It wasn't the first time that Mazda was surprising us with a vehicle proposing sporty and agressive lines but it was the 1st time that I was feeling some sort of enthusiasm to test drive an SUV.
It actually all started in August 2006 while I was enjoying some well deserved vacations with my family (my wife, my PC, my DSLR and I) for one week of total relaxation in Oahu North Shore, Hawai.
So it was on american soil that I had the pleasure to discover this Mazda that had not hit the Japanese ground yet: the Crossover SUV known as CX-7!
There is a simple reason why the CX-7 was in Hawai and not in the streets of Tokyo, it was actually designed and thought for the american market. But, as trends spread quickly it wasn't long until the car received global acclaim from all the men and women wishing to drive an SUV with a different style.
Then, the good sales and positive feedback from the customers and the medias convinced the Hiroshima-based manufacturer to prepare the CX-7 for Japan a bit more than 6 months after its american launch.
Mazda CX-7 Test Drive, HDTV
(WMV9HD 720p Direct Download "Right click, Save as…")
Mazda CX-7 Test Drive, HDTV
(WMV9HD 720p Torrent "Right click, Save as…")
After long months of awaiting (but a couple good surprises
here and
there) Mazda finally contacted us for a 1 week hands-on review of their charming vehicle.
Pretty different from the rest of the automotive production of SUVs the CX-7 has got just what's needed to stand out and at the same time it has what's required to keep the "zoom-zoom" identity, I am talking about the striking resemblance with another major car of the Mazda line-up, you guessed it, the RX-8.
No need to even come very close to notice how much those 2 vehicles share the same design made of smooth but strong lines. If it is a must have on a sports coupe it is pretty unusual on an SUV.
From the front to the rear the CX-7 maintains a sport design reinforced by the low slope of the windshield (A-pillar) which makes the top of the car low as well. Unfortunately and unlike many vehicles the rear is not as nice and attractive in our opinion but is it really a surprise for a Sport Utility Vehicle?
No matter what, a rapid look around the car is enough to realize that the designers and engineers had more of the word "pleasure" in mind than just simple "utility" matters in mind.
Now time to step inside!
The conservative tone and look of the interior was predictable as manufacturers don't like to take much risks on that particular part and at the same time to share many parts with other vehicles for obvious cost reducing concerns.
The Mazda fans will probably have a feeling of "deja vu"... First eye catching thing? The steering wheel which is actually the same as in the Mazda Roadster (Miata, MX5), another important similarity comes from the main board, taken straight out of the RX-8.
But this doesn't mean we didn't like it! On the contrary it didn't take long to feel at ease and to start noticing small changes and variations here and there...those helping to differentiate the CX-7 and give it a unique personality.
So here it is, we are now comfortably seated in, it's time to take it to the road and see how this big baby is doing.
No need to keep you waiting, what we can say is that Mazda didn't only bring a bit of its sports cars or coupes for the exterior and inside of this CX-7, the engine provides good accelerations, much better than a classical SUV.
The reason is the 2.3 liter turbocharged engine producing 238HP and 350Nm of torque to help moving the 1.6 or 1.7(FWD version is lighter than AWD) ton of the body. Of course you won't break any speed record but if your right foot is heavy the car will give you good sensations.
Nevertheless as perfection doesn't exist in this world the Front Wheel Drive version that we had was struggling a little bit to fully transmit the power to the ground through the wheels, causing wheelspin, slight understeer and tire squealing.
The 2WD version sure makes sense for a strictly urban use but in our mind the philosophy of any SUV would and should lead customers towards the AWD version. Still, having the choice is always a good thing.
Once again Mazda proposes a vehicle to stand out and be noticed in a car industry that tends to neglect originality. The CX-7 offers a great driving pleasure in most conditions for you and your whole family.
With its good performances and look this new Mazda should attract quite a lot of people.
Posted on 17/03/07 By G-A.G
