Mazda CX-7 – The Zoom Zoom of SUV’s

By Casey Williams www.car-data.com

If ever there were a sport sedan of SUVs, the athletic and stylish Mazda

CX-7 is it. The crossover has the cargo and passenger space of a wagon, but the performance andhandling of a sport coupe. No other vehicle completely compares to the ZOOM! ZOOM! of thismid-size activity machine.

Designed by Iwao Koizumi, who also penned the MAZDA6 and 1995 RX-01 concept car, the CX-7 looksfrom the front to be a tall RX-8 sport coupe, a wagon from the side, and an exotic sports car fromthe rear. Front fenders bulge around 18″ alloy wheels like those on the RX-8; a large front airopening and projector-style headlamps look more sports car than SUV. Deft sculpting and a kick-upin the rear window give the vehicle personality and breaks up tall bodysides. Front to rear, theCX-7 appears sleek, interesting, and ready to eat other SUVs after a row at the gym.

Front passengers command the automatic climate control and Bose audio system from a center podthat is canted towards the dash. Touch screen navigation helps you get to your destination quicklyand accurately. Driver controls, including the three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel withintegral audio/cruise buttons, look like they were lifted directly from Mazda’s sports cars (infact, the steering wheel is shared with the MX-5 Miata).

Large analog gauges echo the RX-8. Super comfortable heated leather sport seats are great forlong trips and spirited driving while auto up/down front windows make it easy to retrieve yourmorning latte.

My favorite part of the CX-7 is its driving experience. Steering turns are heavy for great roadfeel, but the four-wheel independent suspension reacts quickly to swish through the curves. Roughpavement is rumbled over without drama. Step on the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine,which produces 244 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, to move quickly away from traffic. Pairedwith a six-speed manumatic transmission (auto with a sport shift mode), the mighty mouse enginecontributes to fuel economy ratings of 16/22-MPG city/highway.

Mazda engineers wanted to make sure you, your friends, and your family are safe. Front and sidecurtain airbags give protection during crashes while four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronicstability control, automatic all-wheel-drive, and tire pressure monitor keep you out of trouble inthe first place. All of this adds up to a vehicle that achieves five star ratings for front andside crashes in government tests. Rollover protection is rated a very good four stars.

Said CX-7 Program Manager Shunsuke Kawasaki, “CX-7 skillfully blends sports car verve with SUVpracticality. It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before; it’sinviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use – the complete package.”

I drove the CX-7 to the Model T’s 100th Anniversary celebration in Richmond, IN. Cruising at 80mph was easy; surging to triple digits was also a snap.

The turbocharged engine always has plenty of torque on tap to run with sports cars; interiorspace is plentiful for four and their luggage. If you have to buy one vehicle for all of yourneeds and wants, the CX-7 would be a great choice. With an as tested price of $34,175,competitors include the Nissan Murano, Pontiac Torrent, Acura RDX, and VW Tiguan.

2008 Mazda CX-7
Five-passenger, AWD Crossover.
Powertrain: 244-HP 2.3-litre Turbo I4,6-speed auto trans.
Suspension f/r: Ind./Ind.
Wheels: 18″/18″ alloy f/r.
Brakes:Disc fr/rr with ABS.
Must-have feature: Performance, style.
Fuel economy: 16/22-MPGcity/hwy.
Manufacturing: Hiroshima, Japan
As tested price: $34,175.