Seven-up Mazda sees SUV range upscaled

CX-80 is rebuilt for family-friendly road trips, writes Tom Sharpe

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It is some time since Mazda UK's curious decision to launch its last seven-seater on the narrow lanes of Cornwall and its new CX-80 fills the average country lane with similar aplomb.

At 4,995mm long and 1,710mm high, the CX-80 is 250mm longer and 24mm higher than its previous range-topper, the CX-60.

That added height gives impressive visibility; far better than the old Mazda 5 MPV served up on those Cornish back roads.

A wheelbase of 3,120mm also allows plenty of space for that third row of seats, allowing the CX-80 to take on the Skoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe.

The CX-80 is offered in Exclusive-line, Takumi, Homura, Takumi Plus and Homura Plus grades.