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Weekend roadtest : Mazda CX-7
publication date: Mar 6, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
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Sometimes, the things which are not obvious are really obvious.
Ask
most car buyers thinking of an SUV and they will reel off a number of
vehicles which exactly fit the bill. Then you can ask them if there are
any more and they may just add one or two which did not immediately
spring to mind. Push a bit further and they will struggle.
But you would not struggle if your SUV list included the Mazda CX-7. It should be somewhere near the top of anyone’s list.
A
comparatively rare model in the showrooms and on the roads, the CX-7 is
in fact one of those very capable cross-over models which looks an
amalgamation of a 4x4 and a people carrier.
It is roomy,
comfortable, provides excellent visibility and with the powertrain as
tested it is a lively, economical and sophisticated SUV.
| The engine
is a good starter, pulls eagerly and strongly over a wide powerband and
delivers good through-gear acceleration as well as effortless high
speed cruising ability to give useful economy over long journeys on
main roads and motorways.The gearchange is very smooth, the ratios
give it good punch and promote economy without any real effort from the
driver.
I liked the feel and power of the brakes underfoot and the
parking brake securely held it on a steep test slope while the steering
proved not only pleasantly weighted for feedback at speed but endowed
the CX-7 with a good in-town turning circle.
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| Secondary controls
were well laid out around the wheel, the wiper and lights’ stalks
operating with a satisfying feel while the systems kept the windows
clear and the road very well illuminated. On the fascia the heating
and ventilation was straightforward and worked well, the sound system
was also effective and I liked the oddments room in the front for
on-journey storage choices.
Access for luggage was very good, the
capacity gradually rising from 455 litres to 744 litres as the seats
progressively folded and everyone could climb in or out without any
issues. | |
 | The seats were extremely comfortable and located occupants
securely and with a lot of support, the front pair had a useful
adjustment range and the high riding position meant the driver and
passengers could see well around them, ideal for town use and reducing
car sickness in youngsters who are in the back.
The CX-7 ride
quality is very good, it soaked up bumps without complaint, didn’t roll
or wallow and in the driver’s hands it felt taut and responsive,
although it was not quiet crossing bumpy roads.
Performance was very
respectable thanks to that strong pulling power through the gears and
it could easily keep up with traffic and had good power reserves for
overtaking. Economy was good. | |
 | The road noise was ever present but
the engine noise was generally low, only rising noticeably if the
engine was really pressed to perform. Wind and other mechanical noise
was low.
The good visibility allowed overtaking opportunities to be maximised and any shortage in absolute power was easily overcome.
What
is hard to convey in any test is that the Mazda CX-7 really exuded an
impression of quality from the moment you opened and shut the doors,
drove it and used it. It does all you could ask in a very refined and
satisfying way and, obviously, it will not break the bank as some
competitor models may tempt you to do. ©Robin Roberts
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FAST FACTS Mazda CX-7 2.2d
| Price: £26,340 | | Mechanical: 4cyl 2.2 173ps, 6-sp | | Max speed: 124mph | | 0-62mph: 11.3sec | | Combined mpg: 37.7mpg | | Insurance group: 14 | | CO2 emissions: 199gkm | | BIK rating: 30pc | | Residual value: 36pc | | Warranty: 3yrs/ 60k | | | | |
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