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Tags: mazda,mazda cx-7,cx-7,mazda rx-8,sports car

Tag Links: mazda, mazda cx-7, cx-7, mazda rx-8, sports car

Mazda’s CX-7 is a stylish soft-roader with sporting intentions.
Barely a day goes by with?out another compact SUV arriving in showrooms. But Mazdas latest model is an off-roader with a difference its designed to stay on the tarmac.

The Japanese manufacturer is billing the CX-7 as a sports crossover so what exactly does that mean if youre considering buying one?

Mazda claims the new 4×4 is a sports car with the look and practicality of an off-roader, but its five seats and permanent four-wheel drive are nothing to shout about in this sector. However, the 2.3-litre turbo engine from the hot 3 MPS hatch gives the CX-7s promises of perfor?mance some genuine credibility.

Theres also a slick six-speed manual gearbox where you might expect to find an automatic shift. Its the only transmission option, and further under?lines the models sporting intent.

From the outside, the newcomer looks more like a 4WD than a sports car, although its jacked-up bodywork is undeniably sleek. Its easy to spot where the companys designers have looked for inspiration, too, because the pronounced wheelarches, steeply raked windscreen, narrow headlamps and gaping grille all borrow heavily from the Mazda RX-8.

At the back, there are fewer similarities with the coup?, as a conventional tailgate opens to reveal a mod?est 455-litre boot. But practicality is enhanced by a handy one-touch seat folding mechanism, which increases the load area to 1,348 litres.

Further forward, the angled windscreen and neat instruments give the cabin the feel of a traditional saloon or hatch. Yet theres also the commanding driving position of a 4×4.

Standard equipment is generous: leather upholstery, cruise control and xenon headlamps are all included. The cabin is well designed, smart and solidly constructed, but unfortunately theres no reach adjustment for the steering wheel, while an integrated sat-nav system isnt even an option.

Out on the road, the turbocharged engine provides a potent 256bhp, and powers the five-seater from 0-62mph in eight seconds respectable for the class. Once the turbo is spinning, at around 3,000rpm, theres a considerable amount of urge available, which makes overtaking or merging with fast-flowing traffic easy.

At motorway speeds, engine and road noise are muted, too although you are reminded of the CX-7s bluff stance by the sound of the wind round the windscreen pillars and mirrors. Read Article
Mazda’s CX-7 is a stylish soft-roader with sporting intentions.



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r_driver04r_driver04 - 7/25/2007 4:43:09 PM
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So what about the RDX? Same setup essentially.


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maltbarleymaltbarley - 7/25/2007 4:43:45 PM
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$44k US? Not even close to that much...

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Htay7500Htay7500 - 7/25/2007 4:47:37 PM
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the cx9 is nearly US 40k (fully loaded) TOPS!!!

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bimmermike2bimmermike2 - 7/25/2007 9:17:46 PM
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I knew it hit 40, but it was really nice. I'm sure it was loaded.

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M35MTM35MT - 7/26/2007 8:26:30 AMView My AgentSpace
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The Cx-9 tops 40k, the CX-7 is around 30k....you must've been in the CX-9 bimmermike.

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Htay7500Htay7500 - 7/25/2007 4:33:50 PM
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the looks are kinda off in my book, but the interior was nice! oh BTW, Mazda solely produced much of this car, dunno if ford took the 5% or not.

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r_driver04r_driver04 - 7/25/2007 4:45:49 PM
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And they are only available with automatics, no stick shift. Sorry about the downer but I picked up a brochure last weekend on one for kicks. Eight seconds is slow in todays sport ute market anyway.

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maltbarleymaltbarley - 7/25/2007 4:46:37 PM
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You folks in the UK are quite lucky to get a 6-speed manual gearbox in the CX-7. I'd swap mine out in a heartbeat.

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RupertRupert - 7/25/2007 5:46:56 PMView My AgentSpace
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Yeah but only a 6 speed manual?
In SUVs people want their autos...
and it doesn't really "fit" anywhere in the market. Too expensive for the Rav 4 crowd, wrong badge for the X3 crowd...where does it go???


M35MTM35MT - 7/26/2007 8:28:42 AMView My AgentSpace
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Rupert -

That IS Mazda's niche! People who want a well made, well designed sporty vehicle and dont care about the vanity of the badge - anyway, what's wrong with Mazda? They have a great history and reputation, less the fact that Ford owns 33%...


Will_Will_ - 7/25/2007 4:56:17 PM
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It looks really good now, but the design is way too jellybean-like to age well.

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klossfamklossfam - 7/25/2007 5:46:57 PM
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I've driven both the CX-7 and RDX - no comparison - spend the extra $$$$ and get the RDX if you MUST have a CUV of this genre...Still no sure of their actual purpose...but then again, I have stuff to tow.

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M35MTM35MT - 7/26/2007 8:30:59 AMView My AgentSpace
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Just a note - In a comparo between the CX-9 (not 7), GM Acadia and Acura MDX, the CX-9 came out on top.

The RDX got it right, no doubt, but not only does the CX-7 undercut the price, but it has a 'stronger' look to it, which will help it sell.


johnctjohnct - 7/25/2007 10:38:26 PM
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This is a well done vehicle. I considered it before buying an A4. It is reasonably sporty and has some suv practicality at a price thousands less then the RDX.

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deacrodeacro - 7/6/2008 11:05:46 PM
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I own a CX-7 and the thing is amazing, I change out the blow off valve with a aftermark valve even more kick for the money the thing is worth every dollar

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