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Mazda CX-7
Tuesday 03 November 2009
For 2010 Mazda has revised the CX-7 crossover SUV, after deciding that a diesel engine was the way to go.
Diesels are the preferred powerplant of choice when it comes to larger, more utilitarian vehicles, thanks to the ready power and torque. In its previous incarnation, the CX-7 was offered with a petrol engine only. For 2010 and beyond, Mazda's SUV will become a single-model diesel. The CX-7 is to be marketed in the UK as a single, highly specified sporty off-roader, priced at £25,785 (on the road), in a choice of five colours.
Manufactured in Japan, the original Mazda CX-7 was popular in the USA. For the European and UK markets the car incorporated several significant changes to meet the specific demands and tastes of local consumers. The biggest changes were to the power and drivetrains. The 244ps engine marketed in the USA was replaced by the highly efficient 260ps turbocharged four-cylinder petrol power unit that also featured in the Mazda3 MPS super-hatch model. The Mazda CX-7's fully-independent suspension set-up was also retuned for European roads to deliver handling agility that was unmatched in this class.
Now the focus switches to providing a diesel engine model suited to the changing needs of the European market in the growing Crossover SUV segment. Every new Mazda CX-7 sold in the UK features a 173ps, 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder MZR-CD diesel engine producing up to 400Nm of torque from just 2000rpm, a six-speed manual transmission with an 'overdrive' top gear (0.711:1), and Mazda's unique Active Torque four-wheel-drive system, which distributes up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the rear wheels to maintain traction.
All of which means it should offer spirited performance, thanks to excellent levels of torque, with strong acceleration and a responsive drive, combined with everyday practicality and refinement. Meanwhile, combined fuel economy returns 37.7mpg while CO2 emissions are 199g/km.
Inside, the new Mazda CX-7 has generous space for five occupants to travel in comfort, while the sports utility-style rear seat functionality and boot space (455 litres with the rear seats upright), makes this Mazda an ideal vehicle for multi-activity lifestyles. The split rear seats can be folded 60/40 using Mazda's unique Karakuri system with a one-touch rear seat back release located in the boot trim side panel. With the back seats folded, load space becomes 774 litres.
The 2010 CX-7 has a more dynamic 'face' with a larger five-point grille and chrome detailing, a chrome garnish along the bottom of the doors, a larger rear spoiler, new design larger 19-inch alloy wheels and Xenon headlights. Inside the Mazda CX-7 Sport Tech, there are numerous standard premium features including: leather seats, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, electric front and rear windows, electric driver's and front passenger's heated seats, a bespoke BOSE premium surround sound audio system with 6-CD autochanger and nine speakers, plus integrated satellite navigation and Bluetooth technology (that enables wireless operation of both mobile phones and MP3 devices.
A new Emergency Stop Signalling (ESS) system automatically activates the hazard warning lights whenever the driver brakes abruptly and heavily. Additional safety is provided by the new Rear Vehicle Monitoring system (RVM), previously available only on Mazda6 and new Mazda3 MPS. This aid to safe lane-changing uses wide-angle radar units to monitor traffic behind the Mazda CX-7 and warns the driver of an approaching vehicle before he/she has a chance to move across into a busy lane by mistake. Like the majority of Mazda models, the Mazda CX-7 is equipped with front, side and curtain airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters.
