LOUTH MOTORING: Space, power, and a touch of class—what more could you want?

A family of four wouldn't buy a Mazda 2-seater for their transport needs. Similarly a retired couple wouldn't buy a 7-seater car.

But that doesnt stop the drivers of those vehicles wanting to. I don't need a 7-seater but there are times when the physical size of such a car is needed or would be useful. Same for the two seater - there are moments when it would be nice to escape for a weekend in a sporty car.

The CX-80 is the biggest Mazda currently on sale here getting the flagship moniker, deservedly too. You can get it in six or seven seats and for me I'd opt for the six seat version to make everyone's trip that bit more enjoyable and easy.

With the third row of seats up the boot is 258 litres and with them down it swells to 687 litres. To demonstrate its all-round practicality/ability it has a max capacity of 1,971 litres when all seats are folded flat.

The design is very much in line with the design principles set by Mazda for their designers.

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It would be very easy and dismissive to say it is just a bigger version of the CX-60 but that essentially is what it is as it uses all the underpinnings from the CX-60 with the body that bit bigger to facilitate it being a 7 or 6-seater. The reason they did that is because the CX-60 is achingly gorgeous.

It oozes class and anyone considering a premium level 7-seater will be including the CX-80 in the list to choose from.

It has a vibe of previous BMW X5/X3 going on with an injection of Volvo XC90 which ultimately delivers a car that has a serious amount of presence and class.

The long bonnet exudes a sense of power, space, sophistication and that's exactly what you get.

Mine was in the must have colour called Artisan Red which is a colour I first saw back at the Geneva Car show a good number of years ago, 2011 I'm guessing, and Mazda have kept using it ever since because it is one of the best colours on a car ever.

It was called Takeri something or other the first time I saw it and you'll see it on a lot of current Mazda cars - it's their signature colour.

There are 5 trim levels starting at €61,380 for the 2.5l PHEV petrol model with the top of the range Takumi Plus costing a not inordinately €8k more.There is a 3.3l diesel model alternative with pricing about €11k for a like for like trim that 15% of CX-80 buyers in Ireland have opted to buy this year.

Sales of the CX-80 are not far behind the CX-60 and that may be because of the comparatively small price differential between the two models that would suggest either the CX-60 is overpriced, or the CX-80 is underpriced. Both are cracking cars and depending on your budget either would be an excellent sound choice.

The CX-80 is a luxury vehicle that can compete with the Mercedes/BMW/Audi triumvirate and Volvo. Other competitors exist but they could not realistically claim to be an alternative which is a huge endorsement for the Mazda's appeal. The ride is luxurious as well and so is the fit and finish.

I've yet to sit into a Mazda and not instantly love the layout. They give you a raft of control knobs and buttons mixed with touch and voice control that makes it very easy to use and instantly intuitive.

Above:  Interior of the Mazda CX-80

I simply love their interiors and, Mazda please, don't ever change the wondrous central knob control. The materials feel top notch and you won't identify areas where Mazda has scrimped. Your passengers - especially in 6-seat guise - have ample space and easy access to enjoy every trip, even the third row occupants.

With a claimed 327PS, the CX-80 has more than enough power. But don't expect a racing car feel—it's more in the Rolls-Royce camp: plenty of power when you need it, with a focus on smoothness, quietness, luxury and noise exclusion.

The combination of space, layout, materials, comfort and buttons all harmonise to deliver a do it all car for me and it most definitely is a highly recommended car.

It hits the spot on price compared to its competitors and is arguably the most appealing looking from the genre currently on sale.

Need? No. Want? Absolutely. The Mazda CX-80 was one of the hardest cars I've ever had to give back.