Still some life left in the traditional SUV

With clean hybrid engines, combustion power still has a future, writes Carmel Stewart

There is no getting away from the fact that the Brits’ love of the SUV continues unabated; the cars don’t even have to be 4WD, so long as they look the part, that’s enough to attract the buyer.

There is also no getting away from the fact that this is the most crowded and competitive of any in the automotive sector so new variants, refreshes and facelifts are essential for any manufacturerwanting to retain its place in the field.

Roll up Mazda’ sb est-selling C X -30 SUV which was a winner from the off when it was first launchedinlate2016–butnow Mazda has added its new highly sophisticated, upgraded, hitech,2.0lit re,186ps e-Sky act iv X petrol engine to the line-up, promising more power, greater economy and fewer emissions.

Although, if less power and a smaller financial outlay are more to your taste, the upgraded 122ps e-Skyactiv G with front-wheel-drive only is also available across all five trim levels.

The more powerful X features Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI), a unique combustion method in which – as the name suggests – spark plug ignition is used to control compression ignition leading to sharper engine responses, more efficiently delivered.

It is available across the range with its standard fit 2WD. Dig a little deeper for the GT Sport or GT Sport Tech and you’ll be able to add all-wheel drive to the set up. Well worth the extra come the icy chill of winter.

On test both engine units proved smooth and responsive,but that extra power boost noticeably added a little more oomph to the mix. Both are linked to the Mazda M Hybrid 24v mild hybrid system which adds to the increased performance and efficiency and both offer either manual or automatic transmissions.

Prices start at £22,945 for the entry-level e-Skyactiv G 122ps 2WD SE-L. The GT Sport with the same set-up begins at £27,070 and the top spec Sport Tech at £27970.

The entry-level e-Skyactive X 186ps, 2WD starts at £26,305. A step up to GT Sport for AWD has a starting price of £31,845. Adding an automatic transmission adds up to £1,500 across the range.

The price includes cruise

control, power folding door mirrors, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a gloss black roof spoiler as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an excellent head up display and as even-inch central screen.

Alloy designs change with the trim and eight exterior body colours are available.

Like many, Mazda is not convinced that electric power is the panacea for all ills, given that two-thirds of global electricityproduction currently relies on the use of fossil fuel sand, by its reckoning, when a‘ well to-wheel’ calculation takes into account all aspects of production, the emissions involved in the manufacture of some electricvehicles are close to the conventional car production.

So, the message from Mazdaisclear–don’tgiveupon the combustion engine just yet – clean and green is achievable with the right expertise. It reckonsthat the combustion engine will be here for many years to come.