The Mazda CX-60 offers a larger-than-usual interior compared to normal medium-sized SUVs, thanks to its considerable length, width and height.

Large doors open wide for unimpeded entry/egress, the seating is high and offers good forward vision, while the driving position is also first class, and is aided by comfy and very supportive front seats.

Reflecting Mazda’s premium aspirations, the dashboard is of notable solidity and elegance.

Its design and layout may be construed as conservative, but it’s all there, with an electronic instrument display ahead of the driver and a separate, central touchscreen, of either 10.25-inches in the cheaper grades and 12.3 inches in the more-expensive versions. Aided by a rotary controller, the display is set up high in the centre console, and everything functions easily and intuitively.

Other CX-60 cabin strengths include lots of space front and rear, excellent ventilation and a thoughtful amount of storage. On the other hand, side and rear vision is restricted.

The Mazda CX-60 is motivated by a choice of three powertrains.

The 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is the most popular. Dubbed the G40e, it produces 209kW of power and 450Nm of torque.

Then there is a turbo-diesel version of the 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, making 187kW and 550Nm.

Finally, there is Mazda’s familiar 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but this time mated to a 129kW electric motor powered by a 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version, for a system total of 241kW and 500Nm. It also allows up to 76km of pure EV driving range.

All are paired with an eight-speed, non-torque-converter wet-plate-clutch automatic transmission, and though rear-biased, it’s to an all-wheel drive system.

The Mazda CX-60 G40e petrol can accelerate from 0-100km/h in about 6.9 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 200km/h.

The Mazda CX-60 D50e diesel can accelerate from 0-100km/h in about 7.3 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 219km/h.

The Mazda CX-60 P50e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can accelerate from 0-100km/h in about 5.8 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 200km/h.

Though larger than your average medium-sized SUV, the Mazda CX-60 sticks to the traditional five-seat configuration.

The front pair are comfortable and supportive bucket seats, finished in cloth trim and with manual adjustment in the base grade. Moving up to the mid-grade versions, the swap out for artificial leather facings and are electrically powered. The top-of-the-line models adopt leather upholstery.

Meanwhile, the CX-60’s rear bench seat is fixed, but the backrests are split 40:20:40, to allow for versatile combinations of person and cargo carrying options.

Officially, the Mazda CX-60 G40e petrol returns 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, and spews out 174 grams per kilometre of CO2. Fitted with a 58L petrol tank, expect an average range of around 780km.

Moving on to the Mazda CX-60 D50e diesel, it manages 5.0L/100km, for a CO2 figure of 132g/km, resulting in a range average of about 1160km.

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-60 P50e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models offer 2.1L/100km, for a CO2 figure of 49g/km, for a range average of 2380km from its 50L tank, though on 95 RON premium unleaded brew only.

Even the base version of the Mazda CX-60 is well specified, with LED headlights, auto high beams, keyless entry/push-button start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree surround-view camera, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, 10.25-inch multimedia display screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, USB ports, climate control with rear air vents and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Evolve gains a larger touchscreen, artificial leather trim, a wireless charger, ground-view monitor, powered tailgate and a few more driver-assist safety items.

Rising to the Touring brings leather trim and heated/powered front seats with driver’s side memory.

Climbing up to the GT adds adaptive LED headlights, a Bose 12-speaker audio upgrade, a panoramic sunroof, a powered/heated steering wheel, hands-free tailgate operation, heated rear seats, richer trim and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Finally, the Azami features Nappa leather, glossier finishes, vented front seats and more.