Many buyers are now shifting to a new trend of SUVs known as the crossover, which offers the utility of traditional SUV with the fuel economy, ride and handling of a car. In 2006, Mazda introduced one such crossover that combined the functionality of an SUV with the excitement of a sports car.
The bonnet and front fenders design are RX-8-inspired with black air intakes and two large round tailpipes making a very sporty-looking SUV. To back up the looks, the CX-7 gives an enjoyable driving experience with level cornering, steering response and straight-line performance. Aerodynamics is aided by a 66-degree sloping windscreen and flows through a smoothly-designed rear.
The prime interior speaks of Mazda's quality. It features an instrument cluster and centre console with chrome bezels. The steering wheel is from the MX-5 roadster and continues on the overall sporty feel of the compact crossover. Although the Mazda CX-7 is designed as an SUV, the cargo space is a bit limited owing to its rear exterior design. Standard equipment is more than what you would expect for the price with air conditioning, ABS, cruise control, and many more.
Engine and Trims
Initially offered in Australia as either the Base 4x4 or the Luxury 4x4, they were both powered by the 2.3L MZR L3-VDT DISI turbocharged petrol inline 4-cylinder that produced 175 kW of power and torque rated at 350 N⋅m coupled to a 6-speed automatic. It is capable of a top speed of 210 km/h and accelerating it from 0-100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds. Fuel economy suffers from all these with combined fuel consumption of only 11.5 l/ 100 km.
In 2009, the 2.5L petrol MZR L5-VE (120 kW / 250 N⋅m) and the 2.2L diesel MZR-CD (127 kW / 400 N⋅m) were added to the lineup with transmissions being offered as 5-speed auto, 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual gearbox depending on the trim and engine variants. Most vehicles are 4x4 except for the classic trim which can also be bought with just front-wheel drive.
The CX-7 was equipped with an active torque split four-wheel-drive system which sent half of the torque to the rear wheels for mild off-road situations or slippery road conditions. Front suspension is adapted from Mazda MPV minivan while the rear setup came from the Mazda Premacy (Mazda 5).
An update was introduced in 2009 which featured a redesign of the front and rear fascias and updated to the now-familiar five-point grille. The interior also received upgrades with the blackout three-dimensional dials on the meters of the gauge cluster. Numerous other electronic features were also incorporated at this upgrade phase.
Next Generation CX-7
The Mazda CX-7 was produced and sold until 2012, but talks have it that the CX-7 will be revived. In cooperation with Toyota, Mazda plans to build the CX-7 at the shared facility in Huntsville, Alabama and release a new generation by 2021. With the introduction of the CX-30, we may have to wait for a while to find out if indeed the CX-7 series will be brought back to life, or a new series of crossovers will be coming from Mazda.
Owning a Used CX-7
Mazda discontinued the CX-7 some time ago, but we can still see them quite often on the road. The newer crossover offerings from Mazda boast of having the new SkyActiv technologies but also bring with them all the complications of the ever-increasing complexity in electronics. The CX-7 also has the more classic sporty look that other buyers still prefer.
If you own a CX-7 or thinking of buying, check us out at Carpart.com.au and see our selection of new and serviceable secondhand auto parts to keep your crossover in top shape. You may also buy or sell a used CX-7 through our platform – contact us at hello@carpart.com.au and we’d be more than happy to assist you.
Fred Cajulis