Category Archives: SUV/4X4

Manufacturer, Mazda, SUV/4X4

Mazda CX-60 D

Leave a comment

Impressive diesel bucks the trend

It may have seemed counter-intuitive for a major manufacturer to put a new diesel engine in its flagship model, but Mazda bucked the trend with some success. Also with the ban on combustion engine vehicles ring moved to 2035, it offers a great alternative in the highly competitive SUV market.

The striking-looking SUV is a challenger to premium German and Swedish brands, with an elegant, dynamic design that gives it a real road presence.

Available in three model grades: Exclusive-Line, Homura, and Takumi, all of which offer high levels of equipment and cutting-edge technology, it is firmly at the premium end of the market.

Featuring Mazda’s  Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy, it offers a striking profile, and high-end driver-centric cabin and an excellent driving experience,

Powered by Mazda’s new 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv diesel engine and supplemented by a 48v mild-hybrid electric motor, the Japanese firm is confident this engine is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world.  Powered by Mazda’s new 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv diesel engine and supplemented by a 48v mild-hybrid electric motor, the Japanese firm is confident this engine is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. 

The firm calls it the right solution at the right time. It features the fancy-named ‘Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) Technology, which helps it achieve a thermal efficiency (the relationship between the total energy contained in the fuel, and the amount of energy used to perform useful work) of over 40 per cent.’ Phew, well it’s hi-tech anyway.

It is ideal for high-mileage drivers and those who need to tow regularly, thanks to its high torque delivery and 2,500kg trailer weight towing capacity.

Premium quality it is and you pay for that, but it comes with a range of features, including high-end safety equipment, connectivity through Mazda Connect for phone apps, and innovative navigation and infotainment through the high-end Bose system.

The interior theme is “Crafted in Japan,” and all models feature leather upholstery, 12.3-inch colour central display screen, with a rotary dial which controls features like navigation, infotainment and connectivity, they also feature a head-up display, while the driver’s instrument binnacle display is a full-colour TFT-LCD display.

The list goes on with auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, four USB-C inputs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus connected services via the My Mazda App.

On the road, the diesel engine is both refined and frugal and is available in two power levels: a 254PS all-wheel drive model with 550Nm of torque, assisted by a 48v mild-hybrid electric motor, and a less powerful 200PS unit available with rear-wheel drive only. 

This model featured the AWD 254PS which delivers a claimed average of 53.3mpg with CO2 emissions from 137g/km. The drive comes via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be switched to steering wheel paddles and engaging Sport mode which sharpens up engine and suspension responses for a more rewarding drive.

It is very quick off the mark, hitting 60mph in just over seconds and like all diesels, offers that mid-range torque for effortless motorway overtaking.

Highly practical, there is plenty of space for five occupants together with a large 520-litre boot that opens up into a cavernous space with the rear seats folded. It is also packed with safety features, including airbags, a 360-degree monitor with extended field of view at low speeds, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC), and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Stylish and well-equipped, this SUV is an excellent choice for those who need a practical, premium, and reliable vehicle. 

Also for those looking to do high mileage while still enjoying the best of creature comforts within the cabin. Prices start at £42,990, rising to £50,730 on the road.

Factfile

Mazda CX-60 3.3D 254ps AWD Homura

Price: £50,395

Mechanical: 3,283cc 200PS six cylinder diesel mild hybrid driving all wheels rear wheels via eight speed automatic transmission

Max speed: 136mph

0-62mph: 7.4 seconds

Range: 50.3mpg

CO2 emissions: 139g/km

Insurance group: 38

BIK rating: 32%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Electric/hybrid, Subaru, SUV/4X4

Subaru Forester

Leave a comment

Upgraded hybrid Forester continues to impress

By Bill McCarthy

The fifth-generation Forester offers something markedly different if you’re looking for off-road capability, excellent practicality and bulletproof reliability.
It always has been a bit left field, a rugged go-anywhere vehicle that is perfectly suited to the great outdoors, but now offers more with a significant makeover.
Built on the firm’s Global Platform it now offers many upgrades, together with one of the most comprehensive safety set ups in its sector.
Sitting high off the ground, all-wheel drive capability via the firm’s X-Mode hill descent control is a given.
The rugged vehicle can tackle the most challenging of terrain and offers 1,870kg braked towing capacity. It is unlikely to face those conditions, more like towing a horse box through muddy fields or working on a farm, or being an escape route from remote areas in bad weather.
Its boxy and rugged styling remains, even if the rougher edges have been smoothed out and the e-Boxer hybrid set up means that economy has improved on what has been a thirsty motor, although it still likes a drink.
The power output includes a smallish electric motor mated with a two-litre e-BOXER petrol engine. It works like a normal hybrid with automatic assistance from the electric motor when required.
Many may prefer sharper styling, but this kind of vehicle has a loyal following and the tweaks and improvements include smart light clusters and integrated roof bars.
The latest cabin features plenty of standard kit, including a hi-tech touchscreen infotainment system. Also included are the usual electric and powered bells and whistles, high-quality sound system, reversing camera and a standard, full-length sunroof.
The large stowage area is accessed via a powered tailgate and has, says Subaru, ample room for up to four large suitcases or bulky items, while the 60/40-split folding seats fold flat. It becomes a mini moving van as a couple of trips to the local tip demonstrated when moving house.
It offers an electrically operated driver’s seat with a commanding view through large glass areas and feels spacious and comfortable if a bit dark side, but this is mitigated by chrome inserts to doors, dash and pedals.


The centrepiece is an eight-inch central screen controlling smartphone connectivity, infotainment and navigation, while driver information comes via a 6.3-inch LCD display. Controls and switchgear have a chunky feel and have a dated or depending on your point of view, traditional look.
But controls are clear and legible and logically placed. However Subaru is not the first car firm to decide to make USB ports almost unreachable, hidden away under the dash. Well hidden anyway.
It is a decent drive although hitting the 60mph mark in just under 12 seconds is fairly leisurely. No boy racers here then, but once up to speed it offers a decent ride, and for the type of vehicle decent stability, with only a little body roll on corners.
It is also an excellent motorway cruiser with only some wind noise intruding from the large door mirrors.
Packed with safety kit, it features the firm’s Eyesight technology, which as the name suggests offers a second pair of eyes, or cameras, for the road ahead to detect potential hazards like other cars, motorbikes, bicycles or pedestrians and warns the driver and even applies the brakes if necessary, to help avoid an accident.
There are just three models, XE, Sport and Premium driven here.
It may not be the most sophisticated but maybe that’s the attraction for loyalists. Add to that a five year/100,000 mile warranty and it’s a tempting package.

Factfile

SsangYong Rexton Ventura Plus Auto

Price: £40,500 

Mechanical: 163ps, 2157cc, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine with eight-speed automatic transmission

Max speed: 114mph

0-62mph: 10.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 33

Insurance group: 34-35

C02 emissions: 190g/km

Bik rating: 37%

Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles