JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We get behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-80 SUV (2025)

Based on its sibling CX-60, the newcomer is offered with a choice of two engines - a six-cylinder diesel or a plug-in hybrid petrol.

In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John gets behind the wheel of the premium Mazda CX-80 seven-seat SUV and highlights how MOKE has opened a brand new UK factory to manufacture its fun product.

Mazda launched its new CX-80 flagship SUV a couple of months back and I was very impressed when I sampled it on roads around Edinburgh and Fife.

On a launch you only get to spend a day or a few hours with a new car but now I have enjoyed a longer spell with the handsome SUV which is the most spacious SUV ever offered by Mazda in Europe.

It features three rows of seats, a superb cabin and a choice of two technically impressive advanced drivetrains.

Based on its sibling CX-60, the newcomer is offered with a choice of two engines - a six-cylinder diesel or a plug-in hybrid petrol.

For tax reasons the plug-in will probably take most UK sales and its 2.5-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor, creating 323 bhp and 369lb ft of torque.

That means it is good for a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds which is impressive for such a large vehicle.

On the launch I found the engine delivered its power instantly and smoothly and was refined.

The 17.8kWh battery is good for up to 38 miles of electric only driving and so if it is kept charged should allow owners to tackle most of their daily commute on electric only power.

I said at the time I would opt for the 3.3-litre mild hybrid diesel which made its debut in the CX-60 and after spending more time with it I would stick with my decision.

Don't be put off by its size as this technically advanced unit delivers 251 bhp and yet can achieve nearly 50mpg - better than some much smaller power plants.

It can also get you to 62mph in just 8.4 seconds and makes a nice noise whilst doing it.

Mazda will steal sales from rivals who have abandoned diesel power and that is no surprise as on a couple of longer runs I achieved over 50mpg - astonishing for a car of this size.

On a variety of roads the CX-80 performed well with little body roll and the suspension dealt well with most surfaces.

Thanks to its four-wheel-drive system it always offered stacks of grip and the steering was accurate with just the right amount of feedback.

The latest model to arrive in Europe from Mazda’s Large Product Group, it shares much with the smaller CX-60 and looks good from any angle.

Longer and taller than its sibling in order to deliver the space needed for a three-row interior it has an identical width.

Inside the superbly crafted cabin provides lots of head and legroom for passengers and can even take adults in the third row.

Owners can also select from three different seating configurations and enjoy the premium feel.

The driving position is excellent with good all-round vision and the CX-80 has real presence on the road thanks to its Soul of Motion design.

A big 12.3-inch screen provides all the information and entertainment you need and is operated by Mazda's traditional rotary controller in the centre console.

With new colours and priced from just over £50,000 to £60,515, the CX-80 is available in the UK across five grades: Exclusive-Line, Homura, Takumi, Homura Plus and Takumi Plus.

The Takumi version I spent time with featured lovely white Nappa leather, maple wood trim and Japanese hanging stitching on the light fabric dash panel.

It also boasts a great Bose sound system and all the instruments and controls are easy to read and use, while the superb cabin makes you feel special and is a match for anything produced by more expensive brands.

There is a choice of driving modes and the car is a great drive with bags of versatile space.

The luxury interior and generous equipment levels go across all trims as well as all the latest award-winning safety equipment and driver aids.

The CX-80 is well worth a look for those that require premium quality, seven seats and lots of space at a very good price.

FAST FACTS:

Price: £56,305.

Mechanical: 3283cc 254ps six cylinder diesel mild hybrid driving all wheels via eight speed automatic transmission.

Max speed: 136mph.

0-62mph: 8.4 seconds.

Range: 48.7-56.5mpg.

Insurance group: 38.

CO2 emissions: 1g/km.

Bik rating: 37 per cent.

Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles.

Overall rating (out of 5): 4.8.

Meanwhile, iconic British car manufacturer MOKE has officially opened its new, wholly owned manufacturing facility in Leamington Spa, marking a significant milestone in the company’s 60th year.

The new facility will boost production efficiency, improve product quality, and strengthen MOKE’s ability to meet the growing global demand for its Electric MOKE.

With production targets exceeding 500 units this year for markets including the USA and the Mediterranean, MOKE continues to contribute to the UK economy as a net exporter.

The new Leamington Spa facility reflects the company’s commitment to British engineering and innovation in the EV sector.

The company has created dozens of new clean-tech jobs as part of the expansion, and has tripled its workforce.

Nick English, executive chairman at MOKE International, said: “It’s great to be bringing back production to the UK, and indeed the car manufacturing heartland in the Midlands, where the MOKE was originally designed by Sir Alec Issigonis.

“As we now celebrate 60 years of MOKE, we are thrilled to be marking such an exciting chapter, enhancing our craftsmanship and innovation while laying the foundation for future success.”

The new facility is also a strategic step in MOKE International’s long-term vision.

With investments in safety, homologation, and country-specific compliance, the Electric MOKE is now available in the USA, Mexico, France, Spain and the Balearic Islands, Italy, and soon, Greece.

The vehicle has achieved M1 Small Series Approval, EPA Certification, and CARB approval, making it the first EV from a low-volume manufacturer to achieve this distinction and enabling MOKE International to sell in all 50 US states.

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