Mazda CX-7

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The Mazda CX-7 is a mid-size crossover SUV model from Mazda, and is the production version of the MX-Crossport concept car. The CX-7 was shown publicly for the first time at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. Production officially began on February 20, 2006, in Mazda's Ujina#2 factory in Hiroshima.

The CX-7 went on sale in April 2006, as a model for 2007, and was discontinued in August 2012, in favor of the new Mazda CX-5. It was also Mazda's first mid size SUV, since the Navajo was discontinued in 1994. The CX-7 and the Mazda CX-9 do not share platforms. The CX-7 shares the front suspension of the Mazda MPV minivan, and the rear suspension from the Mazda5.

It shares its turbocharged inline 4 engine with the Mazdaspeed6, and uses a six speed automatic transmission. The model year of 2012 was the last year for the CX-7, to make way for the release of the CX-5. The CX-5 has a more efficient powertrain and more interior room, while its exterior is smaller than the CX-7.

Video Mazda CX-7

Specifications

Engine and transmission

Power comes from the same 2.3 L straight-4 MZR engine used in the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 coupled with a six speed Aisin automatic transmission, and tuned to produce 244 hp or 182 kW (Australian model 175 kW) at 5000 rpm and 258 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque at a low 2500 rpm, 99% of the maximum torque is available to 5000 rpm.

The MZR 2.3L DISI turbo engine found in the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 has been retuned in the North American specification CX-7 to deliver torque at a lower rpm for less turbo lag off the line, at the cost of power. This was achieved thanks to a redesigned, smaller K04 turbocharger. United Kingdom specification CX-7's feature the same, larger K04 turbocharger and transmission found in the Mazdaspeed line.

Model range, prices and features

The CX-7 features fully independent suspension, four wheel ventilated disc brakes with standard anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control, and a choice of either front-wheel drive, or Mazda's Active Torque-Split all wheel drive system. With the Active Torque Split system, two computer controlled magnetic clutches feed up to 50% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels.

The Australian combined cycle official fuel economy is 11.5 L/100 km (25 mpg_-imp; 20.5 mpg_-US), similar to the Holden Captiva. But real world fuel economy is nearer to 18.0 L/100 km (15.7 mpg_-imp; 13.1 mpg_-US), as much or more than the Ford Territory.

As of the 2010 model, there are four trim levels (model), iSV, iSport, sTouring, and sGrand Touring &mdash in ascending equipment levels. Touring and Grand Touring models are available with all wheel drive and are offered with the 2.3L turbocharged engines. SV and Sport trims come with a 2.5L MZR naturally aspirated DOHC four cylinder.

Canadian models included GS Front Wheel Drive, GS All Wheel Drive, GT Front Wheel Drive, GT All Wheel Drive

Australian models (AWD only) included "CX-7 Classic" Base trim and "CX-7 Luxury" upper trim.

United Kingdom models (AWD only) were not offered at the same time and included 2.3T and 2.2D 'Sport Tech'.

Maps Mazda CX-7

2010 update

The front and rear exterior fascias were revised with the front adopting the larger five point grille design similar in appearance to the contemporary RX-8, MX-5 and Mazda3/Axela.

The interior gauges were revised, with blackout meters that featured three dimensional dials, a 3.5 inch super twisted nematic (STN) monochrome and 4.1 inch thin film transistor (TFT) colour Multi Information Display (MID), (positioned at the top of the instrument panel), Bluetooth compatibility, and a Blind Spot Monitoring System.

The car was unveiled at the February 2009 Canadian International Auto Show. The diesel version included a manual transmission, and was sold in Europe from 2009 to 2012.

Pre-facelift styling

Post-facelift styling

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Offroad capabilities

While officially classed as a 'Mid size crossover SUV', the Mazda CX-7 is considered as a 'Soft Roader' by automotive sources. The CX-7 featured an active torque split four wheel drive system, which sends up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels on a slippery surface, to ensure a consistency of grip.

Engine

Engine choices include 2.5 litre MZR four cylinder engine, that produces 161 hp (120 kW) and 161 lb?ft (218 N?m) of torque and the same MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine from before. Transmission is a five speed automatic for the 2.5, and a six speed automatic for the 2.3 DISI Turbo engine.

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Name origin

The CX-7 reminds one of the name RX-7, (which was a sports car that was discontinued, and replaced by RX-8), but the first letter, 'R' ('R' means rotary engine), was changed to 'C' ('C' means crossover SUV).

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Possible revival

Although not yet officially confirmed, the CX-7 nameplate could be used on an all new seven seater based on a stretched Mazda CX-5, due to the growing popularity of three row crossovers. The result, the Mazda CX-8 three row crossover, which is essentially a long wheelbase version of the second generation Mazda CX-5 compact crossover, was released exclusively in Japan on September 14, 2017.

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References

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External links

• MazdaUSA CX-7 official site
• Official UK CX-7 campaign site
• Official UK website model page
• Unofficial Mazda CX-7 Resource Library

Source of article : Wikipedia