Mazda CX-7

Innovative design: The strong emotional styling of the CX-7 displays its Mazda DNA in its five-point grille, sloping A-pillars, prominent fenders, sleek and well-defined roof and shoulder lines, contoured rear end and three dimensional taillight design. The interior is built around a driver-focused cockpit, with a sports car inspired high-mounted transmission shifter and form-fitting front bucket seats.

Exceptional functionality: The CX-7 is equipped with a wealth of enticing convenience features, including power windows, mirrors and doors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, illuminated steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback. Available premium features include automatic climate control, 8-way power driver´s seat, power moonroof, Intelligent Key passive entry/start system, Bose® audio and a navigation system as well as rearview camera parking assist.

Quality craftsmanship: The CX-7 solidifies Mazda´s commitment to quality with its attention to details such as tight, flush gaps between body panels, smooth and easy door and liftgate operation, passenger compartment sound dampening, and an ergonomically-designed interior with driver intuitive controls and high quality materials.

Comprehensive safety: The CX-7 boasts a comprehensive array of safety features offering peace of mind, including: six standard airbags and whiplash-reducing front head restraints; available all-wheel drive; Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control; 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Brake Assist; Triple-H body construction.

• Distinctive feature line from A-pillar to nose, bold five-pointed grille and prominent front fender arches project a clear Mazda family identity and present an overall theme of well-balanced continuity.
• Side profile with aggressively rising beltline, flowing roofline and 66-degree windshield angle are sleek and aerodynamic, reflecting its Mazda sports car heritage.
• Standard 18-inch alloy wheels and wide, grippy tires are aligned to the outside corners, giving a solid, athletic stance and emphasizing the CX-7´s Zoom-Zoom character.
• Body panel and component part gaps are consistently flush and tight for superior fit and finish, showing careful and detailed craftsmanship.
• Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with manual levelling and lower front fascia-integrated fog lamps for optimal visibility (standard on GT models).
• A detailed round motif tail lamp treatment and large dual exhaust outlets with silver oval finishers make the CX-7 easy to recognize from behind.
• Power moonroof with tilt and one-touch open/close features for open-air driving enjoyment (standard on GT models, available on GS models).

• Reclining front bucket seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat and front and rear height adjustable head restraints; 8-way power driver´s seat with manual lumbar adjustment standard on GT models for maximum support and comfort.
• Sporty high-grade cloth upholstery on GS models; leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats standard on GT models.
• Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with cruise and audio controls and leather-wrapped shift knob.
• AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers; available Bose® premium audio system, including a 6-disc CD changer and 9 speakers, provides enhanced sound quality (GT models with Luxury Package).
• Available touchscreen navigation system and integrated rearview camera parking assist system (GT models).
• Unique GT model interior trim elements include dark grey finish on power window switch panels, piano black accents on steering wheel, silver-coloured interior door handles and silver finish on centre console.
• Unique meter set (GT models) includes electroluminescent gauges with red night time illumination and blue indirect lighting for front instrument panel area to reduce glare and enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
• Air conditioning with clean air filter and rear seat heater ducts provides all season comfort; automatic HVAC controls on GT models provide additional convenience.

Turbocharging and direct fuel injection also serve to further differentiate the CX-7 from the masses - none of its competitors in the crossover utility vehicle segment offer these dynamic features.

While its engine debuted in the MazdaSpeed6, the CX-7's 2.3-litre DOHC 4-cylinder MZR DISI (Direct Injection Spark Ignition) turbocharged engine is exclusively tuned to generate 244 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm and a substantial 258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm, with acceleration from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately 7.9 seconds (under Mazda test conditions). The engine's torque peaks at a low 2,500 rpm; it is specifically tweaked for the CX-7 so that muscular feel begins at 2,000 rpm, and maintains at least 99 percent of the maximum torque all the way to 5,000 rpm, where peak horsepower is delivered. The CX-7's engine performance has impressed, having been named to Ward's 10 Best Engine list for 2007 and 2008.

Introducing a direct injection system to the turbo application infuses the already powerful acceleration that is characteristic of turbo performance with ample torque in the low and mid range; the combination of direct injection and an intercooled turbocharger provides accessible power at almost any point in the engine's rpm range. Furthermore, introducing direct injection allowed Mazda to circumvent the most lamented drawback of more conventional turbocharged engines - poor low- and mid-range torque - while still realizing impressive fuel economy and meeting strict exhaust regulations.

However, creating the DISI turbocharged engine involved more than just changing the injection system and adding a turbocharger. The form and materials used for the major components were optimized to bear the added load and heat of the increased output. A notable modification from the MazdaSpeed6 engine is the application of a smaller turbocharger for the CX-7. The refined area of the turbine inlet port enhances throttle response at low rpm, fattening the engine's torque curve and further diminishing boost lag

In order to make an internal combustion engine run, liquid gasoline must first be converted to a vapor suitable for combustion. In most engines, fuel injectors operating in the neighbourhood of 40 psi spray atomized droplets into the intake manifold. But in the 2.3-litre MZR DISI turbocharged engine, pressure is raised to 1,600 psi and the spray is directly into the cylinder. As a result, fuel droplets are significantly smaller, vaporizing instantly when exposed to air in the combustion chamber. That change of state (liquid to gas) absorbs heat from the surroundings.

Absorbing heat just before combustion is very beneficial to the engine's health. Cooling the intake charge raises its density, allowing more air to fit in a given space. More air yields more power; with more compression there's more expansion and extra power from every incremental amount of gasoline injected. A cooler fuel and air mix is also less prone to detonation; in turn, then, the low charge temperature permits the use of a higher compression ratio (9.5:1), which boosts low- and mid-range torque in the CX-7 by approximately 10 percent over conventional turbo engines.

Injecting an atomized spray of fuel directly into the combustion chamber also causes a richer mixture to form around the spark plug, helping prevent misfire. With less likelihood of misfire, the ignition timing can be delayed following a cold start to maximize exhaust gas temperature. Hotter exhaust delivered to the catalytic converter speeds its warm up. Bringing the catalyst up to light-off temperature as quickly as possible is the key to ultra-low exhaust emissions. Also differentiating the CX-7 system from the MazdaSpeed6, a modification was made to the close coupled catalyst assembly; by connecting the catalytic converter directly to the turbocharger, the time required for the catalyst to become effective is decreased.

Mazda´s 2.3-litre MZR turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection is Zoom-Zoom in its latest form. The CX-7 is exclusively tuned to deliver 244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,500 rpm for healthy throttle response and exhilarating performance. The CX-7´s engine performance has impressed, having been named to Ward´s 10 Best Engine list for 2007.

Advanced transmission and drive components transfer the engine´s power to the pavement swiftly and capably. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and complemented by the available Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system, the result is a sophisticated crossover utility vehicle with the soul of a sports car.

• Dynamic 2.3-litre 4-cylinder MZR engine with direct injection turbo system produces 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
• Standard 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode offers the driver a more interactive, personal relationship with the road.
• Front-wheel drive or available advanced 'multi-mode' active torque split all-wheel drive system.
• Dynamic stability control incorporating traction control for additional confidence on unpredictable road surfaces.
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Brake Assist help provide optimum control under heavy or panic braking operations.
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Brake Assist help provide optimum control under heavy or panic braking operations.
• Remote keyless illuminated entry system with retractable key; available Intelligent Key keyless entry/start system for hands-free convenience (GT models with Luxury Package).
• Power windows include driver and front passenger one-touch up/down feature and anti-pinch function for all four windows.

Studies show that 70% of crashes on the road are full frontal or offset frontal impact crashes; therefore, a meticulously engineered front crash management structure is necessary to aid in the absorption of impact energy and its redirection away from the passenger compartment. Through the use of high-strength steel, the CX-7´s crash management system accommodates differing patterns of flex, allowing the frontal section to absorb energy very effectively in both types of frontal crashes.

Guiding safety development principles for the CX-7's rigid unibody include:

• Advanced dual front airbags, standard side impact and front and rear curtain airbags, ABS with EBFD and Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control with traction control system and active torque-split all-wheel drive combine to provide a comprehensive package of active and passive safety features.
• Available Xenon low-beam headlamps and front fog lights for enhanced visibility during low-light and poor visibility conditions.
• Vehicle design, including Triple-H construction, front and rear side impact door beams, whiplash reducing front headrests and crushable box brake pedal design, offers superior occupant protection in a wide variety of collision situations.

Leg injuries account for 46% of all crash-related injuries, so Mazda engineers devised a solution to address this problem. In a collision severe enough to force the lower body structure into the driver footwell area, the CX-7´s crushable pedal design deploys impact energy away from the area and prevents pedal intrusion that could cause a foot, ankle or lower leg injury. A mechanism allows the brake pedal to unfasten in the event of a frontal collision, allowing it to move downward and away instead of being pushed back into the cabin.

A standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) provides additional assurance; the system works by pulsing the brakes at a high rate of speed, while individually monitoring each wheel for lock-up. At the moment that wheel lock-up occurs, a tiny amount of brake pressure is released to that wheel in order to encourage it to rotate again. This system is beneficial in that it aids in maintaining directional control during hard or panic braking, helping the driver steer out of hazardous situations with confidence, even on unpredictable road surfaces.

The CX-7´s ABS system is further augmented with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD) and Brake Assist. EBFD works by measuring braking force versus traction and allocating brake force to wheels that have the best grip for stopping before the ABS system activates. This advanced system helps to reduce the braking distance by using the precise level of brake modulation for confident stopping and optimum occupant comfort. Additionally, Brake Assist technology senses panic or emergency stopping, and quickly applies maximum braking force in emergency situations.

The braking system works in synergy with the CX-7´s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), incorporating a traction control system (TCS), to exhibit an outstanding level of active safety. The Dynamic Stability Control system is designed to activate when the vehicle is taking a turn too quickly for the road conditions. DSC compares the driver's intended direction (from the steering wheel angle) to the actual vehicle path; if the system senses understeer or oversteer, it applies braking force, and reduces engine torque if required, to correct the situation.

The active torque split AWD system uses real-time data input on steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G-force and engine status to determine road surface and driving conditions. The CX-7´s onboard computer then automatically determines which of three different modes of front/rear torque distribution should be engaged: Normal, Sport, or Snow (for slippery surfaces). The active torque coupling mounted in front of the rear differential is electronically controlled in accordance with the data provided by the computer, adjusting front/rear wheel torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 to deliver optimum drive power to each axle. The result is that the most power and traction are made available under all conditions; positive acceleration and confident handling are provided regardless of constantly changing road conditions, as well as the ability to fully balance the vehicle in a turn by skilful use of the accelerator pedal.

Unlike many competitor offerings, the torque transfer system in the CX-7 seamlessly integrates the inherent stability of all-wheel drive; because the active torque coupling is controlled electronically, it can react to wheel slippage much more rapidly than conventional gear- or fluid-controlled systems. To ensure consistent power delivery under all weather and driving conditions, the Power Take-Off (PTO) system on the centre differential that distributes torque to the rear axle is fitted with its own liquid-cooled cooling system.

Traction control systems generally come in one of two primary systems: an ABS-based system, or an engine management system. Both systems use the ABS wheel speed sensors to determine if there is wheel spin (wheel speed greater than vehicle speed). The CX-7 system uses engine management to reduce the amount of power output by reducing fuel, ignition timing and throttle position to reduce wheel slippage. This system is superior to systems that use the ABS brakes to slow down the spinning wheel – ABS systems have a tendency to be very jarring in their operation and can overheat the brakes if used for extended periods of time. The CX-7´s Traction Control System (TCS) deals with the problem of the engine supplying too much power for road conditions right at the source; when wheel spin is detected, the TCS simply reduces the engine´s power output until the wheel slippage stops.

In a collision severe enough to force the lower body structure into the driver footwell area, the CX-7's crushable pedal design deploys impact energy away from the area and prevents pedal intrusion that could cause a foot, ankle or lower leg injury. A mechanism allows the brake pedal to unfasten in the event of a frontal collision, allowing it to move downward and away instead of being pushed back into the cabin.

The CX-7's advanced front airbags are dual-stage. A dual-stage airbag controls the inflator output by two grades, according to the level of impact, using two pyrotechnic devices in conjunction with crash zone sensors at the front of the car. When the impact is severe, both pyrotechnic devices deploy at the same instant to give a rapid and firm deployment. If the impact is not as severe, the two explosions are time-delayed to make the deployment of the airbag softer; this essentially allows the airbag to deploy at half-speed using only one pyrotechnic device, while releasing the other charge in a way that does not affect the airbag inflation. This intelligent airbag system also employs belt-use sensors, a driver's seat position sensor and passenger side occupancy/weight sensors. These features reduce possible injury to the occupants from the airbag, as well as being a cost-saving measure – if there is no one in the passenger seat, the airbag will not be deployed.

Standard side-impact airbags deploy from the upper side of the front seats to protect the thoracic area of the driver and passenger. The side and front airbags are very similar – they both deploy rapidly, but are also very quick to deflate. Overhead side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are also standard in the CX-7, deploying from the headliner area in all three rows and offering enhanced head protection during side impact collisions. If the sensor anticipates a rollover, it deploys the side curtain airbags early, maintaining inflation for approximately six seconds in order to guard against injury, as well as to protect the occupants from broken glass or other debris.

• Advanced dual-stage front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with belt-use sensors, driver´s seat position sensor and front passenger-side weight sensor.
• Standard dual front side-impact airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags with rollover sensor for additional head and torso protection in the event of a collision.
• Equipped with 3-point safety belts for all seating positions and whiplash-reducing front headrests.
• Triple-H architecture provides multiple paths for impact force to travel, protecting the integrity of the passenger cabin; front and rear side-impact door beams add additional strength.
• Optimized brake and accelerator pedal layout (crushable box design) helps to prevent collision force intrusion into the footwell.
• Engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm systems provide additional reassurance.