every drop.
We tested the 197bhp version, and it feels muscular at low revs and has plenty of midrange punch to propel you up to motorway speeds with ease. Most drivers will find that, with a 0-62mph time of 8.4sec, it has plenty of performance for everyday driving.
With this engine claimed to weigh around the same as the 2.2-litre four-cylinder unit used in the smaller Mazda CX-5, the CX-60 e-Skyactiv D actually weighs 130kg less than the plug-in hybrid version and it handles in the same reassuring, composed way. You’re never in any doubt that you’re in a sizeable machine, but the steering is well weighted and precise, and there’s very little body lean when cornering.
However, the e-Skyactiv D’s suspension is much better at absorbing bumps than the firm-riding PHEV’s, and it doesn’t jiggle you as much in your seat on scruffy surfaces. It’s still firmer than an Audi Q5 or BMW X3, but you won’t wince when you pass over potholes or sleeping policemen.
The engine is smooth, too. There’s a hint of turbocharger whistle during hard acceleration, but you’ll otherwise hear just a faint rumble in the background. Any diesel clatter is masked by a digitised engine noise pumped through the speakers when you put your
