2008 Mazda CX-7 in Kennewick, WA - $5,998

The 2012 CX-7 is a highly-styled crossover SUV with the decided soul of a sports car. Produced entirely on a Mazda-derived platform architecture, the five-passenger CX-7 embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practicality, resulting in a fun-to-drive SUV that represents everything a Mazda should be, and running counter to what most people think a SUV should be capable of.

Available in two models ("i" and "s" ) and SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, base power for the CX-7 is generated by a naturally aspirated 2.5L MZR four-cylinder engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. This drivetrain combination is available on the i SV and i Sport models only, and only with front-wheel-drive. The Mazda crossover will continue to offer the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3L four-cylinder direct-injection engine joined to a six-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission with manual mode. For motorists that prefer the handling and performance of all-wheel drive, Mazda's Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system is an available option.

The theme of refinement continues to the CX-7's platform architecture by paying attention to body rigidity, lower noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) levels as well as reducing wind noise. Thicker materials, reinforcements and weld bonds (spot welds supplemented by adhesives) in key areas all contribute to a five percent higher torsional rigidity than the original CX-7 with only a minimal increase in weight. Thicker density insulation in both the engine compartment and interior cabin provide a quieter passenger environment. A-pillars fitted with large moldings reflect an effort to suppress cabin noise generated by side winds blowing across the exterior of the A-pillars.

In front, a perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering and a low-friction MacPherson strut suspension system. The rear multi-link suspension is similarly mounted in its own subframe and consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side.

The front and rear dampers were retuned for 2010 with larger oil-flow openings and are located between the wheel hub and the unibody to provide excellent motion control with minimal friction. Coil springs and anti-roll bars are an integral part of both suspension systems. All of these refinements assist in greater ride comfort, handling and stability, combined with lower NVH throughout the vehicle.

The updated premium look is continued on the inside of the vehicle with quality detailing that delivers a sporty yet highly refined cabin. The steering wheel features integrated steering-wheel mounted controls for the audio, Bluetooth® telephone and cruise-control greets the driver upon entry. The design for the blackout meters of the meter cluster features blue-ring illumination, white pointers and three-dimensional dials to produce a heightened sense of quality.

The instrument panel has been modified to accommodate the new Multi Information Display (MID) positioned in the center and to the right of the driver for easy reading. The MID offers navigation (standard on Grand Touring trim), trip computer functions, rear-view camera (available on Touring and Sport, standard on Grand Touring) and maintenance information. Piano black or metallic edges have been added to the center panel to convey a sense of refinement.

The second row seating area features a 60/40 split setup that folds flat with the cargo floor – no removal of headrests required. Dual manual releases in the cargo area allows for one-handed folding of the rear seats – easily expanding the cargo area as needed. The rear windows go all the way down.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 108.3; overall length: 184.3; width: 73.7; height: 64.8

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 161 hp at 6,000 rpm and 161 lbs-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm: 2.3L four-cylinder turbo - 244 hp at 5,000 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed automatic, six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 2.5L four-cylinder – 20 city/26 hwy; 2.3L turbo-charged four-cylinder – 18 city/24 hwy. (FWD), 17 city/21 hwy. (AWD).

Cargo capacity: 58.6 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, dynamic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, side-impact door beams, engine immobilizer, and remote keyless entry. i Sport adds Bluetooth hands free phone system. i Touring adds rear view camera. s Grand Touring adds navigation system, Smart Key entry system, automatic headlamps, fog lamps, and blind spot monitoring.

Optional safety features include first aid kit, roadside assistance kit and remote engine start.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 3-year/36,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Mazda CX-7 crossover starts from $22,190 for the i SV upto $31,840 for the s Grand Touring model. Destination charges add $795.