CROSSOVER vehicles have always suffered one drawback — they tend to end up being found wanting in either the power or carrying capacity of their full size bigger competitors or the nimbleness of their smaller brethren. If it was not for the build, quality, safety and agile surefootedness of the delightful CX-7, this might matter. Happily it does not.
Mazda have had no qualms at all in making a “Mini-Me” version of the CX-9. Whereas the enlarged “Mini” from BMW loses the quaint charm that was the essence and unique selling point of the original British Leyland Mini, the reduction in scale of the CX-7 from the CX-9 works. The design is sharp and the handling sporty with a firmer ride than you might expect. It has a very solid feel that derives from a good build-quality and it has a well-appointed interior.
Mazda sports cars such as the Mazdaspeed 3, Miata and RX-8 have given their more sober production saloon cars a sporty personality. The 2010 CX-7 continues the characteristic with peppy acceleration, precise handling and a feeling that you are competently connected to the road. The ride is firmer than its class competitors — but that instils confidence rather than detracts from the ride. With its sleek lines, flared wheel-openings and tapered roofline, the CX-7 certainly flaunts its sports car DNA.
First released in 2007, the 2010 Mazda CX-7 gets a makeover that brings a new SV base trim level, a new base engine, higher fuel economy for the turbocharged engine, a revamped interior and a new front-end configuration that shows off Mazda’s bigger “happier” grille. Not quite sure about that smile.
It also gets a new 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that develops 161 horsepower. The turbocharged 244-hp 2.3-liter engine is still available, and this year Mazda raised the turbo engine’s fuel economy a bit by making a few engineering tweaks. However, it is still a thirsty little beast; our test car ratcheted up 18-liters/100 km.
Despite these improvements, of the CX-7’s more notable drawbacks are cargo capacity and rear passenger room. Compared with segment leaders such as the Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV4 for example, the Mazda simply does not carry as much and it is not as comfortable for people sitting in the back. These competitors do not come close in the combination of driveability and athleticism and for most, safety and build quality, especially for the price. What’s more, the CX-7 is fun!
The updated 2010 Mazda CX-7, however, remains a very good choice for those who need the practicality of a five-passenger crossover and want the sporty looks and performance that are the brand’s trump cards.
For the small family or solo younger man, safety is a variable consideration when set against style. The Mazda manages both. Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags come standard on all trim levels. Very reassuringly, in crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2010 Mazda CX-7 loped off with a top five-star rating in both front and side collisions. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the CX-7 its highest rating of “Good” for both frontal-offset and side-impact crashworthiness. So there! The base level iSV trim offers an impressive array of standard features. It includes 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a six-way manually adjustable driver seat, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. The iSport adds privacy-tint rear glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob and Bluetooth connectivity.
The S Touring model adds a turbocharged engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust outlets, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and a rear cargo cover. The top-of-the-line S Grand Touring features 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, fog-lights, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control, a navigation system, keyless ignition/entry, a rear-view camera, electroluminescent gauges, distinct leather upholstery, driver seat memory settings, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a four-way power passenger seat and an upgraded Bose audio system with satellite radio and a six-CD changer.
The iSV and iSport models come with a 2.5-liter inline-4 making 161 hp and 161 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The S Touring and S Grand Touring come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder boasting 244 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque that’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (also with manual shift control).
The base engine is adequate but the turbocharged engine is much more spirited. The turbo suffers from some lag which can make the power delivery feel a little snatchy compared with V6-powered crossovers.
The iSV and iSport are front-wheel-drive only, while the S Touring and S Grand Touring comes with either front-or all-wheel drive. In normal driving situations, the AWD system routes 100 percent of the engine’s power to the front wheels. If there is a loss of traction, up to 50 percent of the engine’s power is sent to the rear wheels.
Behind the second row seats lies about 0.85 cubic meters of cargo space with maximum capacity set at about 1.7 cubic meters. That is about 15 percent less than the class-leading RAV4, Forester and CR-V. So?So, choose your horse; choose your course. The CX7 impressed with its all-round performance, feel and drive. It is not a packhorse or a racehorse but a lively well mannered and decently appointed family thoroughbred of a vehicle that has enough spirit to excite the solo driver and the road manners of a butler.