Base price: $26,010
As tested: $27,945
244-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbo charged 4-cylinder
18 city /24 highway
More info:
www.mazdausa.com
|
|
|
|
If the new rage in the auto industry is crossover SUVs, then the Mazda CX-7 can move directly to the head of the class. With its sloping hood and roof line, the CX-7 clearly makes a departure from the squared-off behemoths that have dominated the truck landscape for the past decade. We dare you to find a straight line anywhere on the shell of the Mazda. This is a handsome vehicle that looks unlike anything else on the road...a great case of appearing modern, without looking too modern. While its sporty lines reduce overall interior space, there is still plenty of people-hauling cabin room. Is it a car, a wagon or an SUV? We are not really sure, but it covers some part of each class.
|
|
|
|
|
While design of the cabin space is less cutting-edge, it is equally well thought out and accommodating. With plenty of room for five adults and a few pieces of luggage, the interior is more than big enough for most needs and, thanks to a car-like chassis, comfortable to boot. Large, round, red backlit instruments are easy to read and sit just where you want them. All of the comfort features, from stereo to temperature controls, are equally pleasing and surprisingly supple considering the Mazda's price point. Living up to its sporty character, chrome accents are plentiful and tasteful. The comfortable front bucket seats hold you just tight enough to take advantage of the car's performance. Our only complaint is the gear tranny that's rather tricky to get into. It seems like it took a second try every time we tried to shift.
|
|
|
|
|
Using a slightly detuned version of the Mazdaspeed 6 engine, the CX-7 is nicely balanced. The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder power plant spins out 244 horsepower and 258 pounds of torque at a very easy to find 2500 rpm's. The engine is nicely suited to a vehicle of this size and is considerably smoother than in the higher output Mazdaspeed 6 version. There is very little turbo lag; The car feels more like it has a V-6 under the hood than a turbocharged four banger. Handling is where the CX-7 really shines. Its lower stance and reasonable weight really pay dividends under aggressive driving. The Mazda corners flat and crisp while remaining compliant on city roads. It would be nice to get a little better gas mileage; The CX-7 averages more than 20 miles per gallon and gets mid-20's on the highway.
|
|
|
|
|
Convince her it is more SUV than station wagon and you might have a shot.
-- Chad Doering |
|
|
