Mazda CX7 Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price
In a time when SUVs were gaining momentum and there was a growing trend towards compact SUVs, Mazda decided to join the game. Behold the Mazda CX-7, the entry point for Mazda into the compact SUV and crossover market. With a combination of a powerful petrol engine and a decently styled sports body, the CX-7 is a dream come true for car enthusiasts. The car offers excellent off-road capabilities, practicality, and is a joy to drive.
The Mazda CX-7 is a niche within a niche. It is aimed at drivers who prefer the benefits that are associated with an SUV, in addition to providing a responsive and sporty drive. Even though a completely new chassis is assigned to the CX-7, it still borrows heavily from some of the previous Mazda cars. The front wings, for instance, are similar to those of the Mazda RX-8. And the alloy wheels and the high window give it the look of an inflated hot hatch.
Read on ahead about this wondrous car and what makes it such a heartthrob among car enthusiasts.
In 2005, Mazda unveiled the MX-Crosspost concept car. A year later, the Mazda CX-7 was shown at the LA Auto show as the production version of the concept car. Soon after, production started at Mazda's factory in Hiroshima, Japan. It then went on sale like the 2007 Mazda CX-7. Labeled as a mid-size crossover SUV, the CX-7 was the first mid-size SUV by Mazda since the Navajo which was discontinued in 1994.
When it comes to the hierarchy, the CX-7 is positioned below the larger Mazda CX-9. Although both cars are built on different platforms. In 2012, the CX-7 was discontinued. It was replaced by the Mazda CX-5.
Engine and Specifications:
The 2007 Mazda CX-7 is available with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The engine is capable of producing 175 kW of power and a peak torque of 350 Nm. Sounds impressive, right?
The weight is at 1771 Kg and is powered by a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined with the weight and the powerful engine, the car leaves little to be desired. The Mazda CX-7 towing capacity is also impressive, which can be attributed to the mentioned specifications. The claimed fuel efficiency figure of 11.5-litres/100km is also a farfetched expectation of the 69-liter fuel tank. It also does not help that the minimum fuel requirement is 95RON.
Trims and Features:
Mazda offers two models for the compact crossover SUV. The first one is the base CX-7 and includes an impressive list of features.
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Alloy wheels
✓ Power mirrors
✓ Power windows
✓ Steering wheel audio controls
✓ Six-disc CD player
✓ Trip computer
✓ Auto-dimming rear vision mirror
The second variant, aptly named the CX-7 Luxury, adds the following features:
✓ Electric Sunroof
✓ Dual-zone climate control
✓ Leather interior
✓ Bose sound system
✓ Heated exterior mirrors
✓ Heated front seats
✓ Eight-way electric driver's seat
Stepping inside the Mazda CX-7 2008, you cannot help but be impressed. The interior is well planned, with the switches conveniently positioned and intuitive in use. The dials are surrounded by plastic tunnels which helps invisibility by reducing the glare.
The audio and climate display are situated directly beneath the windscreen, which is another foresight from Mazda. As compared to the display placed in the center console in most cars, this makes it less likely for the driver to divert attention from the road ahead.
The Mazda CX-7 incorporates a top-of-the-line infotainment system combined with a high-quality Bose sound system. There are a six-disc CD changer, MP3 compatibility, and a set of nine powerful speakers. The system also includes an Audi Pilot feature that adjusts the sound automatically to cancel out cabin noise.
The audio controls are intuitive and easy to use. A set of controls are given on the steering wheel as well, for the driver's benefit.
Practicality:
The CX-7 may have a compact, sporty look which might make you doubt the room inside. On the contrary, the cabin is spacious with ample seating space for both the front and rear passengers. The boot offers an impressive capacity to load in your baggage, while the rear seats can be folded to further make up space. The boot floor is revolving and offers two options. One is made of waterproof, durable plastic material for carrying dirty objects, and the second one if the usual carpet lined. Mazda CX-7 roof racks are readily available which can be fitted on the car when going for those long off-roading trips.
Safety features:
The five-star rating from Euro NCAP speaks for itself as far as safety is concerned. Since the CX-7 comes with a part-time four-wheel drive, traction is ensured in almost every kind of terrain. The feature also means that the CX-7 has one of the best road grips when turning corners. Other key safety features include ABS, DSC, TCS, EBD, airbags (front side and curtain), Isofix child seat mounting, and a collapsible brake pedal.
Price and running costs:
The Mazda CX-7 price is what primarily makes it an enticing proposition. When you compare the pricing with the rivals, like the Jeep Patriot, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Outlander, Honda CR-V, the pricing is more or less in the same segment. But the sporty, attractive look and the tons of features is something you will not get in any of the rivals. The 2.3-liter petrol engine returns a fuel economy of 27.7 mpg, which is not exactly efficient. That means that it also falls in a more expensive tax bracket.
✓ Impressive handling
✓ Great styling
✓ Tons of features
✓ Not exactly fuel-efficient
The Mazda CX-7 encompasses an enjoyable drive and plenty of practicality. The part-time four-wheel drive and the impressive specifications make this a great option in the compact SUV class. Where many car enthusiasts will have no problem with the not so great fuel economy, it is a factor that puts off many potential buyers.
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