Hot on the heels of testing the diesel version, Al Suttie tries Mazda’s new flagship CX-80 in plug-in hybrid guise.

Mazda CX-80 2.5 PHEV AWD Homura Plus

List price (BiK): £54,665 (12%)   CO2: 36g/km   Economy: 176.6mpg   Test efficiency: 33.4mpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

Following a spell with the Mazda CX-80 in diesel form, here we have the much more fleet-friendly 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid version. It promises an EV driving range of up to 38 miles and 176.6mpg combined economy. Impressive stuff from a large MPV which, in this particular Homura Plus version, has the no-cost option of six captain seats rather than the 2-3-2 seating of the 3.3D I tried earlier.

Tuesday

It’s stating the obvious to some extent, but what a huge difference this plug-in powertrain makes to the CX-80 – much of it good, some of it less so. There is notably more acceleration off the mark in the PHEV compared to the diesel, which is borne out by the plug-in’s 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds. With a combined 327hp from the petrol-electric motor combo, that’s decent but not that impressive due to this car’s hefty 2.3-tonne kerb weight.

Wednesday

In a typical mix of A-road driving for me, the CX-80 PHEV makes easy progress, though I am aware the engine is a little more audible than the diesel version. Press hard on the throttle and the 2.5-litre petrol errs into being coarse, though it does settle back to distant hum once you reach cruising speed. You can also select different driving modes, with Normal being the default and best in my view.

Thursday

Should you make the most of the CX-80’s EV charging ability, there’s no doubt it could achieve much better than the 33.4mpg showing on the dash. It’s not been an option for me but brief spells of EV running show the CX-80 is as happy whirring along as any of its key rivals with similar drivetrains. Also, the swap from EV to hybrid power is seamless as you are driving.

Friday

Aside from what lies under the bonnet of the CX-80 PHEV compared to the diesel model, the biggest difference is the way these two models ride over bumpy surfaces. Where the diesel has an unwelcome firmness, the PHEV is more supple and also lighter on its toes into and through corners. It feels much more like a Mazda should with a carefully judged blend of comfort and capability.

Saturday

The six-seat cabin layout will suit many SUV drivers who don’t need the full seven-seat offering. The walk-through space between the two middle row chairs is big enough to actually, well, walk through to the third row. It’s much easier to do this than tip the middle row seats when accessing the third row, which would tempt me to have this configuration on its own, plus it’s a no-cost option.

Sunday

The interior fit and finish of the CX-80 is beyond reproach. Everything feels solid, high grade and looks good, plus Mazda uses its rotary controller for the infotainment, which sidesteps almost all of the usual gripes with touchscreens. Fleet drivers will appreciate the low emissions, but make sure you can keep it charged up to get the best from the economy with this plug-in hybrid compared to the diesel model.