Mazda CX-7

Mazda have something of a reputation for being a unique, even "oddball" manufacturer. So it comes as no surprise that rather than refer to their CX-7 as a crossover (as all other manufacturers in this class do) they call it an SUV with the "soul of a sports car". According to Mazda the design vision for the CX-7 was "metropolitan hawk", a name given to describe the mish-mash of urban hip with rugged outdoors. The result is an overblown sports coupe, striking and purposeful in appearance. This modern design is echoed in the cabin with a futuristic raked windshield and wraparound centre console. In fact the seating position and shifter position are almost identical to the RX-8 sports car. It uses a 2.3L turbocharged engine (taken from the Mazda 6 but retuned for more lower down torque) and a six speed automatic transmission with manual mode. The high position of the shifter encourages using the manual mode and adds to the sporty characteristics as does the sharp handling and direct steering response. The CX-7 Sport is the entry model, however, a good level of equipment and safety is standard such as six-speed automatic transmission, 18 alloy wheels, six airbags, ABS and stability and cruise control. Options that are available are leather seats, all-wheel-drive (AWD), navigation system, rear-view camera, voice-control system and smart key (keyless entry system).