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Mazda CX-7
Car Review
Mazda CX-7
The Mazda CX-7 is a well built, generously equipped and stylish addition to the compact Sport Utility Vehicle marketplace.
Mazda CX-7 Car Review Summary
Mazda calls the CX-7 a ‘sports crossover’ to highlight its belief that the model is the first SUV to be designed like a coupe rather than a traditional off-roader.
The CX-7 certainly catches the eye and is one of only a few 4x4s with a turbocharged petrol engine - the 2.3-litre DISI with 256bhp linked to a slick six-speed manual gearbox that allows acceleration from a standing start to 62mph in eight seconds.
This allows the CX-7 to combine the attributes of speed and good looks while Mazda’s prediction of sales limited to between 1000-1500 a year means it will be pretty exclusive as well.
That would change if Mazda gave the CX-7 a diesel engine, but this is unlikely to happen any time soon. In the meantime, for an SUV with this much performance, fuel economy is not to bad and there’s plenty of kit thrown in.
Practicality
The Mazda CX-7 offers plenty room allowing five adults to be accommodated with ease. At first glance the 455-litres of space available in the boot isn’t as big as some rivals – but the car makes good use of what is available. To increase capacity, the rear seat backs can be easily tipped forward to leave a long, flat load space. The boot also has a robust reversible waterproof
floor board so soiled items can be transported without staining the carpet.
The steering column only adjusts for height, but the driver’s seat has full electric adjustment and most drivers will be comfortable.
When compared to diesel-engined rivals the CX-7 looks expensive to run. Average fuel economy of a shade over 27mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 243g/km place it in the highest bracket for company car tax. On the plus-side the CX-7 drives at least as well as any of its competitors - and better than most - making excellent use of the power available.
Mazda has an well-deserved reputation for reliability so long-term durability should not be an issue. The car also seems to be well made using decent materials.
Mazda CX-7
Life Style
As far as making a fashion statement is concerned the CX-7 will not let you down.
Mazda have attempted to make the CX-7 stand out from the crowd. It fuses together sports car styling and decent driving dynamics with an SUV-like commanding driving position and strong road presence. The CX-7 also has the stature of an off-road vehicle.
The CX-7’s steering wheel comes from the MX-5 roadster, which boosts the cabin’s sporty feel while the funky dashboard has a clever twin-deck design. This SUV will particularly suit those who enjoy driving on tight twisty roads as its super suspension, precise steering and electronic four-wheel-drive system – switching the balance between front and rear wheels as necessary – are in their element.
The CX-7 is not a quiet car, but it’s not annoyingly noisy either. Cabin comfort is ensured by cosseting seats and an airy atmosphere.
The CX-7 puts out about the same carbon dioxide as a large offroader but if you’re lucky the green brigade will probably miss the fact that it’s an SUV because of the sleek exterior design.
Mazda CX-7
Security and Safety
Security on the Mazda CX-7 is good with remote locking, which can include a keyless entry option, the first line of defence against thieves. There’s also an immobiliser to prevent anyone who breaks into the car getting away.
Safety is taken seriously with stability control and an electronically variable four-wheel-drive system fitted to help keep you out of trouble, while six airbags will protect occupants if an accident is unavoidable.
The Finishing Touches
The Mazda CX-7 comes in only one guise and it is extremely well equipped. Goodies fitted as standard include climate control, automatic lights and wipers, leather upholstery, a BOSE premium surround sound audio system with 6-CD autochanger and nine speakers, xenon headlamps, 18-inch alloys and electric driver’s seat adjustment. If you want to spend a bit more cash sat-nav, a roof carrier, detachable tow-bar and reversing sensors are optional extras.
Customers can choose between five exterior colours – solid Brilliant Black, metallic Graphite Silver, Aurora Blue, Copper Red, and Galaxy Grey – and two interior colours with Black or Stone leather upholstery.
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