The sporty styling of the
2007 Mazda CX-7 is the first tip that it isn't your typical mid-size SUV, or crossover vehicle. (Take your pick.)
The CX-7 has original, highly aerodynamic styling. Its windshield has the steepest rake in its class, along with a swoopy roofline and bulging fenders reminiscent of Mazda's RX-8 sports cars. And you can't miss the big, stainless steel dual exhaust outlets -- often a high-performance signature.
Mazda says the CX-7 has the "soul of a sports car" -- and might not be too far off the mark. The automaker is known for fun-to-drive vehicles, and this clearly looks like one of them. It is just that. The CX-7 feels as if it's a vehicle you "wear," not just get into. It pretty much drives like a big sports car, but has plenty of cargo room.
This is the first of three new Mazda vehicles designed and engineered specifically for North America. It's aimed at married, childless couples 30 to 40 years old, although there's plenty of room for kids in back.
The CX-7 has a modified, turbocharged inline, direct-injection 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine from Mazda's racy Mazdaspeed6 sedan. The smooth, high-strung engine's horsepower is down from 274 from that sedan to 244 because it's tuned to give the more utilitarian CX-7 better response at lower speeds.
That accounts for a 65-75 mph passing time that's good, but not great. However, 60 mph flashes by in a respectable 7.8 seconds, although the CX-7 is rather heavy at 3,710 pounds with front-wheel drive and 3,929 pounds with an all-wheel-drive system not meant for off-road use. There is only occasional brief turbo lag -- or delayed throttle response when a driver floors the accelerator pedal.
Estimated fuel economy is respectable at 19 mpg in the city and 24 on highways with front-drive and 18 and 24 with all-wheel drive. Premium fuel of at least 91 octane is required.
The only transmission is a responsive six-speed automatic. Part-throttle downshifts sometimes feel too abrupt, but there's an easily used manual-shift feature.
The outstanding steering is direct, precise and linear, with good on-center feel. Some might find the suspension a bit too firm. But it's supple and generally provides a comfortable ride -- although sharp bumps can be felt and the ride can get a little choppy over uneven surfaces. Body lean is virtually eliminated unless you're going faster than you should.
A broad stance and fairly large 18-inch wheels contribute to confident handling, and a standard stability/traction control system helps keep the CX-7 nailed to the pavement if, say, a driver finds himself entering a curve faster than he should.
Stopping power can't be faulted, although some might find the brake pedal too sensitive -- touch it fairly lightly and the brakes immediately bite hard.
Front-drive versions cost $23,750 to $26,300, while models with the electronic all-wheel-drive system shared with the Mazda-speed6 are $25,450 to $28,000. There are entry Sport, mid-range Touring and top-line Grand Touring trim levels.
Even the Sport version has plenty of comfort, convenience and safety features. Standard for it are items including air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, tilt-wheel with radio controls, split-folding rear seatbacks and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.
The Touring adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power driver's seat. The Grand Touring adds automatic climate control, high-intensity discharge headlights, fancier trim such as seats with a black "sport" stripe, power windows with a one-touch automatic open/close feature and body color heated side mirrors.
Options include a $1,585 package with a power sunroof and upscale sound system with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. There's also a $350 remote engine starter, $430 Sirius satellite radio and a $4,005 Technology package with a bunch of items including a rearview camera and easy-to-program navigation system.
Standard safety items include six air bags, including front-side and curtain-side air bags with rollover protection. The four-wheel ventilated disc brakes have an anti-lock system.
The floor is a little higher than in most cars. But big door handles make it easy to get in the upscale, generally quiet interior, and large inside handles help allow a swift exit. All doors open wide to facilitate entry and exit.
Front bucket seats are very supportive. Gauges can be easily read, although they're set almost too deeply in the dashboard. Climate controls are unusually large. The highly placed sound system controls are only moderately large, but simple to use.
Five medium-size adults fit. But the middle of the rear seat is stiff -- and the CX-7 thus is comfortable only for four tall people. Front doors have decent storage pockets and the console has a deep, covered bin. More small-item storage areas would be welcome, though.
The large cargo area has a rather high, but wide, opening. And rear seatbacks easily flip forward and sit flat to significantly enlarge the cargo area.
The distinctive-looking CX-7 is genuinely fun to drive. Practical, too. Those who can't afford a far more expensive Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport SUV no longer have to be left out in the cold.
2007 MAZDA CX-7
PRICE: $23,750-$28,000
LIKES: Quick. Sharp handling. Roomy. Stylish. Fairly fuel-efficient.
DISLIKES: Sensitive brake pedal. Rather high cargo opening.