120kW OR 175kW TURBO POWER

+ Click to Enlarge CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON: The Mazda CX-7 crossover is now available as the Individual model (on the right), with all-wheel drive and a 175kW, 2.3-litre turbo engine, or the 2.5-litre, 120kW Dynamic (left) with front-wheel drive.

November 2, 2009

Mazda's revised-for-2010 CX-7 crossover has arrived in South Africa with more than just a new grille and some extra chromed trim.

Oh, it has those too, but Mazda promises improved engines, transmissions and chassis dynamics for a quieter, more comfortable ride. The maker claims lower fuel consumption, increased body rigidity and reduced engine and wind noise compared to the first-generation CX-7.

Mazda's market research found customers liked the distinctive shape of the CX-7 so it left the styling basically unchanged "while pursuing a better overall balance of performance and a clearer premium identity".

Mazda SA general manager Brendan Lyne said: "Mazda has remained true to the CX-7's strengths while further refining its combination of styling, dynamic performance and economy in ways that reflect the growing environmental concerns of our customers."

The new grille has a larger five-point design with chromed detail and the front foglights have new bezels.

Inside, denser insulation provides a quieter cabin and larger trim mouldings on the inside of the A pillars help suppress wind noise.

There's a new steering wheel with integrated switches that can be operated while gripping the rim, a larger instrument binnacle and a new multi-information display in the middle of the instrument panel.

The door armrests now have soft pads for a more luxurious feel and the lid of the rear console is made of soft-touch urethane.

A six-CD player with MP3 capability, remote central locking and cruise control are standard, as are new leather seats, heatable in front. The multi-information display also highlights maintenance and service interval reminders as well as tyre rotation reminders.

The top-of-the-range 2.3-litre turbo model also has a rear-view monitor system, a nine-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, self-levelling xenon headlights a power-operated, sliding glass sunroof and rain-sensing wipers.

The CX-7 is now also available with Mazda's 120kW, 2.5-litre engine – as seen in the Mazda3 and the Mazda6. Torque is quoted at 205Nm at 3500rpm and it drives the front wheels only through a five-speed, semi-automatic transmission with manual sequential shift.

The 2.3-litre turbo engine, carried over from the previous model, delivers a claimed 175kW at 5000rpm and 350Nm at 2500rpm, driving all the wheels through a six-speed semi-auto transmission and a computer-controlled coupling in the rear differential that can deliver up to half the available torque to the rear wheels on demand.

Lyne summed up: "A key word in the development process of the new CX-7 was 'refinement'. The vehicle was already well liked by consumers so the design team didn't have to start from scratch to add extra sophistication, sustainability and detail."

PRICES

2.5-litre Dynamic – R333 700
2.3-litre DISI Turbo Individual – R433 500

Prices include a four-year or 120 000km warranty and a five-year or 100 000km service and three years' roadside assistance. Service intervals 15 000km.