In North America, automobiles are absolutely essential for going places. With the large variety of vehicles in the market, some people prefer a 4-door sedan, some a sporty coupe, while those with a family might choose to buy a mini van.
In recent years, automakers have responded to the increasing demand for a single car that serves multiple purposes with the cross-over utility vehicles. Mazda CX-7 is one such vehicle that combines the best of a sports car with an SUV.
After being handed the "credit-card" key, I walked out to the lot, where a bright red CX-7 awaited me. One of the most remarkable features of the CX-7 is the front windshield, which slopes at a sharp 66 degrees—even lower than those of many sports cars. The designers came up with an aerodynamic and assertive exterior that conveys speed and energy. The wheel wells also add some muscle to the over-all look.
The honeycomb grill with a large company logo also adds to the sporty look and Mazda's zoom-zoom spirit.
The first thing that caught my eye in the cabin was the large screen on the centre console. I was impressed that Mazda Canada actually provided such a high-end model for our test-drive. This screen shows GPS navigation data that included nearby attractions and restaurants, and provides voice directions. On top of that, the screen switches to the rear view camera when the car is shifted into reverse.
Due to the low angle of the windshield, there is plenty of surface area for the dash. Where this surface meets the windshield, there is a small one-line display that shows information such as temperature, fan speed, and radio channel. The driver can see this info without taking his eyes off the road.
The comfortable leather seats conform to the curve of your back, and the driver's seat is 8-way power-adjustable. Both front seats are equipped with seat warmers. Two knobs just below the large screen adjust fan speed and temperature. The right knob also serves as the button to toggle the automatic climate control function—a very simple and convenient design.
The leather-wrapped shifter moves in a staircase pattern. From the "D" position, pushing the knob to the left switches to manual gear control. The 3-spoke steering wheel is covered with switches that put various controls at the driver's fingertips. The gauges are rear-projected, which makes them visible under bright sunlight, while giving a sporty feel. The markings on the face of the speedometer took a little getting used to, as what would be 40 km/h in most cars is 60 km/h in the CX-7.
On the left side of the steering wheel is a toggle button for the Traction Control System (TCS). Beside the TCS button there is a small, 4-position, roller switch. At first I didn't understand what it was for until I turned on the headlights at night. This roller adjusts the vertical pitch of the headlights.
Powering the CX-7 is a 2.3-liter turbo-charged engine with a maximum output of 244 bhp and 258 lb-ft torque, giving the vehicle a swift acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly during acceleration and deceleration. The sporty suspension kept body roll under control when making sharp turns. Sound dampening is only average; the engine is audible with the sound system turned off.
The credit-card type key is an intelligent key: the engine can be started, and the doors and trunk lid can be opened when in proximity to the vehicle.
In addition, with all doors closed, after the intelligent key moves beyond a certain distance from the vehicle, the doors will automatically lock. This feature is quite convenient. Mazda's official specifications for fuel consumption rate the CX-7 at 12 L/100km for city driving. Actual consumption might be slightly higher.
The advent of multi-role, cross-over vehicles has brought something new to the industry that gives buyers more for their money.
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