Mazda CX-7 2011 Review

This is one of the more stylish ways to join the SUV set. The CX-7 has been a hit for Mazda for the four years since launch because it marries the high-riding SUV drive with car-like handling and swoopy exterior style with a touch of bling. It could do with more grunt, but you can't have everything and the mid-sized Mazda doesn't have too many shortcomings in the urban jungle.

VALUE

The two-wheel drive model kicks in at $33,990, then it's a $5000 jump to the on-demand all-wheel drive of the Classic Sports. Neither comes with standard Bluetooth - that's on the Diesel Sports and Luxury Sports models - which shows just how much the wireless technology has invaded our vehicles since the CX-7 launched in 2006.

When $15,000 base model vehicles have Bluetooth as part of the basic package, there's no excuse other than bad product cycle timing not to have it in more upmarket cars.

Points though for having a reversing camera across the range and there's a lot of standard gear even in the Classic, including cruise control, auto wipers and lights, an MP3-compatible sound system and tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel.

TECHNOLOGY

There's nothing outrageously new on or in the CX-7, though a major overhaul late last year freshened the bodywork and interior. It's hard to get excited about redesigned pistons that, if the engine is built the way you're paying for it to be, you hope never to actually see.

Two-wheel drive models have a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine linked to a five-speed auto that's good for 120kW and 205Nm.  All-wheel drive versions use a smooth six-speed automatic coupled to a 2.3-litre direct injection turbocharged four cylinder that's good for 175kW and 350Nm.

The 2.2-litre turbodiesel isn't far behind with 127kW and 400Nm, but it's restricted to a six-speed manual gearbox.  All models come with a 4.1-inch screen as part of the multimedia interface, but only the diesel and luxury versions come with standard satnav.

STYLING

The Mazda designers applied the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage when facelifting the CX-7. It is a standaout looker in a carpark of clones. The lines now crisper and emphasise the curve of the roof and wheel arches and there's more attention to integrating the various components _ the fog lights with the front bumper and the console edges with the dash _ as Mazda happily leverages the premium tag drivers attach to the vehicle.
The unseen changes are also subtle but significant. The A pillars have been redesigned to include a moulding that extends across the side window and limits pressure differences to cut wind noise by 5 per cent.

SAFETY

The fundamentals of the CX-7 are sound: a solid chassis, decent brakes and a suite of airbags and driver aid software. That ensured it a five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2008. The chassis uses high and ultra-high strength steel to improve impact resistance and it feels reassuringly planted on the road.

DRIVING

This is one of the best handling SUVs around - and that makes it one of its own worst enemies. The ride and feedback invite drivers to push harder and the 2.3-litre petrol engine is happy to spin high up in the rev range.

That's a commendable effort from a small donk, but to keep 1.7-tonnes on the move the turbo powerplant will down more than 14 litres of petrol over 100km. And that's without trying too hard - and with the CX-7 preferring premium unleaded (regular unleaded can be used, but will reduce power). Still, if that's the price y ou pay for a decent-driving SUV, I'll cop it.

The ride position is comfortable, controls are smartly placed and easy on the hand and eye and the overall feel is light and upmarket.  Doors shut with a decent thunk, the seats are flat but supportive and the sound deadening means little traffic clatter makes its way inside.

There are SUVs with more interior room, with the capacity to carry more people and with better off-road abilities. There aren't any others, though, that look quite this classy for anywhere close to the same price.

MAZDA CX-7 CLASSIC SPORTS

Price: from $38,990
Engine: 2.3-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 175kW at 5000 revs
Torque: 350Nm at 2500 revs
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Economy: 11.5 litres/100km (claimed, combined)
CO2 emissions: 273g/km
Body: Five-door wagon
Seats: Five
Dimensions: length 4693mm, width 1872mm, height 1645mm, wheelbase 2750mm, tracks front/rear 1617mm/1612mm

Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear
Fuel tank: 69 litres
Fuel type: Premium unleaded (95 RON)
Weight: 1761kg
Spare tyre: Space saver
Brakes: Ventilated discs front and rear
Wheels: 18-inch alloys
Tyres: 235/60
Safety gear: ABS brakes with brakeforce distribution, six airbags, electronic stability and traction control