Where rival manufacturers such as Honda and Toyota have already piloted a course to EV, Mazda is currently transitioning to electric power. As part of the transition, it continues to develop and offer petrol and diesel engines, with impressive fuel consumption. Although we were told 80% of Mazda sales were electrified last year, and following on from the MX-30, a new EV range is incoming – with the first model being the Mazda6e, launching later this year.
The CX-60 SUV that was launched in the UK in 2022 is the perfect showcase of the Japanese company’s transition. On top of having Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid petrol engine, this keen driving SUV was then made available with the impressively frugal mild-hybrid, 3.3-litre Skyactiv diesel engine. Popular in fleet, the CX-60 now has a bigger, range-topping sibling – the CX-80, with its sights set on Skoda’s impressive new Kodiaq.
Design and interior
From the front, it’s hard to tell the difference between the CX-80 and the newly updated CX-60 – this is because they are the same car until the end of the front doors. From there, it’s all change with longer rear doors and quarters (the result of fitting extra seats to this seven-seater). The CX-60 always had its own sense of style, but the CX-80 is a bit ungainly from the rear, where the longer rear doors and quarters and more bulbous tailgate are most obvious.
The inside, like the outside, is largely the same as in the CX-60. It is still an attractive design, with logically-placed switchgear. This is backed up by quality materials and trim – although we drove the entry-level Exclusive Line equipment grade, and its faux metal dashboard and door trims do a good job of undermining this model’s premium aspirations. This is a shame, because it is well-equipped, with items such as leather trim as standard.
Space in the front of this Mazda is adequate, and the driving position is good. Move to the second row, and there are two layouts to choose from. We had the standard rear bench – expected to be the most popular option. Although, there’s also a separate ‘captain’ seats option for the second row, which can be slid forward and back. Key rival, the plug-in version of the Skoda Kodiaq, is only available with five seats. In the CX-80, with all three sets of seats in place, boot space is 258 litres. However, fold them all, and this jumps to 1,971 litres, although the curvy boot doesn’t open as high as you might expect.
Performance and drive
Available with a choice of plug-in hybrid petrol and diesel power, it’s the plug-in that’s expected to get the most fleet interest. The PHEV version combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 17.9kWh battery and rear motor. The result is 327hp, although it never felt that quick during our drive. Fleet drivers will be more interested in the 37 miles of electric range, 176.5mpg, and the 12% company car tax BIK figure.
On the road, our test car’s EV range equalled 25 miles, on three-quarters charge. With charge in the battery, this Mazda feels much more willing – without charge, acceleration feels far strained and loud. The drive modes don’t appear to change much about the drive, other than in ‘Sport,’ where the engine stays on all the time, but feels even more strained, although the throttle response is snappier.
All CX-80 versions are four-wheel drive. If you go diesel instead, you get 250hp from a 3.3-litre straight-six engine, which features clever pistons, fuel injection technology, and is aided by a 48V mild hybrid system, or M-Hybrid Boost, which also includes a 17hp electric motor to help efficiency when starting off, or at low revs. Highlights are 550Nm of torque, and a lusty soundtrack – although the BIK rating jumps to 34%. This engine’s lazy character is probably the reason it’s so frugal, and the most satisfying of the CX-80s to drive.
On the road, accurate steering marks the CX-80 out – it feels impressively focused when compared to the Skoda. Mazda has also made changes to the ride, with softer springs and the removal of the rear anti-roll bar. The result should equal a more comfortable, compliant ride, but the cars on the international launch were fitted with 20in wheels, equalling a brittle edge to the ride. However, our Exclusive Line spec car was on the smallest 18in wheels, equalling more composure – if no more driving fun. Other less favourable driving characteristics remain from the CX-60. The brakes are hard to modulate at low speeds. Plus, the throttle response can be snatchy – especially when the hybrid battery is empty.
Overall, like the CX-60 before it, the CX-80 is a welcome addition to the SUV sector, with its quality, equipment and practicality. However, after trying this car on UK roads, the Skoda Kodiaq remains our favourite – unless seven-seats are a priority!
Positive: Precise steering, quality, practicality, torque and efficiency of the diesel engine
Negative: PHEV engine harsh without charge, unsettled ride on bigger wheels, sometimes wallowy to drive.
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, LED automatic headlights and DRLs, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, smart keyless entry, leather seat trim, heated front seats and steering wheel, frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electronic parking brake, 12.3in driver display, 12.3in central display with sat-nav, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, windscreen-projected colour head-up display, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, intelligent speed assist, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking with turn-across traffic function, traffic sign recognition.
Engines: Plug-in Hybrid: 327hp; Diesel mild hybrid: 250hp
Equipment grades: Exclusive-Line, Homura, Homura Plus, Takumi, Takumi Plus
Transmissions Eight-speed automatic
| Model | Mazda CX-80 2.5 Exclusive-Line eSkyactiv PHEV AWD Auto |
| P11D | £48,865 |
| Residual value | 44% |
| Depreciation | £27,300 |
| Fuel | £5,217 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £3,155 |
| Cost per mile | 59.45p |
| Fuel consumption | 176.6mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 35g/km (12%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £98/£195 |
| Luggage capacity | 258 litres |
| Engine size/power | 2,4888cc + electric motor/327hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
