Mazda CX-7

For: Strong pace, involving handling, sleek looks, generously equipped
Against: High emissions and thirst, no diesel, manual gearbox unusual

Driving
The Mazda 4×4 feels more involving and alive than most SUVs. The ride is firm, but the damping does a good job of absorbing bumps, while excellent body control means the car is solid and sure-footed in corners. The steering offers plenty of feedback, too. In fact, it’s only the raised view of the road ahead which reminds you the Mazda isn’t an ordinary saloon. Stability is reassuring and there’s no suspension dive under heavy braking, while the six-speed manual transmission is precise and the automatic four-wheel-drive system effective. Power comes courtesy of the high-performance 6 MPS’ 2.3-litre turbo petrol, which generates a surge of acceleration good for 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds. Performance is a strong point, but it’s refined, too.

Marketplace
Mazda describes the CX-7 as a ‘sports crossover’, and it’s certainly sleeker than most 4x4s. There’s hints of the racy RX-8, and the car has an upmarket feel. Mazda has certainly done things differently; the firm even says it’s not designed to go off-road, despite its raised ride height. Just the single 2.3-litre model is offered, and exclusivity is guaranteed due to Mazda’s low sales predictions. It’s comprehensively equipped though, with xenon lights, heated leather seats, climate and cruise control all as standard. Sporty premium Japanese SUVs are thin on the ground; the Toyota RAV4 T180 is diesel-only, while the Nissan Murano is considerably more expensive. The Subaru Forester is even faster, but not as stylish. Alongside the sporty-feeling BMW X3, meanwhile, the Mazda appears excellent value.

Owning
Cowled instruments take inspiration from the RX-8, the steering wheel is like that from the MX-5, while everything is smart and well-built. The driving position is comfortable and the view forward excellent, although a lack of steering reach adjustment means that drivers will find their legs brushing on the dash. Rear space is adequate and the boot OK. A clever one-touch seat folding mechanism makes lowering the rear chairs easy. Inevitably, with the lack of a diesel option, fuel bills will be high. But the 27mpg average isn’t bad considering the CX-7’s performance. And again, while emissions are high, the car’s low list price means company car drivers won’t unduly be penalised. Service intervals seem short, though, at 9,000 miles, but the insurance rating is a more acceptable group 15.