After the last few weeks spent at the wheel of cars more or less extraordinary as Porsche, Shelby, and even the Grand Cherokee, now I just finished a week with a Mazda CX-7 GX base. Yet, I could choose from several other nice cars “summer”.
So why the CX-7? Because the SUV or CUV (we use so the term “crossover” to identify all the sauces for all kinds of vehicles that I became confused) seems to be the answer to many needs of many motorists.
First, it should be noted that initially, the Japanese manufacturer Mazda has created this vehicle with a sporting spirit in mind. Indeed, during its early years, it was only available with a turbocharged four-cylinder and relatively powerful AWD. I remember my first laps at the wheel of the CX-7 and I remember his rather high consumption. Many consumers have opted for this version of the CX-7, but many people have rightly complained that consumption. Some even compared it to that of a V8!
This year, Mazda has decided to create a simplified version atmospheric four-cylinder engine of 2.5 liters and 161 horsepower combined with a five-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive only. Surprise, this model was well received by the public to the point where, according to information I was given at Mazda Canada, not only sales of the CX-7 they have tripled but they have been to erode the market the Mazda6, however, a nice car.
The AUV Mazda CX-7 displays a redesigned front for 2010 (photo Éric Descarries)
Why is that? Very simple, at this price (under $ 28,000), the customer gets more interior space, easier access to the cockpit and a larger cargo area in the back than in a Mazda6 sedan. As for fuel economy, a critical point in this niche vehicle (I got an average of 9.01 L/100 km, half city, half highway), it is quite reasonable. But what about the vehicle itself?
First, note that the CX-7 has undergone a few cosmetic touch-ups in 2010. You obviously have recognized this new look ahead with “smile” that does not necessarily please everyone (even if it helps sales of the Mazda3 quite remarkable!). However, the CX-7, the “smile” is a little less pronounced. The rest of the body remained the same. The doors open wide allowing, again, easy access inside. What I did not like, by cons is that its very “metal” when the doors closed, the sound of sheet metal which does not inspire confidence! The tailgate is easy to open and requires no physical effort to close it.
The interior of the CX-7 GX is more welcoming even if it is a basic model. I remember criticizing the finish more or less perfect of the first edition of this car in the past. This time, I did nothing wrong!Would be improved material selection and assembly since then? The dashboard is not complicated but the instrumentation is relatively complete and easily readable. All orders are in hand.
The front seats are comfortable even on long trips and rear passengers have good legroom and head. Cargo space is generous for a vehicle of this size (no longer offers Mazda Mazda6 hatchback or family which could explain some brand fans prefer the CX-7 more habitable).
What I liked about this Mazda is the high driving position and large windows that give the impression that it dominates the road. In urban situation, the four-cylinder is quite comfortable. Its acceleration is reasonable. By cons, mountain, reversals are very industrious. And that is only two occupants unloaded at the rear. Consumption mentioned above. Braking is adequate, while the steering is a tad small but fairly accurate. The original Bridgestone tires are not too noisy and respond quite well on wet pavement. Towing capacity is limited to 680 kilos (1500 pounds) because of its 161 lb-ft of torque but, curiously, the version with the turbocharger can be up to 900 kilos (2000 pounds).
The Mazda CX-7 GX is also available with leather seats, sunroof and many other options which will raise the price to about $ 31 000. Overall, the CX-7 GX remains an attractive choice for the motorist who is looking for a relatively roomy and economical car but do not take offense to run out of power when it comes time to move beyond …
Small friendly annual meeting
The week just ended was rather quiet, in my case. I therefore take this opportunity to tell you about some local activities which, for an avid self like me, are more user friendly. For example, last Saturday, my mechanic and engineer preferred, M, Giovanni Ucci (and good friend, needless to say because I always learn from him!) Held its annual social gathering small garage that he shares with his brother Pietro Lévesque Boulevard in Laval. Obviously, the majority of his guests were, you guessed it, of Italian origin. However, Giovanni asked to bring their special car or vintage photograph my son with a passion to illustrate the annual calendar of garage Giovanni Ucci Automobiles.
It was therefore found Saturday morning on the grounds of the garage with work area had been transformed into a veritable buffet (do you know an Italian who does not receive you with good food?). There were about twenty cars to go four Ferraris, two Alfa-Romeo, four Fiat 600 of the sixties, Firebird, Camaro, Cobra, Viper, BMW and even a Ford Model T changed. The purpose of this? To “talk tank” (Italian, of course!) Why do I mention all this? Just because I am happy to note that there are still real car buffs around me, true fans who still love it “tanks!”.
Damn traffic
These are not articles and complaints about traffic in Géraldville (the new name of Montreal by selected prominent journalists from the mainland) that are missing. Myself, I do not hesitate to criticize the magazine to which I am attached. But this time, I must add this blog to my repertoire.
If there is a place where the traffic jam turns ridiculous, it is at the entrance of Pie-IX by Henri-Bourassa (west). Do everything to avoid it during peak hours, especially late in the afternoon. I painted a little situation here. With the detour imposed by the construction of Highway 25 north around Henri Bourassa, one must overcome several sites and you can always opt for the boulevard Léger, who joins at Henri-Bourassa near Pie-IX. Believe it or not, then it is five lanes that must converge to one, the right leading to the bridge but the signal light reminds us that it is reserved for buses and taxis in the late afternoon pm (no police in sight … yet there is money to be made for Géraldville)). Obviously, no one respects this priority unless some conscientious motorists who must, at some point, take the right lane (already stub) to the bridge. And few drivers in the right lane only let those on the left (which, however, respect the signs themselves!). Add to that heavy goods vehicles have nowhere to go to go to Terrebonne and, ironically, the few big local schools whose classes end at the same time as the traffic jam is formed and the students out en masse to cross … everywhere. You have no idea of the mess that it is rolling toward the west (and in winter there is the sun down and hits you right in the eyes!).
And to think there was (and still are) environmentalists protesting against the construction of the bridge 25 which connects Montreal and Laval (I arrived at Laval in 1959 and “they” already promised us that bridge … what he took time to be built). I look forward ti it open that damned bridge there. I collect my already “two dollars” for the toll “virtual”!
If the Retromobile 2011 will largely tribute to Fangio , Mazda also will reconnect with his sporting past, a ” logical choice for this year end special that will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the victory of Mazda in the 24 Hours of Le Mans “, says the manufacturer .
