2008 Mazda CX-7

Produced entirely on Mazda’s derived platform architecture, the CX-7 offers a crossover utility vehicle with a strong, distinctive appearance and dynamic performance - a ‘sophisticated SUV with the soul of a sports car’.

Mazda's innovative technologies, including a direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-litre DISI engine and the active torque split all-wheel drive system that debuted in the MazdaSpeed6, are showcased to their full potential in the CX-7. To endorse the performance of this powerful engine, the Mazda CX-7 2.3 DISI Turbo engine made Ward’s top 10 Best Engine award list. This is zoom-zoom at it’s best!

Equal importance was placed on achieving a balance between impressive power and handling characteristics and more practical considerations such as comfort, fuel economy, value and overall refinement… all accomplished without detracting from its vibrant, urban personality and fresh appeal.

As unique as it is, the CX-7 remains true to everything inherent in the Mazda brand DNA: it is stylish, insightful and fun; it tempers power with refinement; and it exhibits detailed craftsmanship and attention to detail in every aspect of its development.

Exterior

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 SUVs and even sports cars. Distinct character lines run through the A-pillars 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.

Interior

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, threespoke steering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats, all provided with a high quality feel.

Chief Designer, Iwao 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.

Performance

Matching the sporty appearance is Mazda CX-7's powerful and dynamic performance. Mazda CX-7 is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine. Towing capacity for the CX-7 is 907 Kg (2,000 lbs)

While key powertrain features are shared with the MAZDASPEED6, the Mazda CX-7 is exclusively tuned to deliver a balance of ample power and environmental performance.