Mazda CX-7 2.3 (2007) CAR review

Another SUV?

Yep, in these tree-hugging planet worrying times Mazda has added another SUV choice to the market. And why shouldn’t they, SUV sales aren’t in quite the freefall some people would have you believe with plenty of customers still out there looking for chunkily–styled off-roaders. Even so nobody at Mazda is too sure where it’s going to fit, particularly as at launch it’s only available with the same 256bhp MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbocharged four that powers the 3 and 6 MPS models. No diesel alternative yet, so it’s hardly surprising when Mazda talks of sales in the region of 1000-1500 a year – hardly numbers to trouble Land Rover’s Freelander.

CX-7? That’ll be a seven-seater?

Err, nope you’re mistaken. The 7 doesn’t refer to the number of seats – if that where the case this would be the CX-5. Though when did you last see people in the furthermost row of seats in an SUV? The CX-7 isn’t really aimed at the family-hauling market, even if the rear legroom is generous and boot huge. Instead, it’s aimed at those drivers the marketing people describe as having multi-activity lifestyles.