Production Start for Mazda CX-7 Crossover SUV

[mikeyb]

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/2060220.002/2060220.002.mini1L.jpg

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/2060220.002/2060220.002.mini2L.jpg

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/2060220.002/2060220.002.mini3L.jpg

Designed for North America

Mazda Motor Corporation today held a ceremony to mark the start of production of the all-new Mazda CX-7 for the North American market at the Ujina Plant No. 2 (U2) located near Mazda's global headquarters in Hiroshima. Mazda's President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) President and CEO Jim O'Sullivan, along with approximately 700 Mazda staff, comprised of several senior executives, union representatives and employees attended this event. The Mazda CX-7 was designed and engineered with the North American market in mind and will be arriving in North American dealerships in spring 2006.

"I am very pleased to be here today and celebrate the production start of the Mazda CX-7, the first of a series of important vehicles for the North American market," said Hisakazu Imaki. "Jim O'Sullivan from Mazda North American Operations has been eagerly waiting for this moment and is here to personally witness the production start of Mazda CX-7, a key model in our North American plans. As we look to the future, Mazda is working hard to make high quality vehicles that embody the essence of Zoom-Zoom to satisfy our customers. To do so, we will continue working closely with our North American team, keeping in mind the company motto, "One Mazda", to make sure the launch of this vehicle is a great success."

The Mazda CX-7 is a clean break from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently offered. Bringing together performance and design like never before, the Mazda CX-7--like every Mazda--was engineered with the Soul of a Sportscar. The result is inviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use. The Mazda CX-7 premiered at the Greater Los Angeles and the North American International Auto Shows earlier on this year. The vehicle concept and stylish design have been well accepted globally.

source:http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060220.002/page/1/country/jcf/mazda/production-start-for-mazda-cx-7-crossover-suv

[seanmcsean]

wonder how many of those things they will sell.

[dmitrik4]

i'm thinking it will do pretty well. i think it hits on the things that draw people to crossover SUVs in the first place.

if i were in the market for a non-truck SUV, it would be high on the list. while the 6-spd auto is nice, it's too bad there's no manual offered.

the 6-spd manual that looks like it's in the MS3 would be sweet....forester XT-killer?

[Rogue]

unless it, too, has issues with the TMIC on the 2.3... We'll see how this one does.

[Antoine]

(cool)...Yeah I look forward to see how it does on the market...Which car mag will have the 1st review?

[mp3moose]

I hope top gear gets ahold of this. Is the CX7 going to europe?

Sexiest crossover I have ever seen.

[slug420]

i couldnt be less impressed with this car....i think im more likely to buy an escape/tribute. If I ever was in the market for something like this I cant think of any way I wind up in this instead of a murano.

the obesity of the rear 3/4 and the bubbliness of the front fender destroy the profile (wheels certainly dont help) and the front is kinda neat looking but not enough to make up for the side and rear..

[zerocover]

Its quite murano meets rx8 I would never drive one.

BUt hell I look foward to seeing them on the road. Much better looking then any of the big suv's, and more sporty then the other crossovers. Cant wait to see them in person, although I dont know who would buy one.

[solid_snake]

my mom wants to trade in her tribute for one of those

[CHICO2003]

i couldnt be less impressed with this car....i think im more likely to buy an escape/tribute. If I ever was in the market for something like this I cant think of any way I wind up in this instead of a murano.

the obesity of the rear 3/4 and the bubbliness of the front fender destroy the profile (wheels certainly dont help) and the front is kinda neat looking but not enough to make up for the side and rear..

You couldn't be less impressed with this car? That's a bit harsh. Personally, I like it. Styling wise, while it definitey looks a little like the Murano, the Murano looks like nothing else on the road. (and this after its been on the road a couple years) The Murano has some awkward styling cues (like the front grille) whereas this vehicle, imo, has a nice clean look. The Tribute/Escape??? You gota be kidding! Those are so... blah in comparrison. Talk about looking like every other vehicle.. there's absolutely nothing unique about them. This thing has a bit of a futuristic look to it. Would I buy it? Nah... not my type of ride. Will America buy it? If it performs well and is priced right, I'd be shocked if they don't. Though it's way too early to know, it looks like Mazda's got another hit with this one.

[clicknext]

Looks nice. Hopefully it actually drives well!

[CHICO2003]

it's a mazda! of course it will!

[Antoine]

The more I look at it...The more I like it...If I need a family hauler or sporty UV...I wouldn't think twice before getting one...DON'T FORGET it's got a turbo 4 and that means great power potential!

I'm sure in even stock form it will out handle most other sporty CUV's and even some cars!

[Rogue]

The more I look at it...The more I like it...If I need a family hauler or sporty UV...I wouldn't think twice before getting one...DON'T FORGET it's got a turbo 4 and that means great power potential!

I'm sure in even stock form it will out handle most other sporty CUV's and even some cars!is that the only engine option?

[Antoine]

is that the only engine option?

For now...I believe so...The upcoming CX-9 will get a V6.

[Mazda3]

i couldnt be less impressed with this car....i think im more likely to buy an escape/tribute. If I ever was in the market for something like this I cant think of any way I wind up in this instead of a murano.

the obesity of the rear 3/4 and the bubbliness of the front fender destroy the profile (wheels certainly dont help) and the front is kinda neat looking but not enough to make up for the side and rear..

Cosmetics of a vehicle are personal preference. I happen to think the CX-7 looks good from every angle. The bottom line is that the CX-7 will drive circles around a Murano. Murano's 1/4 mile is in the 16's, the CX-7 will be high 14's, not even close. The CX-7 will pull high .8x g's on the skidpad and stop on a dime, The Murano is a dump truck compared to the CX-7. The interior styling and quality will also blow away the cheap Nissan interior. So really the Murano is no competition for the CX-7 if you're looking for something sporty. The Murano is more competition for the Ford Explorer, not the sporty CX-7.

[slug420]

Murano's 1/4 mile is in the 16's, the CX-7 will be high 14's, not even close. The CX-7 will pull high .8x g's on the skidpad and stop on a dime, The Murano is a dump truck compared to the CX-7.

where'd you get that skidpad number? i hadnt seen it before

[Mazda3]

where'd you get that skidpad number? i hadnt seen it before

Inside knowledge that will become public in a couple of months when the magazine tests come out. My reason for posting this is that most people don't seem to grasp what this vehicle is about. The CX-7 isn't an upgraded Tribute, allthough it shares similar styling with the Murano it isn't competition for the heavy, mediocre handling, slow Murano. The CX-7 is a bargain priced FX45. The only thing that comes close in its price range is the new RAV4.

The CX-7 is a sports car with SUV type usefullness. The Murano is an SUV with sporty looks.

[CHICO2003]

I agree with everything that was said about the Murano...

that said, some people (think typical housewife) don't care about sporty performance. Maybe they just like the way the Murano looks... I'm not sure if this CX-7 will be competing wtih the Murano so maybe it's irrelevant. If it's not, then I suppose it would be competing with the tribute.. which doesn't make any sense. lol so maybe it's creating a whole new segment.

[Rogue]

...lol so maybe [Mazda is] creating a whole new segment. again... just like with the Mazda5

[romecandleboy]

I think a stock CX-7 is a helluva deal @ $23,750. There are lot of unnecessary 'convenience' options that can push the price into to high 20k range, but 'out of the box' i think it's well equipped (aside from AWD).

[Mazda3]

I agree with everything that was said about the Murano...

that said, some people (think typical housewife) don't care about sporty performance. Maybe they just like the way the Murano looks... I'm not sure if this CX-7 will be competing wtih the Murano so maybe it's irrelevant. If it's not, then I suppose it would be competing with the tribute.. which doesn't make any sense. lol so maybe it's creating a whole new segment.


Thats my whole point. The CX-7 is different. Mazda is not afraid to make niche vehicles. I realize that not everyone will want the CX-7 because of its sporty performance, its not the small CUV/SUV for everyone, but for those of us that care about the sporty side the CX-7 has no competition. Mazda doesn't intend for the sales of this vehicle to rival the CRV, RAV4, Escape. Its just a unique niche vehicle, a poor mans FX45.

To answer your second question the new CX-9 that will be out in the fall will compete with the Murano type vehicles. It will have 3 rows of seats and the new 3.5L V6 that has all the lastest fuel mileage technology.

[CHICO2003]

Cosmetics of a vehicle are personal preference. I happen to think the CX-7 looks good from every angle. The bottom line is that the CX-7 will drive circles around a Murano. Murano's 1/4 mile is in the 16's, the CX-7 will be high 14's, not even close. The CX-7 will pull high .8x g's on the skidpad and stop on a dime, The Murano is a dump truck compared to the CX-7. The interior styling and quality will also blow away the cheap Nissan interior. So really the Murano is no competition for the CX-7 if you're looking for something sporty. The Murano is more competition for the Ford Explorer, not the sporty CX-7.

Cosmetics shouldn't figure into whether or not one is "impressed" with a vehicle. I could list a ton of cars (the mini cooper comes tomind) I'd A) never own and B) don't necessarily like that much (from a looks perspective).... but am still impressed with.

[Mazda3]

Cosmetics shouldn't figure into whether or not one is "impressed" with a vehicle. I could list a ton of cars (the mini cooper comes tomind) I'd A) never own and B) don't necessarily like that much (from a looks perspective).... but am still impressed with.

It shouldn't, but it does sometimes. Especially with women.

[slug420]

why shouldnt they be a factor?

[rxlogic]

The Murano is a dump truck compared to the CX-7. The interior styling and quality will also blow away the cheap Nissan interior. So really the Murano is no competition for the CX-7 if you're looking for something sporty. The Murano is more competition for the Ford Explorer, not the sporty CX-7.

When I replace my PT Cruiser, I'm thinking this is the competition to the CX-7:

http://www.dodge.com/caliber/caliber_srt4.html

[CHICO2003]

Ok... they're a 'factor' but, let me reword.... If you're not feelin a car's looks, that shouldn't automatically mean you're not impressed with the car as a whole. Take the mini cooper example I gave... Unless its' tricked out, I can't stand the way those things look. but I'm impressed with the engineering that went into them, the resale value they hole as well as the unique styling they posess. I may not like it, but relatively speaking, it's impressive.

What Mazda has here is essentially the vehicle Subaru wish they had built in B9 Tribeca.

[Mazda3]

When I replace my PT Cruiser, I'm thinking this is the competition to the CX-7:

http://www.dodge.com/caliber/caliber_srt4.html


The SRT-4 version is not AWD, its alot smaller, it doesn't have 8" of ground clearance, and it will have dodge quality and fit-n-finish.

[Mazda3]

Ok... they're a 'factor' but, let me reword.... If you're not feelin a car's looks, that shouldn't automatically mean you're not impressed with the car as a whole. Take the mini cooper example I gave... Unless its' tricked out, I can't stand the way those things look. but I'm impressed with the engineering that went into them, the resale value they hole as well as the unique styling they posess. I may not like it, but relatively speaking, it's impressive.

What Mazda has here is essentially the vehicle Subaru wish they had built in B9 Tribeca.

I'm not sure if you're following me, I agree with you 100%. Most of the people on this forum are auto enthusiasts who look at things the same way we do. However there are alot of people out there that are swayed heavily by cosmetic preference and may let it cloud their judgement.

[rxlogic]

The SRT-4 version is not AWD, its a lot smaller, it doesn't have 8" of ground clearance, and it will have dodge quality and fit-n-finish.

I didn't realize the SRT wouldn't be available as AWD. Bummer. Still, it does come with MT. The ground clearance I can live without. As for qualitly, I've had both good (e.g. the PT) and bad (e.g. a Jeep) Chryslers.

[showtege]

I think they did a great job with the CX7. It has a nice sporty look. It doesn’t have that tissue box shape that all the American SUVs have. What power plant is it supposed to have? CX7 makes me think rotary?

[slug420]

hey! there he is!

[mikeyb]

Cosmetics of a vehicle are personal preference. I happen to think the CX-7 looks good from every angle. The bottom line is that the CX-7 will drive circles around a Murano. Murano's 1/4 mile is in the 16's, the CX-7 will be high 14's, not even close. The CX-7 will pull high .8x g's on the skidpad and stop on a dime, The Murano is a dump truck compared to the CX-7. The interior styling and quality will also blow away the cheap Nissan interior. So really the Murano is no competition for the CX-7 if you're looking for something sporty. The Murano is more competition for the Ford Explorer, not the sporty CX-7.

I disagree with the Murano being competition for the Ford Explorer. In Nissan's lineup the Pathfinder competes with the Explorer, were the Murano competes with the other CUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Ford Edge. I do agree with it not being quick and the interior being cheap shiny slippery plastic Nissan is know for. I do believe the next Murano will be more of a competitor for the CX-7 with a boost in hp, maybe 300hp.

[mp3moose]

hey! there he is!

lol

[Rogue]

I think they did a great job with the CX7. It has a nice sporty look. It doesn’t have that tissue box shape that all the American SUVs have. What power plant is it supposed to have? CX7 makes me think rotary?detuned version of the MS6 2.3 turbo

[showtege]

Detuned thats to bad.


hey! there he is!

I never left fool. Nice quote (deadhorse it looks like you still have no life. Its always nice to see the mods set a good example. your top notch. (first)

[carjunkie67]

Sorry I'm late jumping in here but I've been out of pocket for quite a while. I see there are quite a few comparisons to the Murano made here and just wanted to throw in my two cents. I was excited about the announcement of the CX-7 because my wife and I just had our second son and were quickly outgrowing our Audi A4. I did my research and while the CX-7 was compelling it didn't make the cut. I know... I've never even seen or driven one, but on paper it wasn't worth waiting around for. It didn't fit the need. For us, the Murano did. I see a lot of performance numbers being tossed about. I guess if you're planning on taking your SUV (CUV, whatever you want to label it as) to the track this would be important. To me this is the other end of the spectrum from the full on "off road" capabilities of other SUVs. For most people it will never be used... only bragged about. The Murano for us had all the options we were used to in the Audi (and then some) plus had the extra room for conveniently hauling two kids around every day.

I've never understood why people have to bash brand Y because they currently drive or like brand X. Except for Honda and Toyota who's soul-less vehicles would probably make me fall asleep at the wheel and die and horrible flaming death... just kidding... I won't bash them... I just don't care for them and would choose many other vehicles over theirs. I've always been partial to VWs and German cars but over the years have found several Japanese cars to my liking and have owned or still own a Maxima, 2 Miataie, and a Protege5.

I'm just saying that if you discount a car because it's made by the brand you're supposed to hate because you currently drive something else you are missing the point of competition. Do you think the CX-7 would have been made if it weren't for the Murano? Somebody out there was saying I'd like an SUV like the Murano but it's just not sporty enough... Mazda answered. We were just looking to emphasize the U not the S in SUV.

<smart ass comment>Didn't realize 150 lbs. made a dump truck's worth of difference.</smart ass comment>

There I'm off my soapbox. Hope there's no hard feelings... wasn't looking to bash anyone... everyone has an opinion, I just expressed mine. (boom07)

[Topher's Wife]

I Want One!!!

[ZG77_OzZ]

looks great I am getting....

[ZG77_OzZ]

I would like to know how much biger it is to the P5 and the 6

[rxlogic]

I would like to know how much bigger it is to the P5 and the 6

It is based on the Mazda6 chassis, so I presume that it will be about the same size as a Mazda6 Sportswagon. In fact, you might think of it as the Mazdaspeed 6 Sportswagon with a little extra ground clearance.

[romecandleboy]

It is based on the Mazda6 chassis, so I presume that it will be about the same size as a Mazda6 Sportswagon. In fact, you might think of it as the Mazdaspeed 6 Sportswagon with a little extra ground clearance.

.......and way more interior room.

[ZG77_OzZ]

wonder how many of those things they will sell.

They have them IN NJ 4 it looks like I will be checking it out this weekend...

[Antoine]

They have them IN NJ 4 it looks like I will be checking it out this weekend...

(attn) It would awesome if you could take pics and post up a review! :D

[ZG77_OzZ]

(attn) It would awesome if you could take pics and post up a review! :D

I will.....

[ZG77_OzZ]

They have them IN NJ 4 it looks like I will be checking it out this weekend...

Well the Sales guy was full of it will be in about 4 weeks........

[evolv]

This vehicle is hot on my "buy list" I will be looking for a new winter beater this fall... hehe beater.. but I wonder if Mazda will use plastic inter cooler pipes like they did on my MSP and will they be inter changable... LOL

[ZG77_OzZ]

I did not like the car got in it and all I can say is alot of house wifes and socor moms will be bying then.
I really did not like the feel and the car as a whole is not what I would say nice. The CX-9 is sweet realy nice realy nice big as big as the MSP6 roommy.