Mazda To Debut New Crossover and Concepts at Detroit

CX-7: For the family with two kids, dog, and parents that like to go fast around corners. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

While we won't be seeing the Kabura on our streets anytime soon, Mazda will be showing off something that will be on sale by mid-year: its new CX-7 crossover vehicle. The successor to the MX-Crossport concept that made its debut at last year's NAIAS, the CX-7 is Mazda's spin on the CUV (crossover utility vehicle), aiming to be the sportiest offering among entry-level brands in this rapidly-growing segment.

While some recent entries into the crossover segment may be objective in terms of styling, the CX-7 appeals to the eyes and to the heart. Large 18-inch wheels, a mixture of soft curves and sharp angles, plus pumped up fenders, all work together to convey speed and agility, while its sleek roofline and kicked up windows give it real presence amongst minivans and ordinary sport utes. The CX-7's racy exterior has been paired to a sporty cockpit capable of carrying five.

Where the competition offers big, heavy V6s, Mazda's approach to power

The Renesis hydrogen-gasoline hybrid drivetrain featured in the 5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid Concept is a work of mechanical genius. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

is decidedly more in-tune with the inner-driver. Models bound for North American shores will be powered by the 2.3-litre direct-injection, four-cylinder turbocharged powerplant found in the Mazdaspeed6, tweaked to produce a less frantic 244-horsepower. While the CX-7 keeps the all-wheel drive of the fastest production Mazda, it will be mated to a six-speed automatic rather than a manual.

Rounding out Mazda's showcase is a pair of eco-friendly vehicles, the most important of which is the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept vehicle. Using technology first shown in an RX-8 hydrogen-powered concept, the 5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid uses Renesis rotary drivetrain, re-engineered to accept hydrogen or gasoline as a power source. Mazda will also take the opportunity to show a near-production version of the Tribute Hybrid, which will share components with Ford's Escape Hybrid and the U.S.-only Mercury Mariner Hybrid. It should go on sale sometime during 2006.