Used Mazda CX-7 review: 2006-2012

Mazda CX-7 entered new territory when launched downunder in November 2006. Most in this class were SUVs that were a cross between a station wagon and a 4WD.

But, the CX-7 is a cross between a hot-hatch and an SUV. Powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine closely related to the MPS power units used in the Mazda3 and ‘6 passenger cars it has175 kW and a hefty 350Nm so gets up and boogies. Not surprisingly it likes a drink. 

The CX-7 really isn’t intended to do any more than mild off-road running. You could conceivably take it onto a beach, but most owners are unlikely to go beyond dirt tracks.

Note that the ‘7’ stands for medium-sized vehicle in Mazda terminology, not that it has seven seats (Mazda CX-9 fills that spot). The CX-7 has good interior space for four adults and a child. There's plenty of legroom in all seats, but the sunroof fitted in the upmarket versions steals a fair bit of headroom. Try before you buy.

On-road comfort and handing are more in line with that of a hot hatch

The sporty slope of the roof also limits what can be carried in the way of bulky items as the top of the rear hatch is almost over the rear-seat backrest. The boot floor is relatively high as is common in many wagons in this class, but the width and length make it a good load carrier.

On-road comfort and handing are more in line with that of a hot hatch than an SUV. The higher than average centre of gravity obviously slows it, but unless pushing hard few will approach the limits of the chassis.

In October 2009, Mazda expanded the CX-7 range, offering a cheaper model with 2WD and a lower power 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol engine with 120kW and 205Nm. Like its turbo-petrol brother it’s not particularly economical.

Economy was offered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, also added to the range as part of the 2009 range revision and body makeover. The turbo-diesel has 129kW of power and 420Nm of torque.

Styling of the 2009 CX-7 saw a new radiator grille and head and fog-lights and a reshaping of the front bumper. Inside there’s a revised dash with a 3D look, changes to the instrument lighting and a new design of steering wheel incorporates controls for various in-car systems. A larger in-dash screen is fitted to all models.

Mazda was one of the trailblazers amongst the Japanese marques first selling cars here

Added sound deadening and a slight improvement in rigidity of the body give the 2009 to 2012 CX-7 a more sophisticated feel.

Mazda was one of the trailblazers amongst the Japanese marques first selling cars here in the early 1970s. Fifty years later it’s a major player and has showrooms and service centres Australian wide. Naturally, there’s a heavy concentration in urban and country city areas so if do live in more remote regions it’s wise to check on availability of spares and repairs before committing to buying a used one.

Insurance costs are generally moderate, with insurance companies apparently not having noticed Mazda sneaking semi hot-hatches onto the market.

Mazda CX-7 was quietly withdrawn from the market late in 2012, a victim of the even more stylish CX-5 that had been launched at the start of the year and was selling its wheels off. Resale value of the CX-7 doesn’t appear to have suffered from this.