Barely a day goes by with?out another compact SUV arriving in showrooms. But Mazdas latest model is an off-roader with a difference its designed to stay on the tarmac.
The Japanese manufacturer is billing the CX-7 as a sports crossover so what exactly does that mean if youre considering buying one?
Mazda claims the new 4×4 is a sports car with the look and practicality of an off-roader, but its five seats and permanent four-wheel drive are nothing to shout about in this sector. However, the 2.3-litre turbo engine from the hot 3 MPS hatch gives the CX-7s promises of perfor?mance some genuine credibility.
Theres also a slick six-speed manual gearbox where you might expect to find an automatic shift. Its the only transmission option, and further under?lines the models sporting intent.
From the outside, the newcomer looks more like a 4WD than a sports car, although its jacked-up bodywork is undeniably sleek. Its easy to spot where the companys designers have looked for inspiration, too, because the pronounced wheelarches, steeply raked windscreen, narrow headlamps and gaping grille all borrow heavily from the Mazda RX-8.
At the back, there are fewer similarities with the coup?, as a conventional tailgate opens to reveal a mod?est 455-litre boot. But practicality is enhanced by a handy one-touch seat folding mechanism, which increases the load area to 1,348 litres.
Further forward, the angled windscreen and neat instruments give the cabin the feel of a traditional saloon or hatch. Yet theres also the commanding driving position of a 4×4.
Standard equipment is generous: leather upholstery, cruise control and xenon headlamps are all included. The cabin is well designed, smart and solidly constructed, but unfortunately theres no reach adjustment for the steering wheel, while an integrated sat-nav system isnt even an option.
Out on the road, the turbocharged engine provides a potent 256bhp, and powers the five-seater from 0-62mph in eight seconds respectable for the class. Once the turbo is spinning, at around 3,000rpm, theres a considerable amount of urge available, which makes overtaking or merging with fast-flowing traffic easy.
At motorway speeds, engine and road noise are muted, too although you are reminded of the CX-7s bluff stance by the sound of the wind round the windscreen pillars and mirrors.
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