ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS WENT WEST WITH THE MAZDA CX-60 AWD.

When I have the opportunity to test drive a new car; it can be on a launch, quite often in an exotic location or when I have on loan to drive on local tarmac. So when a Mazda CX-60 AWD arrived, I decided to do something a little different- a road trip.

Over a four day period I took in seven counties; Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo. Amongst the places that I have visited, I am often drawn back to the West of Ireland and it remains a firm favourite; the scenery, the great driving roads and the friendly people. My chosen base was Enniscrone with its fabulous beach and the Ocean Sands Hotel. A tip, an ideal book, a pocket guide to the Wild Atlantic Way published by Gill Books; I found it ideal for quick reference to places I stopped to visit.

I have to say that the Mazda CX-60 AWD with its 3.3 litre diesel engine proved ideal. How good it was to take the wheel of a diesel car amidst a sea of EVs; this generous sized Mazda proved very comfy and for good measure a perfect cruiser. I have been told by a few never to entirely rely on a vehicle’s sat nav and one occasion I was taken down a bog road; however, not a problem, the all-wheel drive of the CX-60 got me safely back on road. To the heart of the matter, the all-new, 3.3 litre in-line six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D diesel engine demonstrates clearly Mazda’s never stop challenging approach to engine development; this new diesel engine features Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) Technology. This highly innovative advanced combustion technology makes the new e-Skyactiv D unit one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world, achieving a thermal efficiency of over 40%. Developed using the ‘right sizing’ concept which optimises displacement to improve both fuel and power efficiency, the all-new 3,283cc longitudinally installed common rail electric direct injection six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D is offered with a choice of two power outputs: 200PS and 450Nm with rear-wheel drive and 254PS and 550Nm with Mazda i-Activ AWD. Featuring a new 48v Mazda M Hybrid Boost this engine combines high output with excellent fuel economy and the combination of DCPCI and Mazda M Hybrid technologies contribute significantly to the CX-60’s frugal fuel consumption and low emissions.

Looking at performance, rest to 100kph (62mph) in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 218kph (136mph). Good economy certainly was one of the surprises that this Mazda conjured up for me. Ease of drive really impressed, thanks to a highly efficient automatic transmission, already noted comfort; however there is an abundance of driver aids and safety aids to keep driver and fellow passengers safe. One feature which I thoroughly enjoyed, the head up display, in my opinion the best I have tested to date and I will state that every new car should have this system, it keeps your eyes firmly in the direction you are going. Far too many EVs which I have tested in recent months have featured iPad like screens located away from your direct vision; this is a distraction. While the Mazda CX-60 abounds with technology and quality of drive; it is also a most practical vehicle, with lots of storage space; a huge boot, easily expanded by folding down the rear seats.

My test vehicle had three options, special Machine Grey paint, Comfort Pack and Convenience and Driver Assistance Pack This Mazda scores very highly in my book, a good all-rounder and one which carried me safely as I visited many of my favourite locations along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Ian Lynas