Mazda CX-7 Crossover SUV

A high level of craftsmanship completes the interior design. For example, for the leather trim, 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.

Using the 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.The rear seat not only carries three passengers in comfort, it also splits and folds 60:40 to increase cargo capacity and versatility.

To venture far beyond normal utility expectations, CX-7 has a cargo floor that is significantly longer than competitive models at approximately 70-inches with a flat load surface and a lip to prevent luggage from sliding forward. With the rear seats in use, the cargo length is an impressive 39-inches and can accommodate three full-size golf bags. 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.

Thorough research aimed at determining what personal possessions young couples are most likely to carry resulted in glove box, floor console, and door pocket designs that accommodate life’s paraphernalia. For example, 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. A pocket attached to the front seatback is ideal for maps and brochures.

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-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that powers the highly regarded Mazda6 MPS 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, for the North American specification, an enthusiastic 182 kW 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 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 Mazda6 MPS 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-liter 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 350 Nm 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.

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