Mazda CX-7 2.2 CRTD 173 CV, test drive (Part III)

We reach the final part of the test drive of the Mazda CX-7, the SUV from the Japanese brand that has just added a new diesel engine that the range really needed, the 2.2 CRTD with 173 CV, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Precisely, we got behind the wheel of a CX-7 with this engine, and in the first part we discussed its handling and performance.

In the second part we looked at its design, one of the sportiest SUVs in terms of exterior styling, as well as we also checked its interior roominess. And now we turn to the equipment, prices and overall verdict on this CX-7. The equipment is typical of Japanese models, that is, fairly complete equipment packages with few options to choose from. The three trim levels are: Active, Active + and Luxury, and this last one is the version we tested. The price range starts at 30,800 euros for the Active.

Equipment

As usual, we begin with the safety equipment of the Mazda CX-7, which even in the base Active trim already comes with a comprehensive set of safety features, among which we can highlight ABS with emergency brake assist, traction and stability control, and eight airbags. Curiously, this model was not tested by Euro NCAP; the only reference we have is the American IIHS, which rated it very positively as one of the safest mid-size SUVs at the time of testing (2007).

Also, as additional safety equipment, we must highlight the blind-spot warning system, which comes fitted on the Luxury trim and alerts you with a beep and a warning light in the mirror when there is a vehicle on the side you are moving into and therefore a risk of collision, a genuinely useful system.

Moving on to the equipment, we come to the Active version, which, in addition to everything above in terms of safety, already includes features such as air conditioning, a CD-MP3 radio, a multifunction display, heated exterior mirrors, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Active + trim adds, among other items, a CD changer, Bluetooth, navigation with rear-view camera, cruise control, light and rain sensors, heated seats, fog lights and tinted glass.

Our test unit had the highest equipment level, the Luxury which additionally features the excellent BOSE sound system with 9 speakers, leather upholstery, electric front seats, xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, and 19″ alloy wheels. This level of equipment is very complete, and the only things one could add are a USB socket, which is missed, or a larger navigation screen.

Of all this, only two options remain: the sunroof (750 euros) and metallic paint (400 euros).

Prices and versions

• CX-7 2.2 CRTD Active 30,800 euros
• CX-7 2.2 CRTD Active+ 33,450 euros
• CX-7 2.2 CRTD Luxury 36,450 euros
• CX-7 2.3 DISI Luxury 39,400 euros

Overall Verdict

In a market full of SUV models, where every brand seems to need its own SUV or it isn’t a complete brand without one, the appearance of different models is always welcome, and since its launch the Mazda CX-7 has been an interesting design alternative to traditional SUVs, but the petrol engine made us quickly forget about the CX-7.

The arrival of the diesel engine will undoubtedly help. It is not an engine that stands out particularly for its consumption, but at least it is a reasonable alternative. Furthermore, the CX-7 has the advantage of its agility and very good handling for an SUV. On the other hand, its shortcomings lie perhaps in its off-road capabilities: it is not the best SUV for going off the tarmac, as it lacks (besides the reduction gear) any descent assistance system, for example, systems that other models on the market do incorporate.

But for road driving and touring, it becomes a good model, with ample interior space. Prices relative to the equipment are better than other models on the market equipped with the same features, especially if you go for the top-of-the-range version. In short, it is an SUV you should like for its design and which has good dynamic qualities to win you over.

Photos | David Taboada
Thanks to Borja for his collaboration on the test