Mazda Cx-7 - Mazda has just entered the increasingly popular SUV segment that has seen a massive 108% increase since 2001,with their latest creation that of the CX-7. But in true Mazda style, they have to be slightly ahead of the game and this new Sport crossover really does combine the high-performance power, with a sporty design, SUV functionality and comfort. So effectively, the CX-7 is four cars rolled into one and aimed squarely at motorists who need the practicality of an SUV, yet desire the performance they might have had to forego in the past, say, to start a family.

But you won’t hear ‘Wheels on the Bus’ blasting from this CD player, more like ‘Green Day’ as this vehicle is for families with attitude, ideally with stroppy teenagers.

The Mazda CX-7 has a powerful sporty presence thanks to a large lower air intake, newly styled light clusters, an aggressively raked windscreen angle, a sweeping roofline, kick-up belt line and large, powerful fenders over 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres. To the rear this sporty look is cemented by two large bore tailpipes and detailed round tail lamps. But this sporty exterior also has another purpose that of delivering superior aerodynamic performance that contributes to straight-line, high-speed stability and low wind noise. No only does this result in a Cd value of just 0.34 but means it is very quite inside the incredibly spacious and comfortable interior. Kick starting the attributes of this interior is the large, specially designed seats that forces your back to nestle into the lumber support with the drivers seat being six-way way electrically adjustable and with the height adjustable leather steering wheel taken from the MX5 complete with remote audio controls plus cruise control, every sized driver will have a splendid view of the road ahead which was a real coo as Mazda launched this car up around Inverness through the Strathconan Forest to Torridon with simply stunning scenery and challenging roads to really prove this crossover CX- 7 is a sports car as well.

But keeping it’s practical head on, when all seats are upright, the boot area has a volume of 455 litres increasing to 1,348 litres if the 60:40 split rear seats are folded flat using Mazda’s unique Karakuri system that is so wonderfully simple - you just pull a latch in the cargo area and the seats tumble flat. A new doorsill has been designed with low positioning that decreases the chance of debris getting onto the hem of your trousers when getting in and out of vehicle. How clever is and considerate is that! Other practical touches include the reversible boot floor and lots of storage solutions that is just as well as I have never seen such tiny slim front door pockets as in this CX-7.

Additional on board equipment, all as standard includes electric windows, electric door mirrors, electrically heated front seats plus the radio-CD player with MP3 capability. In fact, the only optional extra is the metallic paint and as there is only one trim mated to one engine; customers will not be leaving the showrooms in a confused state of mind. Well, they might be when they see the price tag!

That said engine is the high-performance MZR 2.3-litre direct-injection turbo petrol with intercooler, which is also used by the sporty flagship models Mazda6 MPS and Mazda3 MPS. As you would expect, its pretty powerful, proven by taking just 8 seconds to reach 62mph and top speed of 130mph, yet fuel consumption has not be compromised achieving 27.7mpg on a combined cycle. However, CO2 emissions are rather high at 243g/km but just falls under the new tax rip off of £2000 if CO2 emission rises above 260. With its light, stiff body shell, plus Mazda’s Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system for superior traction and a specifically adapted six-speed manual transmission for Europe, the Mazda CX-7 certainly produces lots of ‘zoom zooms’ as well torques and brake horse power’s thus quantifies its sports car status.

Thanks to its strong and stiff body shell with optimised local and overall rigidity, precise steering due to the hydraulic rack and pinion power assisted system that only takes 2.9 turns lock to lock, the handling stability and suspension control is very apparent which was just as well in combating the roads we had to negotiate.

But in case looking at this amazing scenery we were privy to, our eyes wondered off for too long, the new Mazda CX-7’s comes with a pretty impressive list of safety features again, as standard such as ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, DSC and TCS for starters. The CX-7’s rigid bodyshell is based on Mazda’s ‘Triple-H’ bodyshell design and delivers high levels of crash safety. On the inside there is a front seat/head restraint design that helps protect the neck and chest in case of rear impact, six airbags, front seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters, a collapsible brake pedal to reduce the chance of leg injury in a frontal impact, plus ISOFIX child safety seat mountings. Helping the driver is Xenon lights with an auto light and rain sensor wipers. The CX-7 has already gained five stars in the American equalivant of the Euro NCAP ratings but has yet to be tested here. Securing the CX-7 is a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser thus falls into insurance group 15E.

Well, I have to admit; I am all zoomed out by the CX-7. The Mazda designers should be really proud of their latest creation and customers will be flocking to the showrooms now to see for themselves this stunning new crossover. With ‘don’t mess with me’ exterior looks, a sumptuous spacious and comfortable interior decked out with an impressive list of toys, an engine that will bring out the Louis Hamilton in you last seen since Damon Hill was the local hero, and safety equipment giving peace of mind, this CX-7 has a recipe for instant success. Yet the ace up its sleeve is the price tag, which I will now reveal. £23,960. Unbeatable value for money with no corners cut.

I want one and want one Now.

FemaleFirst - Jackie Violet

Mazda Cx-7 - Mazda has just entered the increasingly popular SUV segment that has seen a massive 108% increase since 2001,with their latest creation that of the CX-7. But in true Mazda style, they have to be slightly ahead of the game and this new Sport crossover really does combine the high-performance power, with a sporty design, SUV functionality and comfort. So effectively, the CX-7 is four cars rolled into one and aimed squarely at motorists who need the practicality of an SUV, yet desire the performance they might have had to forego in the past, say, to start a family.

But you won’t hear ‘Wheels on the Bus’ blasting from this CD player, more like ‘Green Day’ as this vehicle is for families with attitude, ideally with stroppy teenagers.

The Mazda CX-7 has a powerful sporty presence thanks to a large lower air intake, newly styled light clusters, an aggressively raked windscreen angle, a sweeping roofline, kick-up belt line and large, powerful fenders over 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres. To the rear this sporty look is cemented by two large bore tailpipes and detailed round tail lamps. But this sporty exterior also has another purpose that of delivering superior aerodynamic performance that contributes to straight-line, high-speed stability and low wind noise. No only does this result in a Cd value of just 0.34 but means it is very quite inside the incredibly spacious and comfortable interior. Kick starting the attributes of this interior is the large, specially designed seats that forces your back to nestle into the lumber support with the drivers seat being six-way way electrically adjustable and with the height adjustable leather steering wheel taken from the MX5 complete with remote audio controls plus cruise control, every sized driver will have a splendid view of the road ahead which was a real coo as Mazda launched this car up around Inverness through the Strathconan Forest to Torridon with simply stunning scenery and challenging roads to really prove this crossover CX- 7 is a sports car as well.

But keeping it’s practical head on, when all seats are upright, the boot area has a volume of 455 litres increasing to 1,348 litres if the 60:40 split rear seats are folded flat using Mazda’s unique Karakuri system that is so wonderfully simple - you just pull a latch in the cargo area and the seats tumble flat. A new doorsill has been designed with low positioning that decreases the chance of debris getting onto the hem of your trousers when getting in and out of vehicle. How clever is and considerate is that! Other practical touches include the reversible boot floor and lots of storage solutions that is just as well as I have never seen such tiny slim front door pockets as in this CX-7.

Additional on board equipment, all as standard includes electric windows, electric door mirrors, electrically heated front seats plus the radio-CD player with MP3 capability. In fact, the only optional extra is the metallic paint and as there is only one trim mated to one engine; customers will not be leaving the showrooms in a confused state of mind. Well, they might be when they see the price tag!

That said engine is the high-performance MZR 2.3-litre direct-injection turbo petrol with intercooler, which is also used by the sporty flagship models Mazda6 MPS and Mazda3 MPS. As you would expect, its pretty powerful, proven by taking just 8 seconds to reach 62mph and top speed of 130mph, yet fuel consumption has not be compromised achieving 27.7mpg on a combined cycle. However, CO2 emissions are rather high at 243g/km but just falls under the new tax rip off of £2000 if CO2 emission rises above 260. With its light, stiff body shell, plus Mazda’s Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system for superior traction and a specifically adapted six-speed manual transmission for Europe, the Mazda CX-7 certainly produces lots of ‘zoom zooms’ as well torques and brake horse power’s thus quantifies its sports car status.