Review
A quick glance at the new CX-7's engine spec may have your heart racing. It reads suspiciously like the 6MPS sedan, with 2.3 litres of direct injected turbo four. But look closer and you'll see 175kW instead of its hotter cousin's beefier 190kW. So the CX-7 has less power thanks to different turbocharging and camshafts but picks up improved low end torque. Even so, Mazda's latest arrival may add credibility to the "S" in SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) tag.
It certainly looks the part; designer Iwao Koizumi's design shares an obvious family resemblance to the RX-8. Under the flared arches and coke bottle rear flanks is Mazda's Active Torque Split (ATS) technology. First seen here on the 6MPS sedan, the computer controlled AWD system splits torque and drive where it's needed most on demand.
There's definitely no shortage of competition for the newcomer, with a raft of new SUV's released in the last year buyers are spoilt for choice.
Value for money
Pricing
There are two versions, the entry level CX-7 at $39,910 and our Luxury test car at $45,560.
Standard features
Living up to its Luxury nameplate, standard equipment includes: climate control, 18" alloy wheels, cruise control, leather trim with heated front seats, power glass sunroof, 240W premium Bose® sound system with 6 disc CD and MP3, plus heated exterior mirrors. But at more than $45K, why isn't there any sat-nav or at least some niceties like illuminated vanity mirrors?
Design & function
Space & practicality
Looks are definitely deceiving. Mr Koizumi's low glasshouse and sweeping front pillars give the car a sports car like stance, perhaps compromising interior space. But it's an illusion. Despite the tapering roofline there is plenty of head room front and rear, (the rear seats set low and slightly reclined), plus excellent front and rear leg room. Only rear footspace is a little tight, the low set front buckets can limit toe wriggling space.
Up front there's good storage space with handy door pockets and a usable glovebox. Under the centre armrest is a huge, lockable, storage box. In the rear things aren't as accommodating. There are no door pockets or air vents. For the money it is a strange omission, and not good for the kids on a long trip.
Luggage space is also a compromise. Width and length are fine, but the boot area is shallow, due mainly to the temporary spare tyre, and the loading lip is a long way from the ground.
Comfort
Continuing the hi-performance theme the heavily scalloped front seats (power adjustable for the driver), provide excellent support, although the thin stripe of "velour crocodile-skin" accents raised a few eyebrows.
Rear comfort is above average, the seat offering more shape and support than normally expected in this class. Plus there's a sizeable centre armrest with cupholders.
Ergonomics
Proving the point that less is more, all of the major controls on the CX-7's neat and uncluttered dash take only seconds to find. A trio of large, permanently lit, gauges sit ahead of you, while two rotary switches take care of airconditioning and ventilation, with the audio controls sitting above them. The small MX-5 style steering wheel is almost perfect, but only has tilt adjustment. Another plus is the foot operated parking brake, which is one of the few that is positioned so it doesn't vie for ankle space in the footwell.
Forward vision is good, but like so many new releases the thick A-pillars, (which aid crash safety), create large blind spots when turning. With its steeply sloping bonnet there is no easy way of gauging where the front of the car is and the overly sensitive parking sensors add to your tension when reversing into tight spots.
Safety
At this stage there isn't a star rating for the CX-7. So while we can't confirm an ANCAP score, the list of standard equipment is extensive. There's the usual collection of acronyms with ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Add Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and traction control to this and you have a lot of back up if things go wrong. If the situation turns nasty there are six airbags, (driver, passenger, front side, plus front and rear curtain bags). In the event of a rollover the curtain airbags will deploy early and remain inflated longer to offer additional protection.
All seats have lap sash belts, but the centre rear sash is located in the roof, rather than on the seat, making use awkward.
Build quality & finish
It's a Mazda and it's built in Japan. That probably sums it up best. Fit and finish is excellent. Inside the plastics have a quality look and feel, and the test car's two-tone trim complemented the up-market ambience. Outside the Radiant Ebony metallic paint drew lots of positive comments.
Security
NRMA Insurance scores the Mazda at 70/120 placing it well below the Subaru Outback's 92/120 and just below the Forester's 74/120, while Holden's new Captiva trails at 52/120.
On the Road
Fuel
Compared to it's opposition the CX-7's ADR fuel figure of 11.5l/100km equals the Captiva V6, and is thirstier than the Hyundai Santa Fe V6 (10.6), Mitsubishi Outlander VR V6 (10.9) and Toyota RAV4 2.4 (9.6).
Displaying a disappointingly healthy appetite for 95 RON fuel our real world figures averaged 15L/100km around town dropping to a best of 12.6 on the open road. There may be some room for improvement given our test car's low kilometres, but any gains may be minor when the 2.3 turbo has 1700 plus kilograms to shift.
Performance
Healthy, not ravenous, is the best description of the CX-7's performance. There's enough torque on hand for most conditions. Around town its responsiveness is matched by the six-speed auto's ability to make the most of the available torque and maintain acceleration in the taller ratios. When you need maximum power, the auto's kickdown is responsive and smooth. It's the only time you really hear the engine working.
In manual mode the six-speed maintains its slick shifting quality, with the bonus of rapid fire changes. The only time you feel the torque curves limits are in the tall sixth gear when there's a decent hill to climb.
Ride
Despite its sporting DNA, the taut suspension manages to isolate all but the worst of Sydney's patchwork quilt of repaired bitumen, without compromising comfort. Off-road it's just as good, maintaining composure over a variety of surfaces, including corrugations, without raising a sweat.
Handling & steering
Away from the city the CX-7 has a chance to show off its best attributes. Forget any pre-conceived ideas of lacklustre, nose heavy handling. There are a lot of "soft roaders" out there that will protest at the thought of a corner. Not the CX-7. Its direct nature means turn in is sharper than you'd expect, bodyroll kept to a minimum, with more steering feel than its less focussed peers. In other words it's agile and enjoyable. Even better these basic dynamics don't diminish away from the tarmac. Off-road it's the same positive handling. In fact, you'll need to keep an eye on the speedo, it is so effortless. The on-demand Active Torque Split is effective and unobtrusive, distributing drive anywhere from 100:1 to 50:50 as required.
Braking
Good pedal feel means the brakes are easy to modulate, and there is plenty of stopping power, although a slight sway during our emergency braking tests made you aware of the car's mass.
Smoothness & Quietness
There's little in the way of engine noise and certainly no sporty exhaust note. You'll only hear the engine under hard acceleration, and even though it's smooth, it sounds dull. Tyre noise is commendably low and at freeway speeds the cabin is relaxingly quiet.
Summary:
Stylish, well built and enjoyable to drive the CX-7 isn't a hard edged performer. But it's certainly sharper in character and pricing than many of the competition.
Test vehicle and images supplied by Mazda Australia Pty Ltd
