Test drive Mazda CX-7 2007-2009 SUV

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Comparison Mazda CX-7 and Mercedes GLK: smooth lines against angles

Mercedes and Mazda could hardly be even more different from each other. But in the middle class of SUV, everyone adopts something from his rivals. Sports Mazda with smooth outlines opposes the stocky and angular Mercedes GLK.
The view of both competitors speaks more than a thousand words: Mercedes GLK and Mazda CX-7 visually have as much in common as the model rows of these manufacturers, that is, there is practically nothing.
Mazda CX-7 emphasizes its sports ambitions with a very dynamic appearance. If it had not been so high, it could be considered an energetic sedan, sports universal or even a compartment. Mercedes GLK came to the market late. So the designers faced an even more difficult task to create an original and special uniform for a belated SUV. Due to its corners and unusually straight lines, this car is significantly different not only from CX-7, but also from other competitors, which in most cases have streamlined forms.
Power broadcasts of rivals are also noticeably different. A decent all-wheel drive is presented in both, but the Mazda CX-7 has been forced to be produced for two years without a diesel engine so necessary in Europe. The Japanese provided a huge crossover only a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine from MPS sports models. Of the four combustion chambers, Mazda draws 260 horsepower (191 kW), which so far can be combined in Europe only with a manual gearbox.
But at the end of this year, a solution to this problem will finally appear. The diesel diesel and Mazda3 of the Mazda6 and Mazda3 models with a 2.2-liter volume system will be installed in 1.7-ton CX-7, providing it with a capacity of 173 horsepower. A decent machine will appear even later.

Powerful diesel appetite
Buyers of 4.53-meter GLK do not have problems with the choice of engine. At first, there was not enough truly powerful motor, but now it is. If someone is 170 horses of the 220 CDI engine in combination with a seven-speed automatic, it can take a 1.9-ton GLK 320 CDI on the sign. Its 224 horsepower (165 kW) and 510 Nm of torque due to considerable potential competition, of course, will not be able to fight serious rivals, but this is enough to squeeze a much more powerful CX-7.
But eating 10.2 liters per 100 kilometers, GLK diesel shows an appetite that is not corresponding to time. True, the CX-7 situation is similar. In reality, she rarely happens quite less than 13 liters of 95th gasoline per hundred. Even if you do not take into account the maximum speed only at 210 km/h, 380 nm of torque and acceleration to 100 km/h in 8 seconds, this is too much.
In addition, Mazda all -wheel drive by today's standards could be more dynamic. Under ordinary conditions, almost all the power of the motor falls on the front axle. Only if the front wheels CX-7 lose contact with the road, up to 50% 260 horsepower passes to the rear axle. The Mercedes GLK according to the old fashioned way applies a power distribution of 45:55 in favor of the rear axle. This not only in the best way affects the off -road movement, but also allows the car incredibly dynamically passing turns.
Sports ambitions
Both competitors are very worthy of behaving on the road. GLK is quite comfortable, but very tough. The steering wheel is accurate, but too mobile. Mazda CX-7 also does not win its sports ambitions. The four -cylinder engine wants to be promoted, and the driver, except for the raised position of the chair, does not allow him to feel that he is sitting in SUV. Even lateral rolls require improvements, and the drive affects the steering wheel.

The differences characteristic of engines and appearance are also traced in the cabin. Direct windshield, clear lines of tools and control buttons certainly indicate that in Mercedes GLK the designers beat the theme of the attributes of the SUV. The surface of the surfaces looks decent and at the same time massive, and the control of the head is higher than the control of Mazda.
The Japanese rival may also like it thanks to its soft forms and high -quality decoration, but it makes a completely different impression. The seats are softer here, there are plenty of movement options for the movement, and the headrests are too short.

Equally large trunk
Both candidates do not differ in special capacity. The luggage compartment of the Mazda has a volume of 45 liters, but this volume can be increased to 1,348 liters, if you fold the rear seat. Here Mercedes is a little ahead, having a luggage compartment of 450 liters and, accordingly, in 1,555 liters with a folded rear seat.
In the price struggle, the Mazda CX-7 won an undeniable victory, even if you take into account the immodest fuel consumption and a greater loss of cost. Almost completely equipped with Mazda CX-7 Expression with electric drive leather seats, xenon headlights, ESP system and many other pleasant trifles are honest with 35,400 euros. And in the USA, such a model with a DVD navigator and a rear view camera can be bought for about 10,000 euros cheaper. So the trip to American gray importers is very justified at least until the lineup on the market is replenished with a diesel version.
With a much worse configuration, the Mercedes GLK 320 CDI costs at least 46,053 euros. In almost identical configuration, the model will cost another 10,000 euros more.
As a result, the Mercedes GLK 320 CDI not only has more angles and edges, but also offers the best set of options. However, it is the price and ready to gain speed that the four-cylinder engine Mazda CX-7 makes the Japanese candidate a very attractive alternative.
Prices in the Russian Federation
Mazda CX-7 with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission in the basic modification of Touring costs 1,409,000 rubles. The top version is almost 120 thousand more expensive.
Mercedes GLK in the most affordable version 300 4matic (with a 7-speed automatic) costs from 1,808,400 rubles. The diesel option 350 CDI in the database costs 1,936,000 rubles.