First Mazda CX-7 is on its way

The CX-7 combines the practicality of an SUV and the soul of a sports car.

The first Mazda CX-7 destined for New Zealand has rolled off the production line near Mazda's headquarters in Hiroshima. The five-seat CX-7 crossover SUV will represent a new category for Mazda when it goes on sale in December.

"The CX-7 combines the toughness and practicality of an SUV with the soul of a sports car," says Mazda.

"The CX-7 wasn't even a sketch on a cocktail napkin two and a half years ago, so to see the first batch of New Zealand-bound CX-7s roll off the line is exciting," says Andrew Clearwater, general manager vehicle sales and marketing, Mazda NZ.

This vehicle has gone down well in North America since it was launched there three months ago, and has already generated a lot of interest in New Zealand by drivers wanting the practicality of an SUV without compromising on sporty looks and outstanding performance.

The all-wheel-drive CX-7 will be powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection (DISI) petrol engine. This is the same engine as used in the Mazda3 MPS and Mazda6 MPS but has been retuned for the activematic sequential transmission and delivers more than 174kW at 5000 rpm, with torque peaking at 350Nm at just 2500rpm.

All CX-7 models come with 6-speed sport-shift automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel vented disc brakes, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, cruise control, and six air bags. Also standard on all CX-7s is an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS).

"Mazda is committed to bringing new products to the market and expanding our line-up of new generation vehicles, and we expect CX-7 to make a significant contribution to the Mazda brand," said Clearwater.