Rather than compete for headlines at the Chicago auto show, Mazda is using the concurrent Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto to unveil its 2010 CX-7 crossover SUV. As the CX-7 has seen few changes since its market introduction in 2006, the 2010 model’s revised front and rear fascias represent a significant mid-cycle freshening, as well as an expansion of the design cues applied to the 2009 MX-5 Miata, RX-8, and 6 sedan.
The real change, however, is the addition of an entry-level model with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Although the four-banger is the same as in the 170-hp Mazda 6 i, output is slightly less in the CX-7: 161 hp at 6000 rpm and 161 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. Also similar to the 6 i, the engine only is available with a five-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 244 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, carries over unchanged, as does the accompanying six-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system.
Other changes for 2010 center around refining the CX-7’s interior, with Mazda claiming to have reduced noise, vibration, and harshness levels, as well as wind noise. The overall design is very similar to the current model, yet higher quality materials, new gauges, and two new information displays atop the dash should make spending time behind the wheel a bit more enjoyable. Also available is a blind-spot monitoring system—similar to that on the Mazda 6 and CX-9—as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a three-position memory driver’s seat. Mazda says it will release more information, including pricing, on the CX-7 closer to when it goes on sale later this year, but expect the new base model to sticker just above $20,000.
The real change, however, is the addition of an entry-level model with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Although the four-banger is the same as in the 170-hp Mazda 6 i, output is slightly less in the CX-7: 161 hp at 6000 rpm and 161 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. Also similar to the 6 i, the engine only is available with a five-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 244 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, carries over unchanged, as does the accompanying six-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system.
Other changes for 2010 center around refining the CX-7’s interior, with Mazda claiming to have reduced noise, vibration, and harshness levels, as well as wind noise. The overall design is very similar to the current model, yet higher quality materials, new gauges, and two new information displays atop the dash should make spending time behind the wheel a bit more enjoyable. Also available is a blind-spot monitoring system—similar to that on the Mazda 6 and CX-9—as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a three-position memory driver’s seat. Mazda says it will release more information, including pricing, on the CX-7 closer to when it goes on sale later this year, but expect the new base model to sticker just above $20,000.
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