Mazda has the CX factor

Nov 16 2009 Mike Torpey

Mazda has the CX factor

IT'S easy enough to appreciate why Mazda's CX-7 sports crossover was a big hit in the States and an almighty flop this side of the pond.

The sole engine available over the car's two-year lifespan was a 2.3-litre turbocharged belter - only problem being it was a thirsty petrol unit capable of returning around 23 miles to the gallon on a good day.

But from this week the Japanese company has entered a completely new ball game with a diesel-powered CX-7 that's armed and loaded with cool styling, extra kit and loads of practicality.

Once again there's just one model - now called the Sport Tech Diesel - with an imposing road presence and price of £25,785.

The powerplant is key to this model's impact on the competitive 4x4 scene and the promise of an average 37.7mpg will win over plenty of new custom, though the CO2 figure of 199g/km remains high.

It certainly has some attitude too, with a sharp new set of clothes that includes blown-up wheel arches, larger air scoops, rear spoiler and a gaping front grille.

While the CX-7 boasts four-wheel drive, off-road ability is not the priority. As a result the car's Active Torque system - which automatically shifts power between the front and rear axles - is set up to improve tarmac handling.

This it achieves with lots of panache. On a 120-mile route through north and mid Wales the car felt extremely agile, stable at speed, positive through fast bends and provided a great sense of control from behind the wheel.

Performance remains a strongpoint, the 173PS oil-burner capable of hitting 62mph in 11.3 seconds and topping out at 124mph while a slick six-speed manual gearbox makes for easy cruising.

The big Mazda is a striking looker both inside and out, decent rear space meaning three can travel comfortably for a long distance in the back.

Carrying capacity is also outstanding and there's the option of increasing the area considerably thanks to Mazda's 'Karakuri' arrangement which drops the rear seats to form a flat floor at the flick of a lever.

Like its predecessor, the new CX-7 has just one high spec trim grade that includes leather seats, air-con, cruise control, electric windows, powered and heated front seats plus a BOSE premium sound system with six-CD autochanger.

There's also integrated sat-nav and Bluetooth while metallic paint at £450 is one of very few extra cost options.

Given its slick styling, sporty dynamics and upgraded safety technologies like the Emergency Stop Signalling, which activates the hazard warning lights under heavy braking, and the new Rear Vehicle Monitoring system - an aid to safe lane-changing - the CX-7 is definitely a car with bags of appeal.