Diesel appeal for Mazda's stylish CX-7

Oct 19 2009 Chris Russon

A DIESEL engined SUV is being introduced by Mazda to plug a hole in the Japanese car maker's line-up.

The new look CX-7 goes on sale in November and will be available only with Mazda's latest 2.2-litre diesel engine.

It replaces the petrol powered original CX-7 which was launched only two years ago but has struggled in the highly competitive 4x4 market.

The new model has been heavily reworked and with the benefit of greater fuel economy will be a much more attractive proposition.

Punchy and powerful the CX-7 can average a claimed 37.7mpg although CO2 emissions of 199g/km are still on the high side.

Top speed from the 172PS diesel is a claimed 124mph while it can achieve 0 to 60mph in 11.3 seconds.

Priced from £25,785 the new CX-7 is some £1,700 more expensive than the original but will average ten more miles per precious gallon and has tax advantages for business buyers.

With a striking restyle the latest CX-7 also looks the part with an angular front grille, pronounced air scoops and bulbous wheel arches.

Compared to the previous model it also has a larger roof spoiler and 19-inch alloys are fitted as standard along with rear privacy glass.

Mazda's newcomer is up against formidable rivals such as the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-X as well as the more expensive BMW X3 and Nissan Murano.

Like the Nissan, the CX-7 is available only in one high specification trim which includes sat nav, climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio connections and a rear parking camera.

That's a lot of kit for the money and it makes the CX-7 an immensely well appointed vehicle.

Inside there are marked improvements to the switchgear and trim quality.

The steering wheel is now adjustable for height and reach and the driver's seat is electrically adjustable with memory settings.

Leather seats are standard as are multi-function controls for the navigations, audio and trip computer which are sited on the steering wheel.

The interior looks posh yet functional and the cabin is airy, roomy and accommodating.

Luggage capacity is 455 litres extending to 774 litres with the fast-drop rear seats folded flat.

On the road the drive from the new CX-7 is much improved. Smooth acceleration and a six speed manual gearbox make for easy cruising. There is not an auto option.

The CX-7 is fitted with an active four-wheel-drive system which moves the power from front to rear according to conditions.

With stiffer suspension it handles in a genuinely sporty fashion. It is very nimble, especially for such a large vehicle.

The drive system is tuned for road work and the CX-7 has no pretence of being a full blown off-roader although it will handle moderately rough surfaces.

When it first arrived in 2007 it was one of the first of the new breed of crossover models combining the benefits of a large, luxury estate and all-wheel-drive.

The new CX-7 is a car for all reasons and seasons.

With the addition of diesel power plus its sleek looks the CX-7 is well poised to enjoy greater sales success than the original of which only some 1,250 were sold in the UK.