Mazda CX-7 gets sporty makeover for Europe

By Ben Whitworth

Motor Industry

29 September 2006 03:13

Mazda is scrabbling to ready a muscular 170bhp turbodiesel engine for its new CX-7 crossover, which arrives in Europe next summer.

Although the five-seat 4x4 will initially come with a 258bhp version of the Mazda 6 MPS's turbocharged 2.3-litre four, European market demands for diesel power mean Mazda will unleash a new 2.2-litre version of its four-cylinder diesel. This engine will be hooked up to a slick six-speed manual or five-gear automatic transmission.

It will arrive 12 months after the CX-7 debuts, in mid 2008. Mazda has also heavily revised the CX-7's suspension for European duty. The UK-bound Mazda will be fitted with uprated springs and dampers and thicker anti-roll bars for a more sporting drive than the US-spec Mazda. Its permanent all-wheel-drive layout, lifted from the Mazda6 MPS, remains unchanged.

Expect prices for the petrol model around the £25,000 mark, with the diesel commanding a £1000 premium, and with two generously specified TS and Sport trim levels.

By Ben Whitworth