Driving Mazda’s CX-70 all-wheel-drive SUV – a five seat version of the large seven-seat CX-90. I tested the 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel CX-70 GT at $77,970 with mild hybrid assistance driving all the wheels through an 8-speed automatic. The engine gutsy and powerful as well as economical and I managed 5.7L/100 with mainly city driving. The engine performance strong in the mid-range where you do most of your motoring and with peak torque at just 2400 revs this diesel engine is very impressive. The Mazda CX-70 is a large SUV and the laid- back performance of this gutsy six-cylinder engine makes it very appealing. As is said earlier the ride quality on the CX-90 when it arrived late in 2023 was far from polished, Mazda Australia has retuned it since, the CX-70 also displays these improvements although it can still feel a little firm depending on the road surface. The CX-70 a large SUV, tipping the scales at 2216kgs, yet it handles well with a good degree of steering sharpness. What stands out in this large Mazda SUV is the quality nature of the interior in terms of space, choice of materials and fit and finish which to some extent justifies its higher price point. I’m David Berthon

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