2009 Mazda CX-7 Review & Road Test

In 2004 it released the MX Crossport concept, which received great praise during the 2005 Detroit Motor Show and when it saw reality as the CX- the production version was almost identical to the concept, aside from the realistic interior, a product of its final price tag.This type of approach has paid dividends to Mazda in a big way. Having a swish looking car won’t help unless it drives well, so I stepped behind the wheel for the week to have a steer of Mazda’s classy SUV.
Our CX-7 test vehicle was finished in a neat white, ensuring it stood out from the crowd. Evident from first glance were the flowing lines that start at the bonnet and continue through to the car’s rear. Even though this car has been on the market for about three years now, it still has a striking presence.
Bulging side guards hint at the car’s sporty intentions, as do the chunky wheels and exposed exhausts.Inside the cabin, it’s a similar story. Although the funky LCD screen and interior layout isn’t carried over from the concept (we could expect a $100,000+ price tag if they were!) the general connotations are the same.Our test vehicle was fitted with a reversing camera, so it also featured an LCD screen, which controls the radio fascia and switches to a rearward facing camera when reverse is selected. Curiously, satellite navigation isn’t fitted as standard equipment and can’t be optioned, quite strange when you consider the screen is there, which is half the job done.
Rear leg and headroom isn’t too flash. With the driver’s seat in my regular position, quite far back more often than not, it’s hard for an adult to remain comfortable when seated behind. The design of the car somewhat inhibits the function. It’s not overly oppressive, but on the same token it’s also no LandCruiser.
This isn’t too much of an issue though when you consider the CX-7’s target demographic. CX-7 buyers have young families and are lifestyle oriented, so in that regard it does a fine job of hauling kids.
The standard Bose sound system offers plenty of punch. Fitted with nine speakers and pumping out 240W of power, there is ample bass and exceptional treble quality. A six-disc CD-changer tops things off with regards to the audio system.
The cabin has a roomy feel to it. The windscreen has a 66-degree rake, making the front of the dashboard feel like it’s very distant.
Boot room is average, and again, the design impinges on the function although 400-litres of capacity is on offer. Boot opening room is impressive though, allowing the loading and unloading of cargo with great ease.
Driving the CX-7 is a mixed bag. Turn the engine over and a humble silence engulfs the cabin. The 2.3-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine produces 175kW and 350Nm, which sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

Specifications:Engine: 2261cc four-cylinder

Power: 175kW @ 5000rpm

Torque: 350Nm @ 2500rpm

Induction: Turbocharged

Transmission: Six-speed automatic Differential/Driven

Wheels: All-wheel-drive

Brakes: 296mm front/302mm rear

Top Speed: N/A 0-100km/h: 8.5-seconds 0-400m: N/A

CO2 Emissions: 273g/km

Fuel Consumption: 11.5-litres/100km (claimed)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 69-litres

Fuel Type: 98RON petrol ANCAP

Rating: Five-stars

Airbags: Six-airbags

Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA. DSC.

Spare Wheel: Spacesaver spare

Tow Capacity: 1600kg braked/750kg unbraked

Turning Circle: 11.4m

Warranty: Three-years/unlimited-km

Weight: 1771kg

Wheels: 18-inch alloys with 235/60R18 tyres