Mazda CX-7 Crossover SUV

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January 4, 2006 Mazda Motor Corporation (MC) today revealed the much awaited 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. This breakthrough model also will be displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. CX-7 is a clean break from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently offered. It is engineered with Mazda’s trademark, “Soul of a Sportscar” and built entirely on Mazda-derived platform architecture. Program manager Shunsuke Kawasaki shows his confidence by stating, “there is no doubt this SUV reflects Zoom-Zoom. CX-7 skillfully blends sports car verve with SUV practicality. It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before and this deviation from the crossover norm is inviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use.” The CX-7 is just right for adventurous couples seeking a new challenge and driven by the urge for discovery.

Chief Designer Iwao Koizumi, whose previous works include the successful MAZDA6 and the 1995 RX-01 showcar, names the design theme, “advanced frontier”. CX-7 takes Mazda and its Zoom-Zoom image into an area it has never before ventured.

Notes Koizumi, “My idea for the CX-7 design was to combine dynamic movement, speedy shapes, and a bold presence in one passionate statement. Mazda has the sports car heritage to offer a crossover SUV with a strong and distinctive appearance.”

The 66-degree windshield angle featured here is sleeker than many sportscars, let alone SUVs. Distinct character lines run through the A-pillars and along the edges of the hood to the front fascia. A five-pointed grille and prominent front fenders reveal a clear Mazda family identity.

The side profile sports an aggressively rising belt line, a curved roof and prominent fender arches, producing Mazda’s unique signature. A tapered cabin rests securely on the lower body’s broad shoulders. From the rear, the detailed round motif tail lamp and large dual exhaust outlets also emphasize the Zoom-Zoom sportscar feature.

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.

An advanced and sporty image was pursued in designing the interior. The instrument panel consists of a unique ‘double-roof’ structure, in which a small ‘roof’ over the meter cluster is positioned just in front of a large ‘roof’ that extends across the entire instrument panel bringing together the driver and front passenger. To draw drivers inside, there’s a three-dial instrument cluster, a console supporting the shifter within close reach, three-spoke steering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats, all provided with a high quality feel.

Koizumi emphasizes that detailed attention is given to the entire interior, including the cargo area. For the two-tone trim, the side surface two-tone graphic reaching from the front doors all the way to the cargo space stylishly harmonizes with the kicked-up beltline of the exterior side view.

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