First look 2009 Mazda CX7

Which is perhaps why Mazda chose the relatively small Toronto motor show last week to fly under the global automotive radar with its facelifted CX7.

Apart from the United States, Canada is one of Mazda's biggest export markets.

Along with an exterior freshen, Mazda has added a new front-drive CX7, powered by the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine from the Mazda6 and new Mazda3 SP25.

Mazda Australia spokesman, Glenn Butler, says the company is very keen on the front drive four-cylinder version.

"It's something we're looking at and are very interested in," he says.

"There is obviously some potential for a vehicle under the current price point.

"It's all about price."

The 2.5-litre front wheel drive four produces 125kW at 6000 revs and 226Nm at 4000 revs and is mated to a five-speed automatic.

The 2.3-litre direct-injection turbo CX7 all-wheel drive starts at $41,140.

A front-wheel drive model could be up to $3000 cheaper, although Butler says it is still too early to speculate on prices or specification.

He describes the current two-model CX7 turbo as “top-heavy" with performance and equipment levels, which leaves some room for a lower-specced model.

Apart from a front-drive CX7, Mazda Australia is also believed to be looking at a turbo-diesel CX7, using the same 136kW/400Nm 2.2-litre engine as the Mazda6.

Visually Mazda stylists left the car's overall silhouette alone but tidied up the front grille and rear bumper and tail-lights.

The front gets the five-point `family face’ grille treatment seen on everything from the RX8 and Mazda3 to the MX5.

Apart from the engine and visual updates, there have been improvements to the car's chassis.

Mazda has increased body rigidity and lowered noise, vibration and levels as well as reduced wind noise.

To help improve fuel economy in the 2.3-litre CX-7, the six-speed Activematic gearbox gets an improved shift pattern and torque converter lockup control.

On the inside the soft-roader gets higher quality materials, Bluetooth compatibility and a new design for the gauges including blackout meters that feature three-dimensional dials and a small colour information display unit at the top of the instrument panel.

In some markets, a blind spot monitoring system similar to that fitted to some Volvo models, will be available.

The revised CX7 is due in local showrooms in the second half of the year.