The folks at Mazda have done a nice job during the past coupes of decades defining their brand as an affordable blend of sporty looks with spirited handling (think Zoom Zoom).
The genesis dates back to 1989, when the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata entered the fray (debuting at the Chicago Auto Show). The sporty two-door not only re-energized the affordable roadster segment, but served as a halo vehicle for the Japanese automaker, that at the time was better known for its foray into rotary engines.
Fast forward to 2010 and just about every Mazda vehicle taps into aggressive good looks and a step better handling than most of the competition.
The five-passenger, five-door CX-7 debuted in 2006 (as a 2007 model) as the mid-size crossover craze gained momentum thanks in part to yo-yoing gas prices. Now, just about every mainstream automaker boasts one as it replaces the old school station wagon as the cool way for families to travel. Dimensions remain unchanged from 2009.
When it debuted, a turbo-charged four cylinder engine (244 horses) was the sole powertrain. The big addition for 2010 is a second engine, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder. This respected engine is also found in the mid-size Mazda 6 sedan and compact Mazda3. The turbo four has better grunt from a standing start for quicker pickup and mates better with the CX-7's sporty looks. The new aspirated four is more fuel efficient. For those looking for three rows of seating, Mazda offers the similarly styled but slightly longer CX-9 crossover.
While CX-7 is fun-to-drive, second-row comfort needs some looking into. Leg room remains tight for adults. If pre-teens are the primary occupants, CX-7 works fine. Seatbacks easily fold down on the cushions with a 60/40 split, opening up the cargo area when moving chairs or dressers (both of which were accomplished during the week-long test).
Four trims are available. Base and Sport feature the new 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated, more fuel efficient four cylinder and standard front-wheel drive. Touring and Grand Touring continue with the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine and are available with front or Chicago friendly all-wheel drive.
Our Sport tester with the new naturally aspirated four cylinder generating 161 horsepower had a staring price of $22,340. Automatic transmission comes standard across the board (five-speed with the test engine, six-speed in the turbo). This new-to-CX-7 engine generates 20 miles per gallon city and 28 mpg highway, a step up when compared to the front-drive turbocharged four averaging 18 and 25 respectively (17 and 23 with all-wheel drive). The only option was a convenience package (heated front seats, moon roof, rear-view dash camera- $1,750 and only optional in the sport trim) brining the price to $25,185 including a $750 destination charge. The lowest price Base model starts at $21,700.
Push-button start is standard only in the top-level Grand Touring. Cloth seating comes standard in Base and Sport while leather-trimmed seats adorn Touring and Grand Touring. For listening pleasure, AM/FM/CD come standard along with MP3 capability for portable devices. Satellite radio is optional in Touring and Standard in Grand Touring. Air conditioning, rear-window defroster, power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise control (with steering wheel mounted buttons), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force, traction control and dynamic stability control come standard in all trims. In addition, front side air bags and side curtain air bags are standard. A side-view blind spot monitor comes standard only in up-trim Grand Touring.
Besides cruise control, the steering wheel includes redundant audio controls and selection buttons for engine information. The deep-set, three-portioned instrument panel includes a long shade on top. Five circular air vents stretch across the two-tone dash. The audio system features large pre-set buttons.
The 2010 CX-7 also adds more insulation into the engine compartment so noises get muffled before cabin entry. A long 'brow' along the dash top is home to a small, optional (standard in Grand Touring) color camera feed of what lies behind when the transmission shifts into reverse. When traveling forward, it's home to various mileage and engine information. The digital clock readout, buried among these readouts, needs a boost in point size. Buttons and switches are logically placed and within easy reach of the driver. Two dials control fan speed and temperature while a push plate directs the blower. A row of buttons below includes air conditioning and rear defroster options.
Band-like head light housing resides on the wide front of the flared front wheels fenders flanking the hood that narrows towards the front. Mazda's Circular 'M' logo is front and center while below resides a large air dam. Dual exhausts adorn turbo-charged models with a single exhaust is found in Base and Sport. The manually-operated rear hatch with standard wiper opens high enough so those six-feet, two-inch and shorter don't knock their noggin. The roof slopes down slightly towards the back while the lower window frame rides upward for a narrowing look. Tire size bumps up depending on the trim. Base and Sport have 17-inch while Touring includes 18 and Grand Touring 19. A power moon roof is optional in Sport and Touring while standard in Grand Touring.
Handling remains tight while responsive, so a slight steering wheel nudge moves the vehicles. A gentle touch of the brakes starts slowing down this 3,500-pound vehicle. The turning radius is not as tight as a mid-size sedan or compact. Front cloth bucket seats are supportive and comfortable with no effects of back fatigue. The CX-7 is not the least-expensive choice in this crowded and growing segment, but one of the more athletic and fun-to-drive options.
The powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles; average in this day and age. Mazda's CX-7 is assembled and imported from Japan.
|