Mazda CX-7 Review
The CX-7 first appeared as Mazda’s MX-Crossport concept at the 2005 Detroit motor show and the full production version was then shown the following year at the Los Angeles show. Together with the larger, and closely-related, seven-seat CX-9 (not destined for Europe), it was Mazda’s first foray into the crossover SUV market.
Giving its new SUV an X-tag is a blatant attempt by Mazda to convince buyers that the CX-7 heralds from the same origins as the iconic MX-5 and innovative RX-8. Mazda claims, however, that the CX-7 represents a new niche in SUVs, delivering the advantages of an elevated cabin but with the driver-focused dynamics of a smaller, more conventionally sporting car.
All very promising, but not exactly new as plenty of SUVs have claimed the same thing. Look deeper, though, and the CX-7 does represent some originality at least in its positioning if not in its concept, with dimensions that place it between a mid-size SUV and the larger X5 brigade. For those convinced they need an SUV but are not yet prepared to stop having fun, the CX-7 could be worth a look.
When it was originally launched, the only option was a feisty 256bhp four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which gave the car a significant performance advantage over a number of its rivals. Today, the only option is the rather more frugal four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine and a manual ’box. Many drivers of SUVs of this size prefer auto boxes, so the CX-7 rather stands out in this sector for a lack of a self-shifter.
Performance
Fitting the CX-7 with the excellent 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in place of the potent but thirsty 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine with which it was saddled originally is Mazda’s belated but welcome attempt to level the car's SUV playing field.
In the CX-7 the motor makes 171bhp at 3500rpm and an impressive 295lb ft of torque at 2000rpm, and is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s also one of the least polluting diesel engines available in the UK, thanks to its Adblue injection system, which uses urea to break down the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases.
It may not provide the same level of performance as the old 2.3-litre turbo petrol unit, but the diesel engine is a highly credible unit and far more appropriate for the CX-7. Although it sounds like it’s working hard under acceleration and the 0-62mph time (11.3sec) isn’t anything to write home about, there’s plenty of torque on tap which gives the CX-7 strong mid-range shove and easy motorway pace.
The six-speed manual ’box has short throws and the pleasant snickety action of most other Mazdas, although you can’t help but feel that the drivetrain might be even better (and undeniably smoother) with a good auto ’box.
In the CX-7 the motor makes 171bhp at 3500rpm and an impressive 295lb ft of torque at 2000rpm, and is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s also one of the least polluting diesel engines available in the UK, thanks to its Adblue injection system, which uses urea to break down the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases.
It may not provide the same level of performance as the old 2.3-litre turbo petrol unit, but the diesel engine is a highly credible unit and far more appropriate for the CX-7. Although it sounds like it’s working hard under acceleration and the 0-62mph time (11.3sec) isn’t anything to write home about, there’s plenty of torque on tap which gives the CX-7 strong mid-range shove and easy motorway pace.
The six-speed manual ’box has short throws and the pleasant snickety action of most other Mazdas, although you can’t help but feel that the drivetrain might be even better (and undeniably smoother) with a good auto ’box.
Interior
Looking at the CX-7’s size and name, you would be forgiven for thinking you’d find a third row of seating lurking in the boot. You won’t. So with just five seats to fit into a bodyshell that’s 4675mm long and with an accommodating 2750mm wheelbase, the CX-7 should offer reasonable cabin space, and it does.
There’s room for adults both up front and in the back; our only space-related criticism being that if the driver has his chair set to its lowest position there is little foot space for rear passengers.
Surprisingly, boot space is less impressive; at 455 litres with the rear seats up, the CX-7 carries less than a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Land Rover Freelander. However, Mazda’s ‘Karakuri’ 60/40 split rear seats are exceptionally neat: they can be folded flat by pulling a handle in the side of the loadbay.
The cabin’s design is refreshingly clean and equipment specification is excellent. As with other Mazda models, there’s a crispness to the dash layout, with tidy circular vents and heater controls. The quality of the materials, though, don’t always match that of Audi, Land Rover or Infiniti, but the finish is generally good.
Leather, electric seats, climate control and a superb nine-speaker Bose stereo are all standard. There’s also an impressive list of safety equipment. The only downside is that Mazda has squeezed a tiny 4in colour sat-nav screen into the dash-top display. This is hard to read and the screen graphics are crudely drawn.
The cabin’s biggest success is the positioning of the major controls. Despite not adjusting for reach, the steering wheel is set far enough back for most and the gear lever is positioned appealingly close at hand. From this perspective, and with more than a little imagination, the driving position feels more WRC than SUV.
There’s room for adults both up front and in the back; our only space-related criticism being that if the driver has his chair set to its lowest position there is little foot space for rear passengers.
Surprisingly, boot space is less impressive; at 455 litres with the rear seats up, the CX-7 carries less than a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Land Rover Freelander. However, Mazda’s ‘Karakuri’ 60/40 split rear seats are exceptionally neat: they can be folded flat by pulling a handle in the side of the loadbay.
The cabin’s design is refreshingly clean and equipment specification is excellent. As with other Mazda models, there’s a crispness to the dash layout, with tidy circular vents and heater controls. The quality of the materials, though, don’t always match that of Audi, Land Rover or Infiniti, but the finish is generally good.
Leather, electric seats, climate control and a superb nine-speaker Bose stereo are all standard. There’s also an impressive list of safety equipment. The only downside is that Mazda has squeezed a tiny 4in colour sat-nav screen into the dash-top display. This is hard to read and the screen graphics are crudely drawn.
The cabin’s biggest success is the positioning of the major controls. Despite not adjusting for reach, the steering wheel is set far enough back for most and the gear lever is positioned appealingly close at hand. From this perspective, and with more than a little imagination, the driving position feels more WRC than SUV.