Mazda CX-80

If you're in the market for a plush and practical SUV, should you consider the Mazda CX-80? We're living with a plug-in hybrid version to find out

- STEVE HUNTINGFORD

THE IDEA THAT space is the ultimate luxury has been expressed by philosophers, architects and even a pastry chef.

And if it's a sentiment you agree with, chances are you'll love my new Mazda CX-80, given that this seven-seat SUV is about as roomy as the average airship hangar.

But, at the same time, if you think luxury has more to do with craftsmanship and material quality, this car's interior should still win you over, because the standard of assembly is exceptional, and all of the major surfaces are made from swish plastics or covered in leather.

True, Mazda's quality has long been good, so this isn't surprising.

However, I find it refreshing that it's maintaining its standards at a time when a lot of premium brands aren't; for example, the CX-80's interior shames that of the BMW X3 I ran previously.

Another example (that I applaud) of Mazda not blindly following trends with this car is that it has retained separate, physical climate controls instead of squeezing them onto the infotainment touchscreen, where they'd be fiddlier to use.