Mazda CX-7 (From York Press)

Mazda CX-7

1:58pm Friday 18th December 2009

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TWO years ago, Mazda’s first entry into the UK sports utility vehicle market, the CX-7, hit the showrooms.

It struck a bold, sporty pose, but armed with only a petrol engine while the world and his dog were jumping into diesel variants, it faced a tough task in winning over customers from the established players.

About 1,250 were sold in the UK before Mazda took the decision to re-launch the car, only this time it comes with a diesel engine – and that is a much more attractive proposition.

Like the previous offering, there is only one highly-specified model – priced at £25,785. That may sound expensive, but Mazda is being very specific in targeting those drivers looking for premium quality in a sporty SUV. Placed alongside the much more expensive BMW X5, it starts to make a lot of sense.

The turbocharged 2.2-litre engine is a variant of the one already proven in the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3 and it is perfectly matched to its new task. Acceleration certainly feels quicker than the official figure of 0 to 62mph in 11.3 seconds, and once it gets into its stride the CX-7 offers a quiet and refined ride.

The A-pillar is steeply angled, flowing into the roof with barely a seam, and that roofline starts to head downwards with an almost indecent haste. From the driver’s seat, there’s not a trace of bonnet in sight.

The new CX-7 sits on 18-inch alloys with body-coloured bumpers, chrome door handles and window sill trim and dark privacy glass at the rear.

Inside, there’s a wraparound cockpit, red-on-black instrumentation, a large rev-counter and speedo, full leather upholstery and a leather steering wheel.

The CX-7 (C stands for Crossover, X means Sport and the 7 reflects the relative size and pricing within the Mazda product range) uses Mazda’s all-wheel drive system for better traction and a six-speed manual transmission system.

Driving through the Yorkshire countryside from Harrogate to Helmsley and back, I was impressed by both the ride comfort and steering, and enjoyed the commanding drive position.

There were occasions, when tackling the worst vagaries of village twists and turns, when it became necessary to remember that for all its sporting intentions, this was a big car that required a little more help with the cornering. But the stiff bodyshell will more than meet expectations.

In the back, there is room for three more passengers to sit in comfort, plus 455 litres of storage. That storage space is increased to 1,348 litres when the brilliant one-touch seatback folding system is used to tip seats down. This must be one of the simplest and most effective room-creating devices on the market.

The new model undoubtedly refines the attributes of its predecessor and preserves its sporty nature. The new CX-7 has a more dynamic “face” with a larger five-point grille and chrome detailing.

It also has numerous features as standard, including leather seats, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, electric driver’s and front passenger’s heated seats, auto lights and wipers, a Bose premium surround sound audio system, integrated satellite navigation operated through steering wheel-mounted controls and Bluetooth technology.

Mazda has also included a new Emergency Stop Signalling system that activates the hazard warning lights whenever the driver brakes abruptly and heavily and the Rear Vehicle Monitoring system aiding safe lane-changing.

A choice of five body colours – Brilliant Black, Aluminium Silver Metallic, Copper Red, Galaxy Grey and Stormy Blue Mica – completes an impressive package in a growing niche market.

Mazda CX-7, £25,785

Engine: 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel.

Transmission: Six-speed manual, driving all four wheels.

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 11.3 seconds; maximum speed 124mph; 170bhp.

Economy: 37.7mpg.

CO2 Rating: 199g/km.

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