With a stylishness of a sedan, practicality of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and the spirit of a sports car, the Mazda CX-7 is a unique balance of performance and practicality with true flexibility.
Since its launch, the CX-7 has been gaining popularity around the world and despite being an SUV with generous ground clearance, journalists have been reviewing it to be the most car-like crossover due to its superb handling.
And in case you're wondering if the '7' refers to the number of seats the SUV has, it doesn't. If that's the case, the car will be CX-5. But there's a valid reason behind it. The CX-7 isn't really aimed at the family-hauling market, even if the rear legroom and boot space is generous. Instead, it's aimed at drivers having multi-activity lifestyles.
Exterior
The facelifted design that sports the five-point front grille and pronounced fenders resembles most models in the Mazda family and is both practical and comprehensive. It, in a way, meets the needs of different lifestyles that are sporty as well as sophisticated.
Up front, the obvious iteration of Mazda's five-point corporate nose design that is also on the on the 3, RX-8 and MX-5 is evident. The gaping lower grille, cat-eyed headlamps as well as the integrated fog lamps on both sides give the Mazda CX-7 a slightly more commanding look when viewed from the front.
Since its launch, the CX-7 has been gaining popularity around the world and despite being an SUV with generous ground clearance, journalists have been reviewing it to be the most car-like crossover due to its superb handling.
And in case you're wondering if the '7' refers to the number of seats the SUV has, it doesn't. If that's the case, the car will be CX-5. But there's a valid reason behind it. The CX-7 isn't really aimed at the family-hauling market, even if the rear legroom and boot space is generous. Instead, it's aimed at drivers having multi-activity lifestyles.
Exterior
The facelifted design that sports the five-point front grille and pronounced fenders resembles most models in the Mazda family and is both practical and comprehensive. It, in a way, meets the needs of different lifestyles that are sporty as well as sophisticated.
Up front, the obvious iteration of Mazda's five-point corporate nose design that is also on the on the 3, RX-8 and MX-5 is evident. The gaping lower grille, cat-eyed headlamps as well as the integrated fog lamps on both sides give the Mazda CX-7 a slightly more commanding look when viewed from the front.
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From the side, the 18 inch tyres highlight the vehicle's sporty silhouette, giving the SUV a decidedly upscale appearance. It does look quite continental, with lines that are refreshingly original, dynamic and purposeful.
Round the rear, the styling can be a tad fussy, particularly where the C-shaped Led clusters in the tail-lights seem to sit oddly in the transparent bezels.
It looks heavy from most angles as well, singing slight resemblance to the Porsche Cayenne. However, what scores the CX-7 points are the two large chromed tailpipes, one protruding from each corner below the car's rear bumper.
It would be hard to fault Mazda's design direction over the past couple of years with this CX-7 serving to improve with an ever-aggressive fascia and more pronounced lines around its shell.
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Interior
The interior is distinctively Mazda, with a sporty steering wheel that is similar to the MX-5 and the RX-8. SUV roominess and practicality, combined with an ergonomic cabin, sporty and high craft, is an interesting combination for the Mazda CX-7.
Controls and buttons are straightforward and simple and they feel good to the touch. Although the test car had a touch too much of dark grey, the comfortable seats made up for it. Both and front benches win praises for their comfort and conduciveness for long trips.
In terms of space, the interior room is more than decent due to the stature of the car. Head and legroom are ample all round and the rear benches fit three adults comfortably. Boot space is adequately spacious too, holding a generous space of 455 litres which hauls three golf bags with ease.
The interior is distinctively Mazda, with a sporty steering wheel that is similar to the MX-5 and the RX-8. SUV roominess and practicality, combined with an ergonomic cabin, sporty and high craft, is an interesting combination for the Mazda CX-7.
Controls and buttons are straightforward and simple and they feel good to the touch. Although the test car had a touch too much of dark grey, the comfortable seats made up for it. Both and front benches win praises for their comfort and conduciveness for long trips.
In terms of space, the interior room is more than decent due to the stature of the car. Head and legroom are ample all round and the rear benches fit three adults comfortably. Boot space is adequately spacious too, holding a generous space of 455 litres which hauls three golf bags with ease.
The rounded edged dashboard may seem a tad boring but extend a little further and the Multi Information Display (MID) and the power of the air condition and radio channel stand out. Although common amongst many cars, this design does give this area a greater sense of quality.
Generally, the CX-7's interior is sweet, with no evidence of cheap materials used, especially by the side compartments of the doors - something that is getting too popular as many car dealers pinch pennies.
Generally, the CX-7's interior is sweet, with no evidence of cheap materials used, especially by the side compartments of the doors - something that is getting too popular as many car dealers pinch pennies.
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The Drive
While the car retains the original sporty character, aesthetic surgery has been done to improve the driving comfort and handling stability of the car. On the go, this inline four-cylinder DOHC VVT is as smooth, as stout-hearted and as aurally pleasing as they come.
One of the best qualities about the Mazda CX-7 is pure fun to drive it. It is rare to get a thrill driving an SUV, but the CX-7 is a gutsy exception and it certainly brings a smile to your face quicker than the naught to hundred timing.
Although its acceleration isn't hair raising despite Mazda promoting the CX-7 as a sporty driving machine, it's the very comfortable ride that first strikes you after a few minutes behind the wheel.
The compliant and cosseting drive made the driving experience highly enjoyable. It took ruts, potholes and uneven surfaces in its stride, and didn't become seriously unsettled at any point during the test drive.
Handling wise, the SUV scores well. Hustle the 7 into a corner and you'll feel that this SUV turns in even better than some family saloons. It holds its line through corners impressively and contains body roll relatively well, which is not an inconsiderable achievement for a car as big and high riding as this.
While the car retains the original sporty character, aesthetic surgery has been done to improve the driving comfort and handling stability of the car. On the go, this inline four-cylinder DOHC VVT is as smooth, as stout-hearted and as aurally pleasing as they come.
One of the best qualities about the Mazda CX-7 is pure fun to drive it. It is rare to get a thrill driving an SUV, but the CX-7 is a gutsy exception and it certainly brings a smile to your face quicker than the naught to hundred timing.
Although its acceleration isn't hair raising despite Mazda promoting the CX-7 as a sporty driving machine, it's the very comfortable ride that first strikes you after a few minutes behind the wheel.
The compliant and cosseting drive made the driving experience highly enjoyable. It took ruts, potholes and uneven surfaces in its stride, and didn't become seriously unsettled at any point during the test drive.
Handling wise, the SUV scores well. Hustle the 7 into a corner and you'll feel that this SUV turns in even better than some family saloons. It holds its line through corners impressively and contains body roll relatively well, which is not an inconsiderable achievement for a car as big and high riding as this.
Moreover, the steering inspires confidence as it is well-weighted with no nervous twitches and it's relaxed enough on the motorway for the driver to let the car flow along without constant corrections.
However, there's a slight but noticeable turbo lag starting out. When the right pedal is floored, the automatic takes its time to kick in the acceleration and when it finally arrives, the resulting power can feel pushy and sudden.
While the sprint may feel slower than the figures stated on paper, the CX-7 encourages spirited driving and is remarkably car-like to drive. The handling of the SUV is so well set-up that it constantly allows the driver to feel in control.
Conclusion
Despite the quibbles that the CX-7 has shown, I'll still recommend the car. The CX-7 offers the right proportions, great steering and handling to make the daily grind somewhat enjoyable - especially when you're filled with outdoor activities.
At the price of $164,488 (as of 6th Nov 2010), I have no doubt that this agile and confidence-inspiring lad can handle its responsibilities of travelling in a safe manner, particularly when Mazda is well known for its impressive braking system.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
However, there's a slight but noticeable turbo lag starting out. When the right pedal is floored, the automatic takes its time to kick in the acceleration and when it finally arrives, the resulting power can feel pushy and sudden.
While the sprint may feel slower than the figures stated on paper, the CX-7 encourages spirited driving and is remarkably car-like to drive. The handling of the SUV is so well set-up that it constantly allows the driver to feel in control.
Conclusion
Despite the quibbles that the CX-7 has shown, I'll still recommend the car. The CX-7 offers the right proportions, great steering and handling to make the daily grind somewhat enjoyable - especially when you're filled with outdoor activities.
At the price of $164,488 (as of 6th Nov 2010), I have no doubt that this agile and confidence-inspiring lad can handle its responsibilities of travelling in a safe manner, particularly when Mazda is well known for its impressive braking system.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
