Mazda CX-7

audia8q

The first orders for the CX-7 go in this month...May delivery is the estimated ETA.

audia8q

All of us at Mazda are excited to release for ordering the much anticipated all-new 2007 Mazda CX-7.
Your initial order, which you will place this month, will be for March 2006 production. Mazda requires an early initial order to secure trim level components for launch. Your second Mazda CX-7 production order, which will resume the normal monthly schedule, will be in February 2006.
Inventory will arrive in dealerships in late spring 2006.
The Mazda CX-7 continues the string of new product introductions, bringing Zoom-Zoom to the SUV market.

The CX-7, built on a Mazda exclusive platform not shared with any Ford product, offers performance and design not seen before in an SUV:

• Inspired handling with near sports car braking and acceleration utilizing the direct injection turbocharged engine and AWD system derived
from the MAZDASPEED6

• Sports car styling and premium craftsmanship

• Features and options typically found on premium priced competitors like a voice-activated navigation system, rear view camera, Mazda
advanced keyless entry & start system, and Bose® Centerpoint Surround System.

The Mazda CX-7’s styling, fun-to-drive nature and sensible price point will deliver a package not currently available to SUV shoppers.

Like the MAZDA3, the CX-7 challenges buyers to think differently about the current vehicle market. The Mazda CX-7 customers are driven by discovery and expect more than SUV versatility. They are professional couples in their late 20’s to early 40’s, living in two-income households, who want the class and sophistication of a luxury car with the performance of a sports car. They are seeking a bold product that brings together performance and design like never before. Like the MAZDA3, the Mazda CX-7 will draw a new-to-Mazda customer, so it is important that you
begin to consider how this customer will interact with your brand and operations.
Similar to previous product launches, we expect strong demand for the specific vehicle that is featured in our launch advertising.

Vehicle Features
Copper Red Mazda CX-7 Grand
Touring trim with Sand interior
Leather-trimmed seats, moonroof, Bose® Centerpoint Surround System with
6CD changer, voice-activated navigation system, rear-view camera

jasonj734

If orders are going to have to be in soon is there an order/Feature list out yet? When are they going to do the official showing? I'm very interested in this vehicle, just would like to see what features it is going to have. Two things hope it has are Adaptive Xenon Headlamps (w/washers), and power folding outside mirrors.

groovypippin

Thanks for posting this audia. I'm very excited about this vehicle and delighted that Mazda had the cajones to drop the 2.3L turbo into it.

Any more information on the model line-up or options?

audia8q

The line up will be Sport, Touring and Grand Touring

sport includes 6sp auto, sidebags & curtains, abs, dynamic stability control, traction, am-fm-cd, cloth, rear tint

touring includes sport plus, leather, leather wheel, leather shift knob, 8 way pwr seat, heated seats, retrac, cargo cover.

grand touring includes sport, touring plus GT ilo leather, gt interior trim, electroluminescent gauges, indirect vlue illumination, auto a/c, HID headlights, fog lights, heated body colored mirrors, chrome door handles.

options include...8 way pwr seat
Moonrood/Bose with 6 disc centerpoint surround system audiopilot..9 speakers.
Technology pkg...navigation with voice command and touch screen, advanced keyless system, rearview camera, moon, bose centerpoint..

50% 2wd 50% awd build mix natiowide initially....even us in the snow areas must take this mix. Most allocation will be skewed towards Grand Touring.

brutus22

I am set on the exterior from everything I have seen but really the interior is where I really want o see what they have done, better be up to Honda quality and ergonomics. Any word on pricing and introduction date?

B.

audia8q

no pricing info yet...they are planning a late spring delivery. You should be able to see the real deal at one of the major auto shows before then.

brutus22

Any word if it will have an aux input for an IPOD?

Will the 6sp auto also have shift feature?

B.

audia8q

I think the auto trans will be a sport shift....don't know about the input for the Ipod...but, I have a good feeling that Mazda is listening to their current and future customers...so if the demand is there they will try to meet the demand.

We don't really see many folks asking for the IPOD input at any of our stores, how popular is it really?? would the lack of an ipod input be a deal breaker for you?

Some features have more buzz than actual buyers. Navigation is a great example of everyone saying it was a "must have" but yet few stepped up and got it.

callmedrfill

Assuming it is transferred intact from the Speed6.

Rich

The Pilot is one of it's competitors based on a similar price, but is very different in mission. Apparently the CX will be more edgy and the Pilot larger and more versatile.

I don't see why a stick can't be offered on the Sport, since it is used with this engine elsewhere, so costs should be minimal. It seems they will sell this as a SUV heavy on the SPORT.

Pretty SUV, but $35k+ for a Grand Touring maybe beyond Mazda at this point. If price of entry is around $25k, you have a good value. It should come into the market where the Tribute leaves off.

DrFill

brutus22

Finally got around to responding to the IPOD question. I think your answer is simple enough. Look at the the statistics for the number of IPOD users right now. It is one the signal best selling specific products out there. Look at the number of accessories available for it, the IPOD itself has generated a whole other retail space for products to be used for it. So yes it would be a highly desirable feature for a lot of people, but I don't think it would be a deal breaker. But I think any vehicle coming out in the coming years would be remis not to have this in their vehicle, heck the new Civic has it.

mazda6s

:confuse:

edf4

What a mistake it would be for Mazda to build such a cutting edge vehicle as this and NOT offer a manual transmission!! How better to distinguish it from the boring pack of the average SUV's and cross-overs? How better to further build on its reputation for building sporty cars? A manual should at least be an option: they have the engine and transmission already, which are sweet, so they should offer them in this vehicle. I for one will only buy a car if it has a manual transmission, regardless of how much I may want it, and I think I'd really want this one! So Mazda, if you're listening, a manual transmission . . . PLEASE?

audia8q

I'm not sure it would make sense to offer a manual tranny...I suspect the take rate would be a tiny percentage of the build mix. Let's say 2-3% would only buy the car if its available in a stick. I don't know if they could justify the engineering costs for such a tiny percentage of buyers.

Is there a vehicle similar to the CX-7 available in a manual trans??

edf4

Well no of course, because there is no vehicle similar to the CX-7. However, that aside, I'll admit that there are not many large vehicles available with a manual transmission. But with some thought and quick confirmation research, I came up with this short list for starters, all of which are available with a true manual transmission - the kind with a clutch. First off there is Mazda's own 5, which offers a 5 spd manual. From what I have read, people are buying quite a bit more than the company expected, my wife included! Also making the list, (which is not complete), are the BMW 530xi wagon, Porsche Cayenne SUV, Mitsubishi Outlander, Chevrolet HHR, Nissan Xterra, Hummer H3 and Jeep Liberty.

As for the engineering costs, aren't the European and Japanese versions all a manual transmission? If so, they should have all those costs already incurred. Plus, the offering of a manual can add to the allure of a vehicle and confirm its sporty nature, as BMW proved with its MINI S version, which for three years was only available with a manual with little impact to the sales demand. Granted that was a niche vehicle, but my point is that even if only 10% of the CX-7's are manuals, it would be worth it to Mazda to offer it, if for no other reason than to give them bragging rights, ie. we build unique sporty vehicles, while also pleasing the minority of drivers who love a stick shift.

callmedrfill

It might as well be a Highlander or Exploder if it doesn't off the stick.

I would guess the buy rate would be 10-12%. Not a furor, but enough to justify it's existence.

Xterra and Liberty still offer it because it does sell enough, probably around 10%. Plus it lowers CAFE EPA numbers, which always helps.

The Liberty Sport with stick is a nice ride! :shades:

DrFill

groovypippin

My old man's Mazda dealership received all the specs for the CX-7 because he is making his first orders at the end of the month.

244 HP and 258 TQ from this de-tuned version of the 2.3L direct injection turbo. Six speed Aisin automatic standard, no manaul transmission.

I have a pretty decent memory and woul dbe happy to try and answer an detailed questions. Please bear in mind that in terms of models and features, I'm in Canada and no pricing information.

edf4

I'm sorry to hear it confirmed that it won't be available with a manual transmission! I just read in Edmund's future vehicles section that the new 2007 Lincoln Aviator SUV "will feature all-wheel drive and large wheels and tires. It's also believed that Ford will power the vehicle with a new 250-horsepower-capable 3.5-liter V6, which it will share with the upcoming Ford Edge midsize crossover, among others. This engine will be paired with Ford's new 6F six-speed manual transmission, which will enhance both performance and fuel economy." Maybe Ford is afraid of the competition it would get it if the CX-7 had a manual too. I like the Mazda a lot, but I may have no choice but to check out that 6 speed manual in the Lincoln . . . .

brutus22

Hello,

Yes, please tell us whatever you can. I would love to know MPG for this engine if you can get that info please.

Later,
B.

beau6

Thanks for the info! I've been trying to find out more about the CX-7 but my dealership doesn't know anything. Where's your old man's dealership? I'm in Vancouver but would be willing to travel to buy a vehicle from someone who knows their stuff.

groovypippin

It's in Victoria. I wish I could provide more details, but I've managed to forget just about everything I read. I'll have to go over it again so I can be more helpful.

What I can tell you is that there are two models. One comes extremely well equipped and the other even more extremely well equipped.

All the safety stuff is standard including Side Curtain Airbags. The audio options looks great. There is voice activiated NAV that also comes with a rear view camera. Pretty neat stuff.

warner1

the ford edge and the lincoln avaitor are the all the same car coming out in the fall of 2006.

warner1

i'm looking for a 2002 or 03 altima se loaded with everything. i know the engine is no problem has i have a 2000 maxima se. i wanna know if there's really a problem with the interior making a lot of noises or any another problems.

thanks.

groovypippin

The first production photo and some spec information was released by Mazda Canada today in anticipation of the CX-7 appearing in production form at the NAIAS.

I would post it here, but for some reason Edmunds think they are going to get sued for copyright infringement if someone posts the text of a press release on their site.

Have a look on the Mazda Canada and Mazda USA sites for more info.

brutus22

Well it is posted at a bunch of placed including Mazda, here is a great link to all kinds of cool info:
http://mazdanews.com/node/view/237
Some tidbits from the Mazda press release:
ENGINE-
2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection
244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm
over 23 mpg in combined driving
UNDERBODY-
"fully independent suspension, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with standard four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)...Front-Wheel Drive or Mazda's Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive"
INTERIOR-
"instrument panel consists of a unique 'double-roof' structure, in which a small 'roof' over the meter cluster is positioned just in front of a large 'roof' that extends across the entire instrument panel. The 60-40 split rear seat accommodates three people in comfort and quickly converts to an extension of the 29.9-cu. ft. cargo hold, bringing capacity up to 58.6-cu. ft. The 39-inch-long rear compartment (seats up)"

Well I am excited.. and there is good picutre that edmunds has:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/PhotoFlipper/articleId=108486?pictureId=235- 68&pageId=67490&pageCode=newsarticle&make=&model=

So what I take from this is they not only stuck with the great styling from the "concept" but they have a very nice engine w/ solid economy and possible great driving dynamics going for it.

B.

driverdm

From what I have read, the tranny will be the sport 6 speed auto tranny. I hope that means that it has manu-shift. Anybody know for definite?

Kirstie_H

Hi warner1,
Since this discussion is about the future Mazda CX-7, you'll get better responses to your Altima questions in our Nissan Altima Owners: Problems & Solutions topic.

qddave

You may want to re-read that article again. It does not mention a manual trans, just that its a 6 speed. I wouldn't expect anything from Lincoln to have a stick.

zozocat

Is anyone making more interesting cars than Mazda? We've two Mazda 3 Sports in the family and lusting already for the CX-7. Does anyone know if it runs on regular or premium grade fuel?

richml

I would post it here, but for some reason Edmunds think they are going to get sued for copyright infringement if someone posts the text of a press release on their site.

Edmunds is a great site, but their enforcement of copyright infringement and/or "promoting another site" seems to vary crazily.
I've received notices from Edmunds indicating that something I posted was removed because it was "promoting another site," yet right now you can find numerous posts citing the same sites on the forums. It must be that different moderators interpret the rules differently.

stickguy

this does look like a pretty slick package. I haven't dug around myself (lazy I guess!), but how big is this going to be (length?)

Biggiest quibble I have is no manual tranny, on something that is supposed to be a sport model. Throw on the 6 speed from the speed 6, and even the most die hard sporty car fans might get dragged into the "practical" fold!

mazda6s

Rich - I usually agree with you but I think you're wrong on this one. A vehicle with the specs and engine of the CX-7 needs a manual trans, even if it's only a small percentage of the mix. There would be little additional engineering cost if they used the 6-speed manual from the Mazdaspeed6 like I thought they would (this is really a no-brainer). Even if they offered it at the same price as the AT model it would sell, and boost the model's image. This is a sporty cross-over, not your Grandma's Buick Rendezvous. The Rendezvous is marketed as "The Intersection of Elegance and Function", and Mazda should market the CX-7 as "Where Fun-to-drive meets Function-to-go". Otherwise, they might just as well rebadge it and sell it as the Ford "Yawn-mobile".

godda9u

only one, subaru forester XT with a 5 speed manual, it has STi base engine with WRX turbo producing 210HP 235lb/ft of torque.
0-60 in 5.4second, the 4 speed auto that i have does 0-60 in 6.5 second. (i regret getting the auto... but that's what the wife will drive)
either way, i am watching closely at CX-7 since i am looking for another sporty SUV.
also, i remember i read an article in autoweek about the mazdaspeed6 that it only comes with 6 speed manual since that's what most of the potential buyer will want.
if the CX-7 is looking to attract the performance oriented buyers, it needs to at least offer the 6 speed manual as option. even if CX-7 comes with audi's DSG gear box, people that like performance likes to tinker with their car. and only the traditional manual is easy to play with when you are trying to add 100 or more HP to it.

mazda6s

I don't think Mazda/Ford has a viable DSG ready for production, if at all. I suspect that they could put the 6-speed manual from the Mazdaspeed6 in the CX-7, but they don't have the production capability for it. It takes time to plan for this, even if the engineering work is already done. The MS6 trans is made in Japan in small volumes, so they would have to find a way to get this produced in larger numbers, and it probably would have to be in the US or Mexico. I also suspect we'll see a MT in the second year of the CX-7, but for the first year, my guess is that they just decided not to try, and can live with the 5-10% in lost sales for the first year.

unixxus

The transmission in the MS6 is made by Aisin, the same manufacturer that produces the mx-5's transmission. I doubt production capacity is why the CX-7 is not being offered with a manual transmission. I think Mazda does not see any direct CX-7 competitor with a manual transmission (Murano, Pilot and to a lesser extent the Infiniti FX). I am sure if sales numbers are to Mazda's expectations, they might offer a manual version later ...a Mazdaspeed edition with more horsepower?

nightflow

I had been researching the 2.3 DISI engine and it was mentioned as one of the best engines of 2006. One site said gasoline direct injection engines were, “the most important development the powertrain sector has seen in this decade.” Ward’s 10 Best Highlights Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Engines

Can anyone help explain the difference between different fuel injection systems? I didn't think gasoline direct injection was that significant a technology.

Incidentally, the other engines mentioned in the article are in the Audi A3 and Lexus IS350 which are more fuel efficient. I am looking at all three cars with great interest.

Thanks.

wwest

Some of the significance is the fact that a pump and injector system had to be developed to handle the extremely high pressures required to spray fuel into the combustion chamber at or near TDC of the compression cycle. DFI will allow a lean(er) burn by using a stratified charge. Due to the injector design the A/F mixture near the spark plug will be quite rich allowing quick ignition and rapid flame front expansion even though the overall mixture will be more on the lean side than current injection systems allow.

unixxus

A gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder (as opposed to a port fuel injection or carburetor engine) this enables the engine to deliver significantly increased performance and decreased fuel consumption and emissions. Maybe these links will help explain further the differences between a direct-injection engine and a traditional port injection engine. It is my understanding that direct injection has been in use in 2-stroke engines and diesel engines for quite some time now.

http://www.visionengineer.com/mech/gasoline_direct_injection.shtml
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/english/programs/pdfs/Doc3e.pdf

russ_49

Just received a call from the manager at my local dealership. When I purchased an 05 Tribute for my wife this past spring, I told him when he was placing his initial orders, to give me a call, and to my surprise he did! I've been looking forward to this, I knew more about the 7 than anyone in the dealership at the time of the discussion! This is going to be a really tough decision, I'll be letting go of my 02 Milli S, with 45K miles, which I truely love, but I am sure that this will be worth it! The CX-7 Grand Touring, in Copper-Red Metalic! Fully Loaded.

nightflow

Can you tell us price, time frame, dry weight, additional specs, epa mpg, etc.? I'm curious to see a review of this bad boy in the coming months. I've been mostly reading Mazdaspeed6 reviews and the other links in this forum. Thanks.

russ_49

You know what! Price didn't matter to me, I'm sure that I will get a decent deal when I go to my dealership. I've purchased 6 Mazda's from them in the past 5 years. I don't really know at this time what it's going to cost me, but when you want the heart of a sports car in your ride, do you really care? This is going to be my little toy, and I'm sure that it will be one of those E-Rated rides that I'm going to enjoy !!

russ_49

And I forgot, the initial orders are calling for delivery some time in April. This is there second order, which will come in in May.

aviboy97

Can anyone help explain the difference between different fuel injection systems? I didn't think gasoline direct injection was that significant a technology.

Direct injection shoots fuel at 1800psi (in Mazda's DISI Turbo) DIRECTLY into the combustion chamber, creating a super fine gasoline mist, at a cool temperature. Normal electronic fuel injection shoots fuel into the intake manifold, where it then mixes with air, together, the mixture then enters the combustion chamber.

The benefit of direct injection is more horsepower, better fuel economy (claimed), and reduced emmissions (claimed).

driverdm

Just to let everyone know, Mazda has a new website on their site completely dedicated to the CX-7. It also has interior shots, specs, model information, features by model, a color changer, and all else you could ask for except pricing. I still need to see it in the metal. It looks a little girly for my tastes but it should be one of the sweetest driving SUVs on the market. It should corner and perform better than anything in its league. We'll see soon enough,

driverdm

I compared the CX-7 to a Pontiac Torrent and a Toyota Rav4 V6. Interesting stuff. It is longer than a Rav4, very close to Torrent in length and wider than both of them. It also has more gorund clearance. The Toyota has more horse power 269 versus 244 but less torque, 246 versus 258 and the Mazda delivers the power at lower RPMs. So they should be on top of each other performance wise. In the twists the Mazda will take it. Doesn't seem so smal land girly anymore. Can't wait to see it in the flesh...ehh.. metal.

kokopelli

Mazda finaly posted details of the CX7 on their site. Great looking car. We are in the market for a crossover vehicle, and the CX7 is on the list. We checked out the RAV4, also a great car.

Then I saw the projected milage for the CX7: 19/24!!! What the hell! The RAV4 gets 22/28 with a 25 hp more powerfull v-6. Granted the Mazda 2.3 is a nice engine (I own a Mazda3s), but that's a joke!

Too bad, I otherwise liked the car.

brutus22

Hey,

Gotta love the google notifications!

Credit these to the boys at:
http://motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3053496&fSectionId=751&fSetId=381

Interior:

Exterior:

Exterior:

Or some more exterior shots here:
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/01/04/mazda-cx-7-pre-detroit-photos-and-info/

Anyhoo, I love it! Very impressive, I will have to see what the CX-9 looks like and prices at since 3rd row might be required by the wife.

B.

qddave

The CX-7 will eat the Torrent for lunch. Just check out Motor Trend's One page review in the December Issue (SUVOTY), pg.122:

"For a vehicle meant to generate excitement, the Torrent accomplished the opposite among our judges, drawing criticism for its coarse V6, unrefined automatic, sloppy handling, and numb steering, the last a result of more play at the helm than in the Queen Mary."

I think the CX-7 is really meant to be compared to the Muranos of the world.

navigator89

Thanks for the pictures they're great. Wow, the CX7 looks really stylish. The interior is very nice as well. I just hope the upcoming Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX are also this good looking inside and out.

The red is nice, I wonder how it will look in other colors.

rcf8000

24MPG highway, with premium fuel! That's really awful.