Test drive Mazda CX-7 2007-2009 SUV

Matter of chance

Mazda CX-7 and Volvo XC70. It seemed that there could be in common between them, except for all -wheel drive. We also thought so, until it was by chance that the TTX of these cars caught my eye.
Volvo XC70 Price: $ 57,000
Mazda CX-7 Price: $ 46 670
Two sheets of paper lying on the table among the piles of others and accidentally caught their eyes, in fact became the starting point of this comparison. Perhaps they lie in a different way, it would not even occur to us to equalize these two car completely different in the ideology of the car. But it hurt a lot of similar numbers on these leaflets. Power, dynamics, dimensions all led to the fact that these machines need to be compared. Well, when it turned out that the clearance is almost identical, the idea of \u200b\u200bthis comparison in us was finally rooted. It only remained to wait for the fine day. And he came.
Yes, the sandy beach and ice thoroughs look unusual together. However, nothing more than the new Volvo XC70 and Mazda CX-7 standing nearby. The fact that these machines from different classes are visible right away. The first symbiosis of a luxurious station wagon with an SUV. The second extra reminder that a sports car can be crossed with the same SUV. Whoever succeeded better and more preferably, we had to find out. Moreover, both the Swedes and the Japanese did it for the first time. The new Volvo XC70, unlike the previous one, was made on the premium car platform, and the Mazda CX-7 is the first crossover in the history of the company.
The latter circumstance in no way reflected on the final product. But who, first of all, the creators of the CX-7 saw behind the wheel of their car, even today, six months later, from the beginning of the release of the model, it is difficult to say. It is clear that initially this machine is oriented towards a wide range of consumers, both by age and gender. Nevertheless, we do not know how you are, but more often we are at the wheel of this car young girls. What CX-7 did not like the strong half of humanity so much is difficult to say. Maybe this crossover does not seem brutal for them. Maybe in his appearance there is little severity. Indeed, there are many muscles, but God deprived the male principle. Some too glamorous car turned out. Beautiful and fake, like a fashion model from the cover.
Volvo XC70 in this regard is much more understandable. One glance is enough to understand who, and most importantly, will ride it. A solid person will probably be controlled by a solid person. The thoroughness is the main thread that permeates this car from the front bumper to the stern. And on it, like pearls, the power, and the dynamics, and a certain exclusivity, characteristic of almost all cars of this brand are strung. Although, to be the end of honest, and in the appearance of the Swede there are some points that, if they do not make it worse, then they will forgive for sure. It is, in particular, about completely ridiculous silver inserts in the area of \u200b\u200bfront fog headlights and rear cataphs. If they weren’t, and it would be impossible to complain about the appearance of the car. True, you immediately forget about this absurdity, you should be in the car of the car. Everything is solid and seriously, as befits a premium class. Skin, metal, plastic just as much as it is necessary to emphasize the character of the car and show their attitude to the consumer.
CX-7 in this regard is somewhat different. And even if her inner world, too, does not go against the shell, still feels how the manufacturer flirts with the client. There is something pretense in the interior, far-fetched. But in general, everything looks very good, and a multi -level torpedo makes the interior interesting. Only a huge amount of metal is alarmed, which are trimmed with the central console and its beard. And also it seemed strange that in such a large, and most importantly incorrect car, climate control is inseparable and there are no pockets for trifle in the rear doors. And this is in a car that is focused on lovers of an active lifestyle. Not too great and glove compartment. Only the central armrest can boast of voluminous boxing. In the XC70 problems with the placement of everything and everything is not. And pockets in all doors, and the glove compartment is voluminous, and there are plenty of place in the armrest.
And what about ergonomics? In this regard, Mazda and Volvo are similar. Everything is clear and logical. However, we liked the driver’s landing directly in the CX-7. It is more vertical, and this contributes to a better feeling of dimensions. And although the hood, that on the Swede, is not visible to the Japanese, from the driver's seat to the end, it is somehow more pleasant to maneuver in cramped conditions. And CX-7 pleased that even when the car is dirty from wheels to the roof, you can sit into it without fearing for the cleanliness of the trousers: the doors overlap the thresholds and therefore always remain clean. What, alas, you can’t say about the XC70. To get into the car without staining the trousers on the threshold, it turns out with difficulty. The fault of this is a wide protective plastic lining, encircling the machine along the contour. But functionally, of course, it is preferable. Pants can be removed, but it is much more difficult to pour iron. In the arsenal CX-7 there is no such protection.
On light off -road, both cars feel great. Unless geometric cross-country ability is a little better in CX-7, since it has smaller length and the wheelbase is not so large. But the XC70 has a system of help from the mountain. If on off -road differences between cars were minimal, then on the track a different conceptual approach was not slow to affect. The CX-7 is really more like habits on a sports car. It is tougher, sharper and slightly noisier than the opponent, and therefore more exciting. I want to anneal and roll out on it. Her motor wants to twist to ringing and reveling in the ability of the car to cling to the road even on a disgusting coating. XC70 is softer, quieter and more relaxed as much as a secret agent can be relaxed at a dinner with a dinner. He is imposer and even somewhat careless, but all this is pretense, because internally he is constantly ready for action.
Mazda CX-7
Andrey Mazin
Age: 45. Work: editor -in -chief of the magazine. Driving experience: 25 years. Personal car: Mazda CX-7
The first Mazda Crossover in the history of the company. To date, it is presented in our market in Touring and Sport trim levels. The latter is a top version. However, it is difficult to call the basic model modest. Its arsenal has 6 airbags, full electric package, climate control, as well as ABS, TSC, DST systems.
Driving
Despite its off -road entity, the car is still more adapted for traveling in highways. On them he feels at ease.
Salon
Spacious and convenient, only a small number of places under the trifles is upset.
Comfort
At an acceptable level, but noise insulation is clearly insufficient.
Safety
In the basic configuration there is everything to feel safe in almost any road situation.
Price
Acceptable.

Volvo XC70
Oleg Kalaushin
Age: 38. Work: Automobile journalist. Driving experience: 20 years. Personal car: Renault Logan
In 1996, the XC70 became the ancestor of universals of increased cross -country ability. The current model is the third generation of such a beloved car. The main difference between XC70 2007 of the model year and the previous version of the new platform. It is borrowed from the Volvo S80, which can rightfully be considered a premium car.
Driving
The greatest satisfaction in this car is delivered by a quick, but measured riding. However, if you wish, you can be cursed.
Salon
Spacious and functional. It does not shine with refinements, but it delivers satisfaction from what he saw.
Comfort
At a decent level and corresponds to the tasks assigned to the car. In addition, it can be significantly improved due to the rich list of optional equipment.
Safety
Safety and Volvo have long become synonymous.
Price
Adequate.
Database
Dimensions, weight
MAZDA CX-7 Volvo XC70 car
The body carrier, all -metal supporting, all -metal
Equipped mass, kg 1877 1844
Full mass, mm 2270 2400
Length, mm 4675 4838
Width, mm 1870 1861
Height, mm 1645 1604
Base, mm 2750 2815
Clearance, mm 205 210
Trunk volume, l 455 555
Fuel tank volume, l 70 70
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 181 215
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, from 8.3 8.6
Control consumption of fuel, l/ 100 km: City cycle 15.3 15.8
Control consumption of fuel, l/ 100 km: suburban cycle 9.3 10.1
 
Technique
The type of engine is gasoline, in-line, 4-cylinder gasoline, in-line, turbocharged 6-cylinder
Working volume, cm3 2261 3192
Power, L.S. at min---1 238/5000 320/320
Automatic transmission, 5-speed automatic, 5-speed
Steering gear-rack gear-rake
Front wheels suspension is independent independent
Rear wheel suspension independent independent
Front disk, ventilated disk, ventilated brakes
Brakes rear disc, ventilated disk, ventilated
Front tire size 235/50R17 205/60R16
The size of the rear tires 235/50R17 205/60R16
Our verdict
So is it possible to put an equal sign between the Mazda CX-7 crossover and the VOLVO XC70 universal of increased cross-country ability? Rather yes than no. The truth of the theory is always checked by practice. Practice just proved that by and large there is no difference between them. And if there is, then it is so conditional that when choosing a car, it can simply be neglected. At least in this particular case. Moreover, the price of cars is quite similar. So, you can choose the car exclusively with your heart.

Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [March 2008]