Introduction: The Mazda CX-7 is Mazda's second entry into the crossover market and their first mid-sized vehicle in the utility vehicle segment after their Navago(an explorer re-badge) failed. Unlike many other recent Mazdas the CX-7 does not share a platform with any Fords and is a uniquely designed Mazda. It uses a combination of suspension parts from other Mazda vehicles depending on the drive configuration, if only front wheel drive its composed of MPV and Mazda5 suspension parts front and rear in that order. The all-wheel drive models however use the system developed for the Mazdaspeed6. In some sense this is probably the most sport oriented crossover especially if bought in AWD form.
I've always wanted to drive one of these cars, but we never got these for our fleet. Its one of Mazda's most interesting vehicles when it comes to what sort of parts its composed of, to think a good portion is actually composed of Mazdapseed parts is quite incredible. Well we finally got one last week...only to get a message its been sold...so I used it as a shuttle.
Performance: The CX-7 uses the engine straight from the Mazdaspeed division. A 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the very engine used in the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6. The biggest difference however is the transmission is a 6-speed automatic instead of the 6-speed manuals found on those cars. As a result the power is 244 hp and 258 lb.ft of torque. When driving this vehicle you will notice the turbo kick in pretty early sometimes coming on during turns. Most crossovers have smooth V6s totally set up for comfort cruising, the CX-7 on the other hand with its slightly more coarse 4-cylinder prefers a thrashing thanks to its Mazdaspeed roots. I know the noise is not pleasant especially before the turbo kicks in, yet I just don't care considering the turbo is coming soon giving you more power than you asked for. To tell you how quick these CX-7s are they accelerate from 0-100 in 7.5 seconds. If the future meant small displacement turbo engines replacing bigger displacement ones...I'm all for it. I just loved this engine. Do note its a bit more thirsty even though its a 4-cylinder, its up to you whether to trade fun for fuel economy.
My Score: 10/10 - A fantastic engine, feeling that surge of power is such a great feeling you stop caring about the noisy rev early on and the less impressive fuel economy.
Handling: I've driven the AWD version and I thought the handling was pretty planted and much easier to push than other crossovers and SUVs its size. Its not often I find a vehicle like this that encourages much more aggressive behaviour, perhaps I should try a BMW X-series SUV. Cornering is mostly flat which is very good since most vehicles in this category roll. I didn't even notice much discomfort on the road.
My Score: 9/10 - Great AWD system that encourages spirited driving, just don't get a ticket for reckless driving.
Interior: When I got into the Mazda CX-7, this was probably the least enjoyable part about the vehicle since the more practical stuff comes into question. If you know Mazda's lineup during this time then the interior is extremely similar to that of the Mazda6 and set the standard for Mazda digital displays to be found on the 2010 Mazda3. As a 5-seater the CX-7 is quite comfortable being large enough to not make the passengers cramped. The tailgate space for your things is moderate in size. The problem with the interior here is it does nothing clever with the space given. The build quality however is fantastic, these vehicles being built from Hiroshima, Japan.
My Score: 6/10 - If your sole intention is to carry passengers and modest amounts of cargo the CX-7 does the job but if you wanted more you'll be disappointed, good build quality however.
Styling: The CX-7 is actually somewhat handsomely styled, while it retains much of the round profile of the Edge and CX-9 the rear tail lights for instance are slightly transparent like that of the old Lexus IS. Unlike the IS, it doesn't make a big deal out of those. In the front the grille and head lights naturally fit the shape and profile of the car making it look pretty good.
My Score: 8/10 - A pretty good looking CUV, everything flows pretty naturally to the design.
Value for the money: Its a mixed bag here, if you clearly need the family practical utility vehicle features you will not want the CX-7, its too small and doesn't fit those needs. If you however wanted the most driver oriented vehicle of the segment, this is clearly the best. This is the only CUV that encourages your driver urges, all other CUVs are far less driver oriented with smoother V6s and comfortable rides. Its a slight bit of a compromise but the big body didn't manage to spoil the fun.
My Score: 8/10 - So long as your goal is driver fun and you need something the size of a SUV this is a fantastic vehicle for that goal.
Overall: 42/50 - Until Mazda designs a new CX-7 just as sport oriented, there isn't another crossover that is as much fun as this is.
No comments:
Post a Comment