Mazda CX-7 Review
Towards the end of 2009, Mazda launched the new version of its capable crossover, the Mazda CX-7. Actually, according to the company, that should be Sports Crossover, or so it says in the information pack.
The Mazda CX-7 is a single model with no trim levels or engine choices to confuse the issue. And, it is of no consequence that there are no options, because what we have is plenty. From that you will gather that the Mazda CX-7 is a well specified car with a fuel efficient, turbo-charged, diesel engine and that anything else would be superfluous.
First impressions are that the latest version of the Mazda CX-7 is much the same as the previous model; such is the nature of make-overs. However, this new car is distinctly angular in some respects and deceptively slippery in other. So what we have is the same but different, however, the differences are enough to make the difference.
It does seem that the new Mazda CX-7 stands a little taller than the old one, or it could be simply an impression caused by the bold new housings for the outer air intakes and front lights, which are deep with a stylish chrome surround. Likewise, the new front grille has a similar trim around the black mesh and also sports a wider grin. The narrow, upper grille with its large emblem appears unchanged as do the headlight clusters.
The side view retains a certain familiarity but this aspect does serve to show off the length of the Mazda CX-7 and the darkened rear windows with their curved baseline, above the rear flanks. Smart crease-lines at the base of the doors add some character, as if the bulging wheelarches aren't enough.
At the rear end, the new car is slightly different in that the bumper, like that at the front, has undergone some re-profiling and there is now a chromed strip above the number plate recess. Looking back at images from the original Mazda CX-7 in 2008, it would seem that we have also lost a tailpipe.
I liked the Mazda CX-7's dark blue body colour, known as Stormy Blue Mica. It is one of five colour options, which include Brilliant Black and Aluminium Silver metallic finishes and a rather striking Copper Red.
So, with only minimal changes, the new Mazda CX-7 looks more up to date, while the taut shut-lines are an indication that the build quality hasn't been compromised in any way.
