I don’t think anyone could really understand the logic behind the Mazda CX-7 when it launched in the UK.
It’s not that it was a 4x4 with coupe looks available long before BMW arrived with the absurd X6 or Volvo with the swoopy XC60.
The big shortcoming with the Mazda, and similarly svelte Nissan Murano, was that neither of them offered a diesel option. The Nissan still doesn’t despite the arrival of a new model but Mazda has now seen sense by ditching its four cylinder, 2.3 litre turbocharged petrol unit in favour of a 2.2 diesel motor.
But some things don’t change. There is still only one version of the CX-7 – indeed there is only one option at all that you can specify on the CX-7 and that’s the normal mix of paint and trim colours.
While this might seem limiting, I doubt that anyone will be disappointed by the Mazda. It takes many of its styling cues from the RX-8 coupe, so there are pronounced bulging separate front wings and equally obvious rear wheelarch blisters, too.
The Murano was created for the States and then brought here. But Mazda says that the CX-7 has been tuned for ride and handling with specific regard for UK motorists’ demands – and so it has.
The petrol engine in the first CX-7 was taken from the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3 MPS models, both scorching performers. So it stood to reason that the CX-7 was going to be fun and in that respect it didn’t disappoint.
But the diesel engine won’t leave you feeling miserable because although with its 0-62 mph time of 11.3 seconds it’s considerably slower than the petrol car’s 8.0 seconds it still feels pretty good and the driving experience is spot-on. Top speed has dropped from 130 mph to 124 mph but that really is only academic.
What will be more endearing to owners is that instead of the 23 mpg offered by the petrol car it’s possible to get 37 mpg out of the diesel, a very significant improvement.
Because this car is all about style you will really need to see one in the flesh to discover if it’s practical – and you’ll see it’s not really anywhere close. If you are a Mazda buyer for whom such things count, then the Mazda 5 MPV or Mazda 6 estate are for you. Need to get off-road in a serious way? Then try the company’s BT50 pick-up. It won’t disappoint.
It’s difficult to actually think of a reason why the CX-7 exists other than the fact that somebody obviously thought of it. On the scale of UK sales figures it’s a waste of time but as Mazda is a global operator it can spread the CX-7 across the world and make money. Europe in general will now love it with the diesel motor.
Compared to other luxury 4x4 estates, it’s not that expensive. The on the road price is £26,340, quite a bit more than the £23,690 the petrol car cost when it launched and the only option is metallic paint for £460, which you will have to have to sell it again, making the proper price £26,800. Go for this kit in a Land Rover Freelander and you’ll top £30,000, although that will include an auto box.
As well as taking the chance to tweak the design, Mazda has also improved the handling and the car now delivers what the looks suggest as it feels more stable. The four wheel drive system sorts out where it delivers the power for itself and drivers who have taken advantage of this 4x4 Mazda will have appreciated its attributes in the recent snow. I certainly did.
This could help endear it to the company car sector, where Mazda actively wants to chase sales. Essential personnel now have a reason once more to tell the company fleet manager to stuff his principles up his shirt (I’m being polite) because they need this 4x4 stuff.
Never mind that the tailgate is narrow and the boot small, although it can be enlarged by folding the rear seat backrests onto the base. Your laptop or lap dog will fit in, but your bike is best on the roof or a rear carrier. And your ego, which will enlarge grossly, is best carried on a trailer behind.
Maurice Hardy
Personal choice in life dictates that the original Mazda CX-7 had to exist to fulfil the needs(?) of those who wanted a high performance 4x4.
And while many of those who went to view it in showrooms were inevitably tyre kickers finding a way to pass a Saturday afternoon, the presence of other Mazda models on the premises might have persuaded them to go with the Japanese arm of Ford rather than choose something more conventional.
But now the diesel model makes the car worthwhile for those who are more conscious of cost but still want style. They might think the leather seats are a bit featureless, though, and they don’t locate you as well as they might when corners are being taken with gusto although I think they are an improvement over what I remember from the earlier car.
The market for smaller SUVs is still a growing one despite the best, and sometimes misguided, efforts of the green lobby who often rely more on emotion than fact to support their objections. This Mazda is also designed to appeal to emotion, but of an entirely different type.
It might not be my immediate choice, but I can see why some people will love it. It has masses of style, a very curvy and good looking shape, and twin exhausts that just shout out its power. It’s just what some 4x4 buyers have been waiting for now it has that diesel motor.
Annette Hardy
Car: Mazda CX-7
Does it fit your ego?...
0-62 mph: 11.3 secs
Top speed: 124 mph
Bhp: 173 @ 3500 rpm
Torque: 295 lb ft @ 2000 rpm
...and your wallet?...
Price: £26,340
Urban: 31.0 mpg
Extra urban: 42.8 mpg
Combined: 37.7 mpg
CO2 emissions: 199 g/km
Insurance Group: 14
Best bits: great style; good performance; decent economy, too.
