By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

It goes without saying that competition in the midsize SUV segment is fierce. And the recent entry of the CX-70 into the segment makes the rivalry even more intense. All for the better, we say. Positioned between the smaller CX-50 and the larger CX-90, this all-new Mazda boasts a feisty and lively performance, attacking corners and turns with a passion seen in sports cars. No wonder 0 to 60 is achieved by the 4,863-pound vehicle in a paltry 6.5 seconds!

The CX-70 is available in two powertrains: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) putting out 323 horsepower with an electric motor; and our recent test drive, a peppy Skyactiv-G 3.3-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine blasting off a remarkable 340 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 369 pounds-feet of torque @ 2000 rpm. Power is put to the road via a slick and responsive 8-speed auto transmission. You can be confident the double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension will do a creditable job of soaking up road irregularities. Conveying a solid on-center feel and good feedback is the razor-sharp electric power assist steering, especially when the SUV is jostled along. Available at the driver’s fingertips are normal, sport (for feisty driving) and off-road modes. And if you need to haul a sailboat, tow capacity is a praiseworthy 5,000 pounds.

LED headlights and fog lamps flank a honeycomb grille in piano black while black accents further spruce up the exterior look. The well-crafted cabin is adorned with rich tan Nappa leather seats, conveying an upscale aura. For folks who like a little zest on the road, the steering column-mounted paddle shifters will come in handy! Head, shoulder and leg room in the 60/40 split-fold rear seat (with window sunshades) is more than acceptable for adults. Eight-way power head/cooled driver and front-passenger seats, head-up display, heated and power tilt/telescopic steering, lift gate and moon roof, tri-zone auto a/c, 12.3-inch screens for infotainment (audio, nav, phone) and a digital gauge cluster, wireless phone charger/Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Alexa integration and 12-speaker Bose sound system are standard.

Dual front, knee and side airbags, side curtain airbag for all rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution, dynamic stability control and traction control, antiskid system with rollover sensor, front seat active-head restraints, three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear backup sensors, blind spot and 360-degree monitors, lane keep assist/departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, G-Vectoring Control (uses engine timing for more accurate steering inputs), front/rear crumple zones and tire pressure monitoring system are standard.

Are you an enthusiast driver who relishes a bit of vim and vigor in your daily ride? Then the enjoyable and energetic CX-70, backed by a sumptuous cabin and spacious cargo/passenger room, should fit your needs to a T!

CX-70 (S PREMIUM PLUS)

Tires: P275/45R21

Wheelbase: 122.8 inches

Length: 200.8 inches

Width: 84.9 inches

Height: 68.7 inches

Fuel capacity: 19.6 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 23/28/25

Base price: $55,950

Price as tested: $57,775

Web site: www.mazdausa.com