Mazda CX-7 test drive since 2009 SUV

Mazda CX-7. Renovation

Mazda CX-7. Price: from 1,229,000 rubles. On sale: since the summer of 2010

The updated Mazda CX-7 crossover was shown to the world a year ago, but it appeared in Russia recently. What did the restyling of the seven give, we found out on the roads of Moldova

Test pilot
Maxim Fedorov, 32 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience - 6 years, personal car - Ford Focus II

Mazda in Moldova is loved even more than in Russia: it accounts for 2.6% of the local car market (we have about 2%). However, in absolute numbers, the indicators do not look so impressive. Over the past six months, only fifty new models were sold here here than before the crisis. With the total market volume of 5,500 cars, namely, so many new cars were sold in Moldova over the past year, this is not so small. But with Russia, we can’t compare with us the MAZDA CX-7 alone since its debut in 2008 diverged with a circulation of 6,000 copies. And what is there to compare! The entire population of Moldova is 3.5 million people, and most of them, even by our standards, live poorly. The salaries here are very low, therefore, in order to feed the family, many Moldovans go to earn money to Russia to build houses or do European repair.

Restyling Mazda CX-7 typical renovation: there are few external changes, but the car has become noticeably fresh. On the sides of the anterior bumper, large roma niches appeared, which housed the same rhomboid foglights, and the central air intake received a barely distinguishable pentagonal robbery a characteristic sign of all new models. From the stern, an updated model is distinguished by an enlarged spoiler of the fifth door, and from the sides a new pattern of alloy discs.

The changes that occurred in the cabin cannot immediately be seen. Yes, they don’t have to look at them! Pleasant tactile sensations are expensive plastic and soft skin as a balm for the soul of the owner of the Mazda CX-7, the pro-American past of which was the reason for reasonable criticism of the quality of the finish. But the fact that it will definitely not slip away from the eye is a large, posted in the center of the torpedo display, which displays the on -board computer, audio systems, as well as a picture from the rear view camera, regularly installed on Sport modification. Another significant addition to the steering column, which from now on can be adjusted not only in the angle of inclination, but also by departure.

On the road, the Mazda crossover did not present any surprises. Equipped with a 238 -horsepower turbo engine, it still pleases with a dynamics, the impression of which is still lubricated with a small thought of the machine gun and the presence of a turbo -yard. And although the influence of the latter designers tried to minimize, the action of a boost that provides the machine with an energetic kick is felt only by 2500 min-1. But the main minus of this motor is not in the pit, but in its appetite. As an alternative to gasoline glutton, European customers CX-7 can order a turbodiesel. But we will not have such a motor, since it goes only with mechanics, and Russian buyers of large crossovers certainly need an automatic machine.

In addition to the motor, the suspension was also subjected to tuning. The designers of Mazda tried to keep up with two hares to improve handling and at the same time increase the smoothness of the course. However, they failed to catch both eared. At least on endless pits, cracks and patches of Moldovan roads, the asphalt on which, the last time, was changed in the era of the USSR, the crossover shook with all its two -ton body as a patient during a fever. Yes, and it would be naive to expect different from a car shod in low -profile 19 -inch tires (standard equipment of the Sport version) and a hot hatchback controlled with excitement. But on the part of the acoustic comfort, the car pleased: additional sound insulation, laid in the engine compartment and salon, effectively extinguishes parasite decibels. Summing up, we can say that despite all the changes, in general, the updated Mazda CX-7 did not go far from the recent version. Under a layer of fresh plastering, the same seven is hidden, with all its advantages and disadvantages.

Do customers will like such renovation? Already came! Sales started in the summer, and the turn was already lined up for cars: you will have to wait for the order for at least two and a half months. And if the growth of the Russian car market continues (and no one doubts it), the updated Mazda CX-7 may well break the results of sales of the predecessor. After all, oddly enough, with all the variety of choice in the market, there are not so many cars that can make serious competition to this crossover.


We do not love
Thanks to the rise of the part of the armrest where the KHOOKS of the electric drives of glasses and mirrors are located, it is very convenient to use the latter. Comfortable

Between the front seats is a roomy box that can make a good alternative to an ordinary glove compartment. The boxing cover part -time performs the armrest. Practical

In the mirrors there are sensors of the system for controlling dead zones that follow machines that do not fall into the field of view of the driver. This system is offered as a package option for the Sport version and costs 27,000 rubles. Safely


Driving
On the asphalt, the CX-7 feels like a fish in water, but on the off-road it is better not to meddle on it.

Salon
The quality of the finish has become better, and the steering wheel is now regulated in two planes.

Comfort
The flaws of the road surface significantly affect the comfort of passengers, but this is the fee for good handling.

Safety
The pre -level defense line includes ABS with EBD and the stabilization system. Solder 6 eirbegs and belts with pretensors.

Price
Despite the rise in price, the CX-7 is still cheaper than competitors.


Advantages and disadvantages
+ Stylish design, excellent dynamics, passenger, competitive price, rich equipment.
- High fuel consumption, thoughtful machine, modest off -road abilities.



Specifications
Mark and model - Mazda CX -7
Dimensions - 4700x1870x1645 mm
Engine - gasoline, in order, 4 cylinders, 2261 cm3, 238 hp/5000 min.
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed
Dynamics - 181 km/h; 8.3 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Nissan Murano, Subaru Tribeca.



Our opinion
The updated Mazda CX-7 pleases with a better decoration of the cabin, improved sound insulation, as well as new options (though they are available only for Sport equipment). Only those who have been waiting for an economical diesel version will not be sold in Russia will not be sold by a novelty.


Author: Maxim Fedorov


 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [October 2010]