When designing its new crossover SUV, Mazda borrowed design, performance, and interior elements from the Mada Miata and the RX-8 sports car. The result is an SUV that thinks and acts like a sports car. It's not a bad combination in this day and age of cutting-edge designs, and certainly fits in well with Mazda's ZOOM-ZOOM philosophy.
As far as that ZOOM-ZOOM element is concerned, you won't have any problems zooming around in the CX-7, since it's powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a performance-car-like 244 horsepower. A six-speed Sport automatic transmission is standard. Other performance features include independant MacPherson strut suspension, anti-lock brakes, and optional all-wheel drive.
The sports-car feel continues to the interior, with its three-spoke steering wheel, red/blue instrument panel, front bucket seats, room backseats, power windows, and power door locks.
A premium Bose Audio sound system and navigation system are also part of the package. Options include a sunroof and power seats. As far as safety is concerned, the CX-7 received a five-star rating in front and side impact crash tests.
