MAZDA CX-7 4X4 FULL REVIEW

Mazda CX-7 4x4 full 9 point review

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

The 2.2 diesel engine is extremely well suited to hauling a big car like the CX-7, producing a deceptively quick turn of speed and smooth cruising manners. However, you need to be quite precise when changing between the tightly spaced gears, and there’s no automatic gearbox.
Ride & Handling

4 out of 5 stars

The ride manages to strike just the right blend of comfort and control. There’s no fancy electronics, just well judged springs and dampers, which offer a cushy ride and strong body control.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

Even when you’re cruising at high speed, there’s not a lot of road- or wind noise. There’s a wee bit of clatter from the engine both at tickover and when you work it hard, but for the most part it’s smooth and quiet.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

Private buyers might be quite encouraged by the 37.7mpg average fuel consumption, but business users are likely to look elsewhere, given that CO2 emissions of 199g/km push the CX-7 into the 30% company car tax bracket
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

Mazda reliability is legendary, so you shouldn't need to worry about the CX-7's long-term durability. The car appears well made, too, although some of the trim plastics - notably on the rear doors - won't have European prestige-car makers going green with envy.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Stability control and an electronically variable four-wheel-drive system should keep you out of trouble; six airbags will protect you if they don't prove to be enough. Remote locking, with a keyless entry option, are the first line of defence against thieves, and there's a mandatory immobiliser to prevent drive-away.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

The CX-7's steering wheel comes from the MX-5 roadster, which boosts the cabin's sporty feel. The high driving position is pure 4x4, though. The steering column only adjusts for height, but the driver's seat has full electric adjustment and most drivers will be comfortable. The slim digital readout at the centre of the dash is hard to read, however, and the thick screen pillars hinder the view forward.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

There's plenty of space for four adults in the CX-7, with head- and legroom to spare. The rear door openings are small, however. At 455 litres the boot is big, but it's not as large as some rivals' and there's a lip to lift items over. For more space, the rear seat backs tip forward in an instant to leave a long, flat load space.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

There's only one version of the CX-7 and it's very well equipped. Standard equipment includes climate control, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, automatic lights and wipers, a Bose stereo, 18-inch alloy wheels and electric driver's seat adjustment. Sat-nav and reversing sensors are dealer-fit options.