Mazda CX-7

The Mazda CX-7 is one of the latest additions to the growing list of “soft-roaders” that are becoming increasingly popular with everyone from the school-run set to those wanting to add a modicum of machismo to their motoring image.

From a styling perspective, the CX-7 doesn’t instantly tick the machismo box, but it is distinctive and handsome… The Mazda’s sleek, curved lines will appeal to those torn between the draw of a sports car and an SUV. The steeply curved windscreen angle gives the Mazda CX-7 a dynamic silhouette, while the rising belt line and prominent fender arches hint at the RX-8 influence. But it’s the rear of this car that is most impressive. The large dual exhaust pipe and detailed round motif tail lamps round off this vehicle’s its sporty appearance.

Don’t be mistaken by the Mazda CX-7’s compact lines, however. Once inside, you feel as if you are sitting in any one of the larger SUV’s on the road. And as you drive past other vehicles in this class you feel as if you are in the league of the big boys! This car certainly ‘represents the adventurous spirit of Mazda’, as the company says. It is luxurious and entertaining to drive.

At the heart of the CX-7 lies a detuned version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2,3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine that has seen service in the Mazda3 and Mazda6 MPS. This unit is mated with a six-speed Activematic transmission, which allows the fun and freedom of manually shifting gears for the racecar driver in you. The engine develops 175 kW at 5 000r/min and 350 Nm torque at 2 500r/min. To put this power into play, the Mazda CX-7 is equipped with Mazda’s newly developed Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system. And with a top speed of 181 km/h and 13 second sprint from zero to 100 km/h, this is not just a family car, it’s a fun car!

In keeping with the CX-7’s sporty appearance, the car’s handling inspires a great deal of confidence, thanks to sharp steering and minimal body-roll. The acronymic assault of driver aids such as ABS, EBD, TCS and DSC, help to make the most of the power on offer and lend to the feeling that you are driving a sports car and not an SUV. The only negative that could be drawn against the CX-7’s nimble handling is that the taut suspension can make itself apparent on less than perfect road surfaces

The cabin is spacious and the enveloping sports seats are comfortable and offer a commanding perch, while the “double-roof structure” sunroof adds to the light, airy feel of the cabin. There is hardly of hint of “Soccer Mom” about the CX-7 - to be honest, not once did I feel like a middle-aged woman driving this car. In fact, I wouldn’t mind having one of these at my age (25)…the sporty driving dynamics would prove to be a boon on long road trips and there’s enough practical storage space for a surf trip with the guys.

The orange dials aren’t all that appealing, but somehow fit with the look and feel of the car. And one of the best features is the six-disk CD changer that delivers crisp sound through 240-watt Bose 9-speaker Surround System. There are satellite controls for this system mounted on the steering wheel alongside the cruise control settings.

Normally, when a manufacturer claims to have combined the virtues of a sports car and an SUV, you tend to take such a statement with a pinch of salt. The CX-7, however, appears to have successfully bridged the gap between two distant genres of motoring, being fun to drive and practical – I’d be loathe to extol its virtues off-road, but the ride height should allow you to tackle the odd dirt track without too much drama. It gets many looks along the road and you do feel pretty important in this vehicle. Get this in black and I can guarantee you will have no problem making friends!