Essential Motoring 101

I haven’t been testing SUVs for months now. The last was a 2007 KIA Sportage when I took it for a KL-Penang-KL trip. The test drive report of the Sportage will appear soon but for now let’s boast about a Japanese-made SUV called the Mazda CX-7.

And you think its an RX-8??

Introduced in Japan just a year ago, the CX-7 is a 5-seater SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) that looks like a jacked up RX-8. The front fascia of the SUV resembles the RX-8; a fair share of flowing buldges and blisters. On the overall look, at one glance, the CX-7 looked like a Nissan Murano also.

Handsomely crafted for the daddys. Yes, its a Type R at the background

Under the hood of the CX-7 boasts an in-line turbo-charged 4-cylinder DOHC powerplant. At 2,260cc, the muscular SUV beats up a whopping 244 horsepower at engine speeds of 5,000rpm, with 350Nm of torque at 2,500rpm. Speed is controlled via an automatic 6-speed gearbox with freedom to manually shift gears on Steptronic. The turbo-charger kicks in, although at a slight delay on initial pedal, as I stepped on deeper. Don’t expect to be fed with the sounds of kr-pessshh kr-pessshh (of a blow-off valve), it does’nt come with it.

 

It’s new and unregistered. Go get yourself registered for a CX-7 today!

 

No, its not a name for a new superbike.

During the test drive, I found out that the dashboard on the CX-7 to be simple and well-built. Not so much on the quality of plastics but it was tastefully blended with hues of black and silver that made the CX-7 rather youthful and sporty. The buttons on the steering wheel gave that extra sport feeling too. I think the steering wheel needs more padding. It doesnt feel like driving an SUV but instead, feels like driving a sports car. It looks quite ‘thin’ and ‘insecure’ for now.

 

Darth Vader’s office.

 

Gated shifting with Steptronic when you hunger for adrenalin.

The CX-7 appeared to be larger than what I saw on the Internet. However, the car could score better points if it comes with a sunroof. Fitted with 18 inches on all four wheels wrapped with semi-low profile Goodyear tires, road grip was excellent on corners, with compliments to its body low center of gravity.

 

Fairly spaced for the people at the back.

Seats for the rear occupants are well-padded and plush for long distance driving. With all the black leather around, it is recommended to keep the air-cond on at all time so that dust visibility is minimal. Driving on Malaysian roads can be clear but wait till you frequently open the windows whilst driving, all you get is a layer of dust on the precious leather.

 

Basically simple to read the essentials.

The price starts from RM248,999 for the fully-imported CX-7, also comes with ABS with EBD, six-airbags, traction control, cruise control, heated front seats and a reverse camera in the double-din touch screen unit on the dash.

 

So that you dont ass-kiss the poor car at the back

 

Quite a cavernous cargo to boot.

 

Color-less lights housing is IN.

Available at Naza World, the CX-7 is expected to be a seller in the SUV market, of course, for those who have extra money to spare, rather than getting the usual Toyota Fortuner, Nissan Murano, Toyota Harrier, or a Chevy Captiva.

Rush to your nearest Naza World showroom either in PJ (along Federal Highway), Bangsar or in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail to check out the special deals of owning a sporty SUV like the CX-7.