MAZDA NORTH American Operations (MNAO) last week revealed the eagerly awaited 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. Arriving in Mazda dealerships this spring, the CX-7 is the first of three important all-new Mazda vehicles designed and engineered specifically for North America .
CX-7 is a clean break from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently offered. It is engineered with Mazda's trademark, 'Soul of a Sportscar', and built entirely on Mazda derived platform architecture. Programme manager Shunsuke Kawasaki shows his confidence by stating, "There is no doubt this SUV reflects Zoom-Zoom. CX-7 skilfully blends sports car verve with SUV practicality. It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before and t his deviation from the crossover norm is inviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use." The CX-7 is just right for adventurous couples seeking a new challenge and driven by the urge for discovery.
Chief Designer Iwao Koizumi, whose previous works include the successful MAZDA 6 and the 1995 RX-01 showcar, names the design theme, 'advanced frontier'. CX-7 takes Mazda and its Zoom-Zoom image into an area it has never before ventured.
Notes Koizumi, "My idea for the CX-7 design was to combine dynamic movement, speedy shapes, and a bold presence in one passionate statement. Mazda has the sports car heritage to offer a crossover SUV with a strong and distinctive appearance."
ADVANCED AND SPORTY INTERIOR
An advanced and sporty image was pursued in designing the interior. The instrument panel consists of a unique 'double-roof' structure, in which a small 'roof' over the meter cluster is positioned just in front of a large 'roof' that extends across the entire instrument panel bringing together the driver and front passenger. To draw drivers inside, there's a three-dial instrument cluster, a console supporting the shifter within close reach, three-spoke steering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats, all provided with a high quality feel .
Koizumi emphasises that detailed attention is given to the entire interior, including the cargo area. For the two-tone trim, the side surface two-tone graphic reaching from the front doors all the way to the cargo space stylishly harmonises with the kicked-up beltline of the exterior side view.
AMPLE SPACE
The chief designer mapped out the CX-7 with ample space for five occupants. The rear seat not only carries three passengers in comfort, it also splits and folds 60:40 to increase cargo capacity and versatility.
The heart of every Mazda is its spirited powertrain. Under the hood of the CX-7 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection gasolene engine that powers the highly regarded MAZDASPEED 6 sport sedan. Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along with low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy, Mazda's MZR 2.3 DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbocharged engine produce s an enthusiastic 244 horsepower at 5, 000 rpm in the CX-7.
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