Mazda CX-7 (2007): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

18 July 2007 02:13

Haven’t we seen this car before?

We have, as CAR Online first drove the US-spec CX-7 back in August 2006. Now Mazda has released more details for the European model. At launch there's only one engine with one spec level: the £23,960 2.3, with the same 256bhp petrol engine found in the Mazda 6 MPS. It's dripping with equipment - you get 18-inch wheels, leather seats, a BOSE sound system, and a multitude of acronyms to keep you safe, including ABS, EBD, EBA, DSC and TCS. The only factory option is metallic paint for £375, meaning no automatic ‘box is available on the petrol.

No, but CAR Online already knows the Japanese manufacturer is rushing to ready a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel. It’ll drive through a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed auto. However, it won’t arrive until late summer 2008, and will command an expected £1000 premium over the petrol. In the meantime the 280lb ft offered from the 2.3 petrol should be able to pull the 1770kg car with sufficient vigour. According to Mazda, it averages 27.7mpg and puts out 243g/km of CO2. By comparison, an automatic diesel Vauxhall Antara does 32.8mpg and pumps out 238g/km.

By Ben Pulman