2010 Mazda CX-7: Crossover with modest makeover

PETER BLEAKNEY FOR THE TORONTO STAR

For its 2010 refresh, the CX-7 gets a new entry-level model powered by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.

Peter Bleakney

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

ORILLIA–When Mazda launched the five-seat 2007 CX-7 in 2006, the idea of a mid-size crossover with sporting pretensions was relatively novel, and this all-wheel-drive turbocharged number with the radically raked windshield broke some new ground.

My, how things have changed. In this hotly contested and highly congested market segment that seems to spawn a new contestant every couple of months, the Mazda CX-7 is kinda old news.

For 2010, the CX-7 gets a midlife makeover featuring Mazda's new leering corporate visage, interior upgrades, structural strengthening and improved sound insulation, all in the name of refinement. Of more significance is the availability of an entry-level GX front-wheel-drive-only model powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5 L 161 hp four, with a price that starts at $27,995.

This is a slice of the market that last year's least-expensive CX-7 (the $30,295 front-drive turbo GS) never reached. With Toyota, Honda and Hyundai garnering about 15 per cent of their RAV4, CR-V and Santa Fe sales from the mid-$20,000 price point, it's not surprising Mazda wanted to decontent its "premium" sporty CUV a tad to fight it out in the cheap seats.

Cheap is a relative term here, as all the testers on this program were fitted with the $2,995 Luxury Package that added power moonroof, leather upholstery and door trims, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated seats (eight-way power driver's with manual lumbar support and four-way power passenger), Bluetooth and automatic climate control.

This is on top of the GX's standard 17-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers, telescopic steering wheel, traction and stability control, brake assist and Multi Information Display (MID).

The sharp-eyed among you will notice the GX's $27,995 price tag is more than your base RAV4 ($24,345) or CR-V ($25,790 – cash only), but Mazda says its level of standard equipment is higher, and is in line with similarly optioned models from Honda and Toyota.

Indeed, first impressions of the CX-7 GX are favourable. The interior gets improved plastics, nicely padded arm rests on the doors (you can't overstate the importance of the tactile experience), a new multi-function steering wheel, gauges ringed in blue illumination with white dials, and some tasteful dark-chrome accents. The upper dash is recontoured to house the new LCD Multi Information Display that offers trip computer functions, rear view (standard on GT) and maintenance info. It's a handsome and airy cabin with excellent forward vision, and is a couple of steps up in quality from its Japanese rivals.

Demerits include lower front seat cushions too short for those with lanky legs and the MID, which oddly has a crisp white readout on the left side, and contrasting red and dated digits on the right. Nothing serious, but a transgression that would have a designer unceremoniously booted out of the back door at Audi.

The DOHC 2.5 L four that generates 161 hp and 161 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 r.p.m. may be new to the CX-7, but it also does duty in the Mazda6, Mazda3 and Ford Escape. Mated to a smooth five-speed manumatic (no manual transmission is offered), it provides sufficient urge and doesn't get thrashy when pushed like many large displacement fours, thanks in part to integrated balance shafts and the six rubber isolators that support the powertrain.

On the highway, the GX settles into a relaxed and stable cruise, showing 2400 r.p.m. at 120 km/h. It was remarkably free of wind and road noise.

Over the twisty portions of our test route, this entry-level CX-7 showed the typical attributes of a Mazda: excellent steering feel, good body control and a general dynamic cohesiveness that suggests the development engineers do enjoy driving. Pleasantly absent was the flinty ride of some Mazda vehicles.

Back seat room is typical for this class, but cargo area falls behind the RAV4 and CR-V, offering 848 L behind the rear seats (Toyota and Honda are just over 1,000 L) and 1,658 L with the back seats folded. This is about 400 L shy of those two, and in line with the Nissan Rogue.

Official fuel consumption figures are 10.4 L/100 km (27 m.p.g.) city and 7.2 L/100 km (39 m.p.g.) highway on regular fuel.

Next up the CX-7 hierarchy is the $32,295 GS AWD powered by the 244 hp 2.3 L direct-injection turbo four. It gets 18-inch wheels and can be fitted with the same $2,995 Luxury Package as the GX. The GS front-wheel-drive model is no longer offered. The fully loaded $38,990 GT AWD rides on 19-inch alloys – the only available option being $2,600 navigation. Both of these turbocharged models get a six-speed manumatic.

Mazda expects the 2010 GX to account for 25 to 30 per cent of CX-7 sales. After driving it back to back with the GT, I'd venture to say that estimate might be conservative. Yes, the GT has some nice mid-range turbo punch and it does feature all-wheel-drive, but the cabin is all but indistinguishable from a GX with luxury package, and the ride is harsher and noisier. For many shoppers, I suspect less will be more.

Freelance writer Peter Bleakney can be reached at pebleakney@sympatico.ca

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