2007 Mazda CX-7 

This distinctive overall exterior design is well balanced with the aerodynamics of the vehicle. CX-7's shape is aerodynamically efficient with best-in-class performance for coefficient of drag. Ribbed covers attached to the center under-floor area are especially helpful in optimizing aerodynamics.

While it provides outstanding aerodynamic performance, this exterior design does not compromise craftsmanship. Panel and component part-gaps are flush and tight. Wiper arms are configured to match the surrounding cowl design and minimize wind noise. Attention to detail makes this car what it is.

High Quality Interior

High level of craftsmanship completes the interior design. For example, the steering wheel and shift knob are covered by high quality leather specially contoured for optimum tactile feel. The ventilation dials, the glove box door knob and the door armrests were all tuned to provide a high quality look and feel. Soft-trim graining was engineered for perfect color match, minimal reflectivity and low gloss. Mazda's attention to detail is visible upon first glance into the vehicle.

Zoom-Zoom with Room

Using the innovative MX-Crossport concept shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show for inspiration, the chief designer mapped out the CX-7 with ample space for five occupants and an 848 L cargo hold.

The rear seat not only carries three passengers in comfort, it also splits and folds 60:40 to stretch the cargo hold to 1,658 L.

To venture far beyond normal utility expectations, CX-7 has a cargo floor that is significantly longer than competitive models with a flat load surface and a lip to prevent luggage from sliding forward. With the rear seats in use, three full-size golf bags can be carried. Rear seatback releases are located in the side of the cargo area for easy fold down from the rear. One side of the reversible trunk board is made of plastic, enabling the owner to carry soiled items without staining the carpet.

The lockable center console can swallow a compact laptop computer and space is provided for coins and sunglasses. Front door pockets are handy locations for beverage bottles. Two cup holders in the center console offer a stable place to carry large containers without interfering with shift lever operation. The pocket attached to the front seatback is ideal for maps and brochures.

Entertaining Features

To delight, the Mazda CX-7 offers a wealth of entertainment gear. The CX-7 offers an AM, FM, and CD play capability as standard. To further support driving pleasure and convenience, a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system with voice commands and a rear-view camera system are available to select as an option. In addition, buyers may choose a Bose® premium sound system package that includes nine speakers, approximately 240 watts of amplification, a six-CD changer and Centerpoint® surround-sound system that offers five-channel digital imaging, to create a true premium audio entertainment.

Another convenient feature is the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System. Without removing the card shaped device from one's pocket, doors can be unlocked and the engine can be started (or stopped). Also, the front seat power windows can be operated from outside the car, and the optional moonroof can be opened and closed. To maximize security, an anti-theft alarm system is standard.

MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo Engine

The heart of every Mazda is its spirited powertrain. Under the hood of the CX-7 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that powers the highly regarded MAZDASPEED6 sport sedan. Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along with low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy, Mazda's MZR 2.3 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbo-charged engine produces an enthusiastic 244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm in the CX-7.

Key building blocks are aluminum block and head construction with forged internal components - crankshaft and connecting rods - for long-lasting durability. Balance shafts curb noise and vibration. A large air-to-air intercooler and direct fuel injection cool the temperature inside the cylinder. Shifting gasoline's change in state from liquid to vapor from the intake manifold to the cylinder provides the substantial cooling effect. The low charge temperature permits use of high compression ratio - 9.5:1 - which boosts low- and mid-range torque by approximately 10-percent over conventional turbo engines.

A notable change from the MAZDASPEED6 engine is a new turbocharger. The refined area of the turbine inlet port enhances throttle response at low rpm and diminishes boost lag. When the driver nudges the throttle, acceleration is reminiscent of a much larger displacement engine, one approaching twice the size of the 2.3-litre MZR engine, but without the extra weight that hampers agility and the extra consumption that boosts emissions and operating costs.

The MZR 2.3 DISI turbo engine's torque peaks at a low 2,500 rpm when 258 lb-ft of torque is available. It is tuned so that muscular feel begins at 2,000 rpm, and maintains at least 99-percent of the maximum torque all the way to 5,000 rpm, where peak horsepower is delivered.

Low exhaust emissions is achieved by connecting the catalytic converter directly to the turbocharger to shorten the time required for the catalyst to become effective.

Determined Drive

Advanced transmission and drive components pass the engine's power cleanly to the pavement. The six-speed Sport AT transmission provides the full manual control demanded by assertive drivers. Shifts are crisp, in keeping with CX-7's sportscar character.

Two drivelines are offered: Front-Wheel Drive or Mazda's Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive. The latter system uses a computer-controlled coupling integrated with the rear differential to deliver up to half the available torque to the rear wheels on demand. Sensors monitor engine information, individual wheel speeds, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) operation, and the CX-7's standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to optimize torque distribution. Whether the driving conditions are dry and fast or slippery and moderately paced, exceptional handling is assured.

Crafty Chassis with Mazda Sportscar DNA

A light, stiff unibody provides the sound foundation for CX-7's smooth ride and agile handling. Computer-Aided-Engineering analysis was used to optimize this structure, delivering high torsional and bending rigidity with minimal weight.

In front, a perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering and a low friction MacPherson strut suspension system. The multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side. To minimize cargo-compartment intrusion, the rear spring is positioned between the lower lateral member and the cross member that anchors rear chassis hardware to the unibody. The damper is located between the wheel hub and the unibody to provide excellent motion control with minimal friction. Coil springs and anti-roll bars are an integral part of both suspension systems. All-season P235/60R18 tires mounted on stylish aluminum wheels are standard.

CX-7's four-wheel ventilated disc brake system integrates the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) functions. It also collaborates with the Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive to prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

Built-In Safety

CX-7's rigid unibody uses the Mazda Advanced Impact energy Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS) to realize high level of collision safety. This helps to protect occupants in various accident situations, including front, side and rear impacts. The body's frame sections are large in size and, as straight as possible, high-strength steel is used where it's effective, and subframe connections help absorb collision energy. Stamping the side frame from a tailored blank minimizes center pillar deformation during a side impact.

The fuel tank is surrounded by substantial members to guard against leakage in a major rear collision. Six air bags (frontal and side for front occupants, side curtain for all outboard occupants) are standard. A special sensor anticipates a roll-over and inflates the side-curtain air bags early to guard against injury, maintaining inflation for approximately six seconds helping to keep limbs out of harm's way. Front occupant restraints have pretensioner and load-limiter mechanisms to maximize their effectiveness.