Mazda CX-60

FIRST DRIVE Efficient six-cylinder diesel joins the line-up

- Sean Carson

WITH the automotive world turning on an all-new straight-six turbodiesel engine might seem like an unusual strategy. But nonetheless, Mazda has done just that with its CX-60 premium SUV.

In any case, smooth, six-cylinder diesels have always worked well in cars like this, so while it's an individual move for Mazda to do such a thing, it's a tried and tested recipe to sit alongside the brand's company car tax-busting CX-60 PHEV; diesel will account for just 13 per cent of sales.

There are two 3.3-litre diesel options (a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol will follow), and the UK will take this 197bhp version in base-spec Exclusive-Line trim only, offering the more powerful 254bhp option in Takumi and Homura specs.

As with many diesels, though, the power figure doesn't tell the whole story. Instead, it's the 450Nm torque output that contributes towards the engine's character. Officially, the 197bhp CX-60 will clock the 0-62mph sprint in 8.4 seconds, but it's much nicer to drive around at lower revs and using less accelerator travel, making use of a clever new technology Mazda has developed.

It's (not so snappily) called Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition. It's an advanced system that delivers tangible results, Mazda claims.