Practical panache
A diesel engine has made the CX-7 a more sensible choice for more buyers, writes Richard M. Hammond
Published:
IF IT comes as a surprise to learn that the Mazda CX-7 is a face-lift model rather than a new addition to the Japanese manufacturer’s UK range, you are probably not alone.
The original model was introduced to the UK market in the second half of 2007, but was never aggressively marketed by Mazda.
Its fascinating collection of attributes – mixing sports styling with hatchback practicality and SUV adaptability – was eye-catching on paper, but the sole option of a powerful petrol engine linked to manual transmission was always likely to make it something of a niche within a niche in the UK.
The arrival of a diesel engine variant makes the CX-7 an altogether more attractive proposition.
It goes to show how diesel-focused UK car buyers now are that, while some markets will be taking delivery of even larger 2.5-litre petrol models, the sub-30mpg, 240g/km-plus 2.3-litre petrol, as used in the new Mazda 3 MPS, has faced the chop from the UK model altogether, replaced by a variant of the 2.2-litre diesel that serves the Mazda 6 and now Mazda 3 extremely well.
With average fuel economy approaching 40mpg and emissions below the 200g/km barrier, the new diesel-powered CX-7 boasts a wider appeal, but it remains a niche vehicle.
Crossover models have been one of the most successful new additions the car market has seen in recent times – so much so that it’s already possible to talk about “traditional” crossovers that combine family hatchback driving appeal with SUV adaptability. The sports crossover, however, is a still emerging niche.
Only Nissan’s Murano, BMW’s X6 and Infiniti’s FX can genuinely claim to offer the same curious mix of sports-car styling on an SUV body.
The Nissan is probably the CX-7’s closest direct rival – the other two are larger, premium models – but the new diesel engine means the CX-7 is now able to compete with more “traditional crossovers” and compact SUV models, too, putting it at a distinct advantage.
Despite the shift away from sporty petrol power, the CX-7 retains the bold, broad-shouldered styling that made the original model so distinctive.
A particularly sleek windscreen profile is employed in conjunction with a downward-sloping roof and upward-sloping window line to give a sporty profile. A larger front grille combines with the arrowhead bonnet design to give the model a wider appearance at the front, while new lights, bumper designs and added chrome freshen up the front and rear.
Like the previous model, the face-lifted CX-7 will be available in a single high-specification trim level in the UK. That means an impressive amount of equipment inside.
Standard satnav is a new addition. Wheel-mounted controls and a neat interface make it an easy system to use, although the 4.1in wouldn’t cope with being any smaller when it comes to displaying additional information on top of mapping.
A premium Bose sound system, Bluetooth, leather, auto lights and wipers, a reversing camera and electric front seats are among a long list of standard kit.
As you might expect for a car with SUV qualities, the driving position is impressive. An excellent view of the road is aided by a smart monitoring system that indicates when cars are present in the blind spots. The narrow window line makes this a useful addition, although the large mirrors offer a good view to the rear.
Light steering and a direct gearchange make the CX-7 a relaxing car to drive.
The 2.2-litre diesel unit has been tweaked to deal with the CX-7’s additional bulk. It’s a little lacking in lowdown torque, but above 1,500rpm, it pulls smoothly, providing acceleration that feels sharper than the stated figure.
Sixth gear on the manual transmission serves as an overdrive, making the model quiet, refined and efficient on a motorway run. The cosseting ride is particularly impressive, with only large imperfections transmitting through to the quiet cabin.
Multi-link rear suspension, a stiffened chassis and the ability to send 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels enables the CX-7 to offer handling performance that belies its size. It still feels like a big car on the road, but turns into corners enthusiastically and retains a strong degree of traction whatever is thrown at it.
A spacious interior boasts a respectable boot with a level load bay and wide door. The driver and front passenger are particularly well served for space, while the rear will comfortably seat three children or two adults. The sloping roofline fails to impact on headroom, and minimal intrusion from the transmission tunnel is welcome.
High specification and curious styling mean that, even with the diesel engine, the CX-7 remains a niche model – but now it can add practical running costs to its long list of qualities.
Model: Mazda CX-7 MZR-CD 2.2, £25,785
Engine: 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel unit developing 171bhp and 295lb/ft
Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission as standard, driving all four wheels
Performance: Maximum speed 124mph; 0-62mph 11.3 seconds
Economy: 37.7mpg
CO rating: 199g/km
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