Mazda continues introducing a wide array of new models with a sporty attitude and customer appeal.
The recently reviewed 2007 Mazda5 provides four-cylinder economy in a vehicle with three rows of seating with a sporty feel rather than a 'minivan' appeal. It's mid-size Mazda6 sedan is so well regarded, Ford Motor Co. used the basic platform on the Ford Fusion, Lincoln Zepher and Mercury Milan. Mazda is one-third owned by Ford.
Now coming down the pike is the all-new CX-7, a mid-size, crossover type vehicle with great eye-appeal also based on the Mazda6 platform. It's built on a car-based, unit-body frame rather than a truck-like body-on frame design and designed for on-road, not off-road adventures. While the CX-7 is built in Japan, it was created with the North American market in mind.
The sole CX-7 powertrain is a turbocharged, direct-injection, 2.3-liter, inline four cylinder engine cranking out 244 horsepower and connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. This is a similar powerplant to what's found in the Mazdaspeed6, the performance version of the Mazda6 sedan. While one powertrain is available, potential buyers are offered the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system utilizes a computer-controlled coupling integrated with the rear differential to deliver up to half the available torque to the rear wheels on demand with nodriver input. Three trim levels are available: S, Touring and up-level Grand Touring.
The Lexus RX 300 popularized the mid-size crossover segment when it made its debut in 1998. Other more recently introduced mid-size crossovers joining the fray include the Nissan Murano and its sister vehicle, the Infiniti FX. More are on the way. Mazda's CX-7 builds on these successes while cutting the price point down to size due in part to its four cylinder powerplant. About the only mid-size competitor with a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine is the all-new 2007 Acura RDX (a scaled down version of the larger MDX) scheduled to arrive at dealers on August 10. Also on board are twoslightly smaller crossovers from DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group: the 2007 Dodge Caliber now in dealers and 2007 Jeep Compass scheduled to debut this August.
These so called crossovers are the next evolutionary progression for one-time mid-size and full-size sport utility owners looking for a versatile yet economical vehicle. Mazda was never a player in the full-size SUV arena but does market the mid-size, five-passenger car-based Tribute which shares a platform with the Ford Escape.
Fuel estimates check in at 19 miles per gallon city and 24 m.p.g. highway in two-wheel drive editions. Four-wheel drive models are projected to get one mile less in highway travel. This is average at best for a four-cylinder, turbo powerplant and close to what some V-6 engines provide. The fuel tank holds 18.2 gallons of fuel but keep in mind, more pricey, 91 octane premium fuel is required.
As with the Mazda Tribute, CX-7 is a five-door vehicle with two rows of seating. Unlike the Tribute, which incorporates more of a traditional, boxy sport utility look, the CX-7 enjoys a rounder rear. But enhanced styling comes with a price; CX-7 cargo volume with the second-row seat backs folded is 58.6 cubic feet with Tribute sports 66.8 cubic feet of cargo room.
The rounded rear and steeply raked front windshield add to the out-of-the-box styling. Narrow headlight housing in front is joined by a hood raised about an inch from the side fenders. Mazda's chromed winged logo is front and center in a narrow front grill with honeycomb highlights. Below is a large air dam with more honeycomb highlights. The rear hatch, hinged at the top, opens as one unit from the bottom (a rear windshield wiper comes standard). Dual exhausts also add to a sporty image. Side windows narrow as they approach the rear of the vehicle thanks in part to a rising side beltline. Strap-like handles are found on all four side doors and are chrome plated in Touring editions.
Inside, three adults can travel in back with relative comfort. If only two are traveling, a fold-down arm rest with two built-in cup holders can be utilized. With no one occupying the second row, the seatbacks fold relatively flat onto the cushions in a 60/40 split.
Front bucket seat designs allow drivers and front passengers to maneuver in without a 'jump up' motion, just sit and slide into place. Once behind the wheel, drivers are faced with a rather uniquely designed, bi-level dashboard with a trapezoid-shaped center region housing sound system (top) and ventilation functions (below). Two dials monitor fan speed and temperature while a push plate controls fan direction. The stereo controls take some familiarization with a large center dial controlling volume and a smaller left-side dial handling station controls. Large present push panels arestrewn across.
Power window, outside mirror and lock controls are all on the driver's door while the fuel release lever is on the floor to the right of the bucket seat. The sporty six-speed automatic transmission shifter (with sport mode for manually selecting shift points when desired) is in between the bucket seats in front of dual side-by-side beverage holders and a deep storage bin/arm rest to the back. Extenders at the ends of sunvisors are a nice touch. Ceiling handles adorn all doors except the driver's.
The instrument panel illuminates with red backlighting at night and incorporates a three-sectioned, deep-set style with an outline resembling eye goggles. The circular center section houses the speedometer and secondary gear shift indicator while being flanked by a fuel gauge to the right and tachometer on the left.
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2007 Mazda CX-7 starts at $23,750 for a two-wheel drive Sport edition. A two-wheel drive Touring model starts at $25,500 while a Grand Touring two-wheel drive checks in at $26,300. Our test CX-7, an all-wheel drive Grand Touring starts at $28,000.
Other competitors include the 2006 3.5-liter V-6 Murano starting at $27,600. From the luxury end, the 2006 V-6 Infiniti FX35 starts at $37,800 and the Lexus RX 330 V-6 checks in at $36,370. Prices exclude destination charges.
Later this calendar year, Ford Motor Company will introduce two all new 2007 model year five-passenger mid-size car-based crossovers when the Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator arrive at dealers. Edge and Aviator will have six-cylinder engines instead of the CX-7's turbocharged four banger. While the Aviator SUV has been around four a couple of years, starting in 2007, its design radically changes to a car-based layout from truck-based underpinnings. From what's available in preliminary press photos, the CX-7 has a slightly more aggressive stance than the soon-to-arrive Ford Edge.
Standard safety features are standard in all three CX-7 trim levels including front air bags, side air bags for front riders, side curtain airbags covering both rows of seats, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control.
In addition, even base models include such features as air conditioning, compact disc player, rear window defroster, cruise control along with power windows, locks and outside mirrors.
Windshield glare from the dashboard is pronounced (more so than most other vehicles tested) when the sun shines brightly thanks in part to the 66-degree angle of the windshield. Engine noise more audible than many recently tested vehicles, but that may be by design as this turbo engine is tuned for the sport crowd and not the luxury segment.
The five-passenger CX-7 has a tad more sporty handling than what was anticipated prior to the test drive. It drive is more car like than SUV-like. Turbo lag, a hesitation sometimes present in turbo-boost vehicles during spirited quick starts, is pleasantly absent.
The powertrain warranty is better than average with a five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) duration while the bumper-to-bumper warranty covering many other working parts is good for the more traditional three years or 36,000 miles.
During the next several months, Mazda will introduce a larger seven-passenger companion crossover vehicle to the CX-7 appropriately named the CX-9.