Less powerful, more fuel-efficient
As we mentioned earlier, other than the aesthetic update the main new feature of the 2010 is the 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated engine that runs on regular fuel. Although flexible and silent, the 2.5-litre version falls way short of the 2.3-litre turbo mill of the GS and GT variants in terms of performance.
The 83 missing ponies are sorely missed during acceleration, the 80-120 km/h jump requiring a good 10 seconds (compared to 7 with the turbo). The CX-7 GX is a far cry from a sports car, and its primary calling is to calmly go on its merry way using the least amount of fuel possible. On our brief road test through the countryside, the 2.5-litre engine proved relatively fuel-efficient, consuming 8.9 litres on average. Expect to burn over 11 litres per 100 km in the city.
Redundant, the all-wheel drive?
As with all Mazdas, the CX-7’s driving dynamics will please those drivers who appreciate nimbleness and incisive handling. Precise steering, well-controlled suspension movement, no axle bouncing on rough surfaces, hardy braking and pleasant pedal feel. Qualities that are backed up by three main electronic guardrails: ABS system, traction control and stability control.
Standard on all CX-7s, these features considerably improve active safety and lead us to believe that the front-wheel drive version should be enough for most motorists. It’s true, in absolute terms four-wheel drive is better than two, but when shod with appropriate tires, a well-designed car equipped with the aforementioned guardrails is capable of withstanding normal winter usage.
The CX-7 GS and GT will satisfy die-hard fans of AWD, but they’ll have to put up with increased fuel consumption (11 to 14 L/100 km) and a higher sale price (GS: $32,295, GT: $39,990). It’s also worth mentioning that Mazda now offers new option packages for the CX-7 range.
Well-appointed and polished, this nice-looking, nice-driving compact crossover will hold its own against the big players in the market and manage to steal some of their share of the pie.
photo:Mazda, Alain Raymond
As we mentioned earlier, other than the aesthetic update the main new feature of the 2010 is the 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated engine that runs on regular fuel. Although flexible and silent, the 2.5-litre version falls way short of the 2.3-litre turbo mill of the GS and GT variants in terms of performance.
The 83 missing ponies are sorely missed during acceleration, the 80-120 km/h jump requiring a good 10 seconds (compared to 7 with the turbo). The CX-7 GX is a far cry from a sports car, and its primary calling is to calmly go on its merry way using the least amount of fuel possible. On our brief road test through the countryside, the 2.5-litre engine proved relatively fuel-efficient, consuming 8.9 litres on average. Expect to burn over 11 litres per 100 km in the city.
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Redundant, the all-wheel drive?
As with all Mazdas, the CX-7’s driving dynamics will please those drivers who appreciate nimbleness and incisive handling. Precise steering, well-controlled suspension movement, no axle bouncing on rough surfaces, hardy braking and pleasant pedal feel. Qualities that are backed up by three main electronic guardrails: ABS system, traction control and stability control.
Standard on all CX-7s, these features considerably improve active safety and lead us to believe that the front-wheel drive version should be enough for most motorists. It’s true, in absolute terms four-wheel drive is better than two, but when shod with appropriate tires, a well-designed car equipped with the aforementioned guardrails is capable of withstanding normal winter usage.
The CX-7 GS and GT will satisfy die-hard fans of AWD, but they’ll have to put up with increased fuel consumption (11 to 14 L/100 km) and a higher sale price (GS: $32,295, GT: $39,990). It’s also worth mentioning that Mazda now offers new option packages for the CX-7 range.
Well-appointed and polished, this nice-looking, nice-driving compact crossover will hold its own against the big players in the market and manage to steal some of their share of the pie.
photo:Mazda, Alain Raymond
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