2011 Mazda CX-7 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Mazda CX-7 as a used buy.

Mazda's heavy use of "Zoom Zoom" in its advertising was enough to tell you it was playing the sports card with its cars, no matter the model. The CX-7 SUV was no different. New From the moment the CX-7 was launched in 2006 Mazda pushed the sporty message, and it didn't back off with the introduction of the Series 2 in

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is one question that really needs answering: would you buy one?What is it?A cheaper version of the Mazda CX-7 masquerading as a two-wheel drive. If you don't want or don't care about all-wheel drive or the benefits that it brings in terms of safety and handling, then save yourself a bundle and buy this one.How much?$33,990 plus on-roads. And that's with a five-speed 'manumatic' (if you want a manual then you'll have to buy the diesel).What are the competitors?You'd think Murano but the Nissan is actually a larger more expensive car. Otherwise you're looking at any of the two-wheel drive compact SUVs like RAV4, Holden Captiva, Mitsubish Outlander, Nissan X-Trail and the Renault Koleos for good measure.What's under the bonnet?A 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine from the Mazda6. But it's been reworked and generates a little less power and torque, but the torque kicks in earlier at 2000 instead of 4000 revs.How does it go?Very smooth but a bit doey unless you're in manual mode. It's 72kg lighter than the all-wheel drive model — but still 134kg heavier than a Mazda6 (which explains the performance).Is it economical?The biggest criticism of the CX-7 is its fuel economy. Rated at 9.4 litres/100km it's better than the all-wheel drive, but still too thirsty. We didn't get below 10.0 litres/100km. The good news is that this one takes ordinary unleaded.Is it 'Green?'Scores 3.5 out of five stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets five), with a greenhouse rating of 5.5 and air pollution rating of 6.5 out of 10. Produces 223g/km of CO2.Is it safe?Gets a full five stars for safety. Gets stability control, six airbags and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. A reversing camera is also standard.Is it comfortable?Yep. Big and roomy with a high driving position. Easy to get in and out of, easy to see over the traffic ahead. Needs one-touch indicators though.What's it like to drive?Easy peasy, but unexciting. Stability system will keep it on the road. All-wheel drive only comes into its own in the wet. The rest of the time it tends to eat into your fuel economy — ask anyone who owns a Subaru.Is it value for money?Fairly well equipped with cloth upholstery, climate airconditioning and steering wheel audio controls and a full complement of safety gear — but misses out on Bluetooth.Would we buy one?Strong safety story. Rear legroom and luggage space okay but has a temporary spare. It's on the money but we'd miss all-wheel drive and the performance offered by either the diesel or turbocharged petrol models.

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.VALUEThe 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.TECHNOLOGYThere'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.STYLINGThe 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.SAFETYThe 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.DRIVINGThis 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 SPORTSPrice: from $38,990Engine: 2.3-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinderPower: 175kW at 5000 revsTorque: 350Nm at 2500 revsTransmission: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel driveEconomy: 11.5 litres/100km (claimed, combined)CO2 emissions: 273g/kmBody: Five-door wagonSeats: FiveDimensions: length 4693mm, width 1872mm, height 1645mm, wheelbase 2750mm, tracks front/rear 1617mm/1612mmSteering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinionSuspension: MacPherson strut front, multi-link rearFuel tank: 69 litresFuel type: Premium unleaded (95 RON)Weight: 1761kgSpare tyre: Space saverBrakes: Ventilated discs front and rearWheels: 18-inch alloysTyres: 235/60Safety gear: ABS brakes with brakeforce distribution, six airbags, electronic stability and traction control