Mazda Announces Value Grade for CX-7

Refreshed 2010 model rolls out late summer

2010 Mazda CX-7

Mazda refreshes its five-passenger crossover vehicle for 2010, including a new value grade. The base model gets the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the new Mazda3 and Mazda6, with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The new engine produces 161-horsepower and 161 lbs-ft. of torque. Engineers incorporated balance shafts to eliminate vibration: a common problem with large four-cylinder blocks. Chain driven camshafts have the advantage of being service-free: they save customers the cost of timing belt replacement.

Fuel economy is 21/28 mpg city/highway. The powertrain is available only on iSV and iSport models, and only with front-wheel drive. Mazda has not announced pricing for the new models.

Upscale grades continue to feature Mazda’s turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, that produces 244 horsepower and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque. The more powerful engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection.

Buyers can choose between front and all-wheel drive: the latter system can deliver up to half the engine’s torque to the rear wheels for better traction.

All grades benefit from improved torsional rigidity, reduced noise, vibration and harshness. Coil springs and anti-roll bars keep the car flat in the corners. The CX-7 features speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering, a MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes come with antilock braking, traction and dynamic stability control.

Refreshed styling

A revised grille takes styling cues from the Mazda RX-8, MX-5 and Mazda3. The upscale grand touring grade gets new front fog lamp bezels, mirror housings and door handles. Cars with the larger engine feature dual exhausts; 2.5-liter cars have a single exhaust. Wheels range from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim level.

Inside a new steering wheel incorporates audio and Bluetooth interface. A new multi-information display in the instrument panel serves as the screen for available navigation and rear back-up cameras and includes maintenance information.

Front seats on the grand touring model gain three-position memory, with a four-way power driver’s seat. Mazda offers the blind spot information system currently available on the Mazda6 and CX-9 on the 2010 CX-7. At speeds of 20 miles-per-hour or more, the system flashes warning lamps in the mirrors to alert the driver about vehicles to the sides and rear of the car.

All models except the base SV now come with Bluetooth interface.

The 2010 CX-7 is on display at the New York International Auto Show that runs through April 16.