Mazda CX-7
Test Drive

Mazda CX-7

Already approximate performance data? from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in eight seconds (according to our measurements, Mazda was only tenth worse) and a maximum speed of 210 km / h? focus your thoughts on sporty driving. The basis for achieving these results is a 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection and sequential valve technology, borrowed from the MPS, to which an even smaller turbocharger has been added and connected to the all-wheel drive that we already know about from the Mazda3 MPS.

Basically, the front wheels are driven, and when necessary, the active split-torque four-wheel drive (completely invisible and invisible to many) transfers up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels through an electromagnetic clutch. Aside from the increased ground clearance (a good 20 inches) and under-engine protection, this is all you need for off-roading. Inside you will be looking for a drive control button in vain. Whether two-wheeled or four-wheeled, the driver has no direct influence over him. There is no reducer either. ...

This is not because the CX-7 is not needed at all. The Japanese openly rely on the overwhelming majority of SUV owners not driving their steel horses into the woods, sand or country roads (where Mazda is otherwise completely sovereign). If you were to write an SUV tutorial and add a photo, you would almost have to have a CX-7 on it. Ker?

Just look at it, sporty design, with flat A-pillars, a dynamic hood, bulging MX-5-style fenders, an almost coupe roofline, 18-inch wheels, bulging bumpers, and a charged rear with the sun shining underneath. two oval chrome tailpipes. The CX-7 is a recognizable and well thought out choice in the SUV market. A real renaissance of the growing automotive class.

The sporty feel continues even in the interior, where Mazda fans won't have to face anything shocking new. The gauges are reminiscent of those on the MPS (height-adjustable only) the small and pleasantly straight steering wheel is on the one on the MX-5, also known for a docile shift lever. ... The choice of interior materials is somewhat disappointing (the plastic is rough to the touch), most of the storage space is reserved for cans (you can see that the CX-7 debuted on the US market more than a year ago), the drawer in the front is not illuminated, but if you do not disassemble the contents of the bag after the car, there should be enough storage space.

Surprisingly, all four side door windows are lowered and raised automatically at the touch of a button. It sits high of course (SUV, crossover), the driver's seat was electrically adjustable in the test model, it was also adjustable in the lumbar region, a set (red) radio buttons (Bose with MP3 player and CD changer)) to be taught and this is not just a one-way trip computer that is completely without comment (to control it, you need to take your hand off the steering wheel and cut through the middle of the dashboard).

When the engine is running, you cannot completely turn off the headlights (the CX-7 headlights also wash), to turn on the rear fog light, you must turn on the front fog lights, some buttons are not illuminated. The seats are comfortable, but due to the leather and sovereignty (compared to the SUV) with which the CX-7 “counts” corners, they are less able to support the body, which is also tested because of the good brakes. From 100 to 0 km / h we were aiming for a good 38 meters, which is a good achievement considering the mass.

When entering and exiting, you should pay attention to dirty thresholds. Due to the sloping roof, the CX-7 really surprises with the spaciousness of the back bench (there is a lot of headroom), the back of the back bench is divided in a ratio of 60:40. The practice is simpler than a system called Karikuri, it doesn't work) and the trunk with a base 455 liters is quite generous, but the high cargo edge (roughly at the waist of the average person) and the relatively low trunk height reduce its usability. CX-7 will not be a relocation service listing. The bottom of the trunk is double, on one side the panel is covered with fabric, and on the other it is rubberized.

It is clear that the 2-liter engine in this car is not designed for rational fuel consumption. Although the drag coefficient (Cx = 3) is one of the most favorable, you will have to put up with fuel consumption of more than 0 liters per 34 kilometers. During the test, the lowest measured consumption was 10 liters, and the maximum was about 100. Consider a fuel tank of 13 liters, which "promises" regular stops at gas stations. But high fuel consumption is the only drawback of this engine, if you can call it that at all. At lower revs, the engine is moderate (it's known to handle quite a lot of car weight), from 4 rpm and up when the turbo is breathing well, it's just more exciting.

From 3.000 / min towards the red field, it is so lively that the CX-7 transforms into a real SUV race car, created for an enjoyable ride on the open road. Due to its size, it is less agile in the city (and impractical for frequent maneuvering due to its rounded rear, despite its large side mirrors), and outside the crowds it shows its true face, which brings it closer (or even overtaking) to more expensive premium SUVs. om. The CX-7 doesn't actually have a direct competitor.

There seems to be a cross between classic SUVs and premium ATVs. It is less off-road than many SUVs, but in terms of characteristics (for the needs of the European market, the body rigidity was increased, the handling improved and the suspension and steering gear were reconfigured) it leaves far behind. And not only most SUVs, but quite a few (self-proclaimed) sports cars too! It gives full pleasure when using the upper half (above 3.000 rpm) of the engine speed (without a hint of hesitation, it rotates in the red field), for real pleasure the stabilization electronics are switched.

All-wheel drive provides good traction, a precise six-speed transmission with short shift lever movements and direct steering also contribute to driving dynamics. For his health and comfort) adds a dot to i.

The CX-7 is best in class for driving pleasure. Of course, there's a limit to where that fun ends, and Mazda points that out in a corner with controlled and predictable understeer. Even though the Mazda has 260 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, it puts the power to the ground without issue. And not because of electronics.

For a Mazda SUV, getting up to speed on the highway is not a difficult task, although the speedometer needle goes in the direction of 200 km / h. The soundproofing is also good. 180 km / h (caliber) in sixth gear with a good 3.000 / min: the sound of the engine is still not disturbing, only the noise of the air around the body is more noticeable.

During normal driving, speeding is unnecessary, which also means that the driver can shift less often (and save fuel). Surprisingly, the small degree of body tilt in dynamic driving, in which the only problem is the sliding seats. Otherwise, the CX-7 is just for fun.

For now, the CX-7 is only in the price list with this engine and transmission. We will have to wait for a more economical diesel, as well as for an automatic transmission.

Half of Rhubarb

Photo: Aleš Pavletič.

Mazda CX-7

Basic data

Sales: Mazda Motor Slovenia Ltd.
Base model price: 35.400 €
Test model cost: 36.000 €
Power:191kW (260


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 8,1 with
Maximum speed: 210 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 15,4l / 100km
Guarantee: General warranty 3 years or 100.000 km, 10 years mobile warranty, 3 years varnish warranty, 12 years rust warranty.
Oil change every 15.000 km
Systematic review 30.000 km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbo petrol - front mounted transversely - bore and stroke 87,5 × 94 mm - displacement 2.261 cm? – compression 9,5:1 – maximum power 191 kW (260 hp) at 5.500 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 17,2 m/s – specific power 84,5 kW/l (114,9 hp / l) - maximum torque 380 Nm at 3.000 / min - 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - exhaust turbocharger - charge air cooler.
Energy transfer: the engine drives all four wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,82; II. 2,24; III. 1,54; IV. 1,17; V. 1,08; VI. 0,85 - differential 3,941 (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gears); 3,350 (5th, 6th, reverse gear) - 7,5 J × 18 wheels - 235/60 R 18 tires, rolling circumference 2,23 m.
Capacity: top speed 210 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 8,0 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 13,8 / 8,1 / 10,2 l / 100 km.
Transportation and suspension: limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, parking mechanical brake on the rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 2,9 turns between extreme points.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.695 kg - permissible total weight 2.270 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.450 kg, without brake: 750 kg - permissible roof load: 100 kg.
External dimensions: vehicle width 1.870 mm, front track 1.615 mm, rear track 1.610 mm, ground clearance 11,4 m.
Inner dimensions: front width 1.530 mm, rear 1.500 mm - front seat length 490 mm, rear seat 470 mm - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 69 l.
Box: Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (278,5 L total): 1 backpack (20 L); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 1 suitcase (85,5 l), 2 suitcase (68,5 l)

Our measurements

T = 13 ° C / p = 1.010 mbar / rel. Owner: 50% / Tires: Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport 235/60 / R18 V / Meter reading: 2.538 km
Acceleration 0-100km:8,1s
402m from the city: 15,5 years (


146 km / h)
1000m from the city: 28,2 years (


187 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 9,9 / 16,3s
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 9,5 / 22,2s
Maximum speed: 210km / h


(WE.)
Minimum consumption: 13,4l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 17,0l / 100km
test consumption: 15,4 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 64,3m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 38,4m
AM table: 40m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear52dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear50dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear48dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear48dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear58dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear56dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear55dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear55dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear64dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear63dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear62dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear62dB
Idling noise: 36dB
Test errors: Inoperative passenger power window control switch

Overall rating (357/420)

  • With this engine, the Mazda CX-7 is intended for a narrow circle of customers. For most, its engine is too thirsty, for some its chassis is too hard, for others it is too off-road, but if you’re buying a powerful SUV for true road pleasures, then the CX-7 shouldn’t be out of your head.

  • Exterior (14/15)

    No extra SUV-like parts. It impresses with its bulging front fenders, chrome exhaust trim ...

  • Interior (117/140)

    Sliding seats, nothing too noble dashboard (materials) and some buttons that spoil the ergonomics.

  • Engine, transmission (36


    / 40)

    The engine and gearbox seem to be from the same outlet, because they work very harmoniously.

  • Driving performance (89


    / 95)

    Despite its weight and height, it leans surprisingly little when cornering, which is a pleasure.

  • Performance (31/35)

    The technical specifications and our measurements speak for themselves. Tested in practice.

  • Security (29/45)

    Isofix, front and rear airbags, curtain airbags, excellent brakes, ABS, DSC, TCS.

  • Economy

    High fuel consumption, high cost (due to the powerful engine) and significant loss of value.

We praise and reproach

appearance

low body tilt (for SUV)

feeling inside

engine

Transmission

conductivity

equipment (smart key, heated seats ()

open space

simply folding the seats in the second row

fuel consumption

no direct effect on the drive

rear opacity (no parking sensors)

sliding seats

field capacity

the download window does not open separately

one-way trip computer

the light cannot be turned off when the engine is running

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