Mazda CX-7: stylish crossover SUV with the soul of a sportscar

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today revealed the eagerly awaited 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. This breakthrough model will also be displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Arriving in Mazda’s US and Canadian dealerships this spring, the Mazda CX-7 is the first of three important all-new Mazda vehicles designed and engineered specifically for the North American market.

Mazda CX-7 is a clean break from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently offered. It is engineered with Mazda’s trademark, ‘Soul of a Sportscar’ and built entirely on Mazda-derived platform architecture.

Distinctive and Sophisticated Exterior

Chief Designer Iwao Koizumi, whose previous works include the successful Mazda6 and the 1995 RX-01 showcar, names the Mazda CX-7 design theme, "advanced frontier". The CX-7 takes Mazda and its Zoom-Zoom image to a whole new area of the automotive market, an area it has never before ventured into.

The 66-degree rake angle of the windshield 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 wheel 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 emphasise the Zoom-Zoom sportscar styling.

This distinctive overall exterior design is well balanced with the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Mazda CX-7’s shape is aerodynamically efficient with best-in-class performance for co-efficient of drag. Beneath the vehicle, ribbed covers attached to the centre under-floor area are especially helpful in optimising the aerodynamics of the airflow.

While it provides outstanding aerodynamic performance, this exterior design does not compromise craftsmanship. Panel and component alignment and part-gaps are flush and tight. Wiper arms are configured to match the surrounding cowl design and minimise wind noise. Attention to detail makes this car what it is.

Sporty and High Quality Interior

An advanced and sporty image was also pursued in designing the interior. The dashboard panel consists of a unique ‘double-roof’ structure, in which a small ‘roof’ over the instrument cluster is positioned just in front of a large ‘roof’ that extends across the entire dashboard panel bringing together the driver and front passenger.

To draw drivers inside, there’s a three-dial instrument cluster, a console supporting the gear selector within close reach, a three-spoke steering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats, all provided with a high quality feel.

Koizumi emphasises that detailed attention is given to the entire interior, including the cargo area. For the two-tone interior trim, the side surface two-tone graphic reaches from the front doors all the way to the cargo space, and stylishly harmonises with the kicked-up beltline of the exterior side view.

High level craftsmanship completes the interior design. For example, for the leather trim, the steering wheel and gear shift knob are covered by high quality leather specially contoured for optimum tactile feel. The ventilation dials, the glove box door release and the door armrests were all tuned to provide a high quality look and feel. Soft-trim graining was engineered for perfect colour match, minimal reflectivity and low gloss. Mazda’s close attention to detail is visible upon first glance into the vehicle.

Zoom-Zoom with Room

Using the innovative MX-Crossport concept shown at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show for inspiration, the chief designer mapped out the Mazda CX-7 with ample space for five occupants and a 29.9-cu. ft. cargo hold. The rear seat can not only carry three passengers in comfort, but also splits and folds 60:40 to stretch the cargo hold to 58.6-cu. ft.

To venture far beyond normal utility expectations, Mazda CX-7 has a cargo floor that is significantly longer than competitive models, with a flat load surface and a lip to prevent luggage from sliding forward. With the rear seats in use, three full-size golf bags can be carried. Rear seatback releases are located in the side of the cargo area for easy fold down from the rear. One side of the reversible boot floor is made of plastic, enabling the owner to carry soiled items without staining the carpet.

Thorough research into what personal possessions young couples are most likely to carry, resulted in a glove box, a floor console, and door pockets designed to accommodate a full life’s paraphernalia. For example, the lockable centre console can swallow a compact laptop computer and space is provided for coins and sunglasses.

Front door pockets are handy locations for beverage bottles. Two cupholders in the centre console offer a stable place to carry large containers without interfering with shift lever operation. A pocket attached to front seatback is ideal for maps and brochures.

Balance of Ample Power and Environmental Performance:

MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo Engine

The heart of every Mazda is its spirited powertrain. Under the bonnet of the Mazda CX-7 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that powers the highly regarded Mazda6 MPS sports saloon. Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along with low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy, Mazda’s MZR 2.3 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbo-charged engine produces an enthusiastic 244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm in the Mazda CX-7.

Key engine features are an aluminum block and head construction with forged internal components — crankshaft and connecting rods — for long-lasting durability. Balance shafts curb noise and vibration. A large air-to-air intercooler and direct fuel injection cool temperatures inside the cylinders. Changing the petrol’s state from liquid to vapour through the intake manifold to the cylinders provides the substantial cooling effect. The low charge temperature permits use of a high compression ratio — 9.5:1 — which boosts low- and mid-range torque by approximately 10 per cent over conventional turbo engines.

A notable change from the Mazda6 MPS engine is a new turbocharger. The refined area of the turbine inlet port enhances throttle response at low rpm and minimises turbo boost lag. When the driver nudges the throttle, vigorous acceleration is like a much larger displacement engine – one approaching twice the size of the 2.3-litre MZR engine – but without the extra weight that hampers agility and the extra fuel consumption that boosts emissions and operating costs.

The MZR 2.3 DISI turbo engine’s torque peaks at a low 2,500 rpm when 258 lb-ft of torque is available. The engine is tuned so that the muscular feel of torque begins at 2,000 rpm, and it maintains at least 99 per cent of the maximum torque all the way to 5,000 rpm, where peak horsepower is delivered. This 3,000 rpm spread of robust torque is part of what makes Mazda CX-7 such a fun-to-drive vehicle.

Low exhaust emissions are achieved by connecting the catalytic converter directly to the turbocharger to speed warm-up and shorten the time required for the catalyst to become effective. The Mazda CX-7 targets stringent U.S. federal Bin 5 and California LEV-II emissions standards.

Determined Drive

Advanced transmission and drive components pass the engine’s power cleanly and efficiently to the road surface. The six-speed Sport AT transmission provides the full manual control demanded by assertive drivers. Gear shifts are crisp, in keeping with Mazda CX-7’s sportscar character.

Two drivelines are offered: Front-Wheel Drive or Mazda’s Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive. The latter system uses a computer-controlled coupling integrated with the rear differential to deliver up to half the available torque to the rear wheels on demand. Sensors monitor engine information, individual wheel speeds, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) operation, and the Mazda CX-7’s standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, to optimise torque distribution. Whether the driving conditions are dry and fast or slippery and moderately paced, exceptional road holding and handling are assured.

Crafty Chassis with Mazda Sportscar DNA

A light, stiff unitary bodyshell provides the sound foundation for Mazda CX-7’s smooth ride and agile handling. Computer-Aided-Engineering analysis was used to optimise this structure, delivering high torsional and bending rigidity with minimal weight. In front, a perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering and a low friction MacPherson strut suspension system. The multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members each side.

To minimise cargo-compartment intrusion, the rear spring is positioned between the lower lateral member and the cross member that anchors rear chassis hardware to the unibody. The damper is located between the wheel hub and the unibody to provide excellent motion control with minimal friction. Coil springs and anti-roll bars are an integral part of both the front and rear suspension systems. All-season P235/60R18 tyres mounted on stylish 18-inch diameter aluminium wheels are standard.

Mazda CX-7’s four-wheel ventilated disc brake system integrates the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) functions. It also collaborates with the Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive to prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

Built-In-Safety

Mazda CX-7’s rigid unibody uses the Mazda Advanced Impact energy Distribution and Absorption System to realise a high level of collision safety. This helps to protect occupants in various accident situations, including front, side and rear impacts. The body’s frame sections are large in size and, as straight as possible, high-strength steel is used where it’s effective, and subframe connections help absorb collision energy. Stamping the side frame from a tailored blank minimises B-pillar deformation during a side impact.

The fuel tank is surrounded by substantial frame members to protect it from impact and guard against leakage in a major rear collision. Six airbags (frontal and side for front seat occupants, side curtain for all outboard occupants) are standard. A special sensor anticipates a roll-over and inflates the side-curtain airbags early to guard against injury, maintaining inflation for approximately six seconds helps keep limbs out of harm’s way. Front occupant seatbelts have pretensioners and load-limiters to maximise their effectiveness.

Entertaining Features

To delight, the Mazda CX-7 offers a wealth of entertainment equipment . The CX-7 offers an AM/FM radio, and CD player as standard. Sirius satellite radio is available as an option. To further support driving pleasure, safety and convenience, a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system with voice commands and a rear-view camera system are available as options.

In addition, buyers may choose a Bose® premium sound system package that includes nine speakers, approximately 240 watts of amplification, a six-CD changer and Centerpoint® surround-sound system that offers five-channel digital imaging, to create true premium audio entertainment.

Another convenient feature is the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System. Without removing the card shaped device from one’s pocket, doors can be unlocked, the engine can be started (or stopped). Also, the front electric windows can be operated from outside the car, and the optional sunroof can be opened and closed. To maximise security, an automatic break-in alarm is available as an option.

Three Editions: Variation for Customers

Mazda CX-7 is offered in three equipment levels. Some of the highlights of the standard features are manual air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, retractable key, cruise control, and six airbags. Also standard on all Mazda CX-7s is an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS).

The Touring edition adds leather trim (seats, steering wheel, gear shift knob), power adjustment of the driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a retractable cargo cover. The top-line Grand Touring, Mazda CX-7 is equipped with features such as leather trim with a black sport seat stripe, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, front fog lamps, body-colour door mirrors, chrome door handles and automatic interior climate control.

Mazda’s CX-7 arrives in the North American market in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model.