Mazda has a talent for making the most mundane car fun to drive, without sacrificing practicality or value. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the CX-7: the smaller of the automaker’s two crossover vehicles.
This year, the five-passenger CX-7 gets a new four-cylinder engine, available on the front-wheel drive models. While it lacks the power of the 2.3-liter turbo, the new engine delivers exceptional highway fuel economy, while maintaining enough low-end torque to satisfy the average commuter. During the test drive, my highway fuel economy exceeded the 28 mpg EPA estimate.
Drivers will immediately find value in convenience features such as the rear backup camera, digital information display, multiple power points and Bluetooth interface. But greater value lies beneath the car’s surface.
Quick facts:
Make: Mazda
Model: CX-7 i Sport
Year: 2010
Base price: $22,340
As tested: $25,990
Horsepower: 161 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 161 lbs.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: Standard
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: No
Towing: No
Fuel economy: 20/28 mpg city/highway.
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