| A Week at the Wheel | Cambs, England | Mazda CX-7 |

Inside & Out:

Mazda's intentions for the CX-7 are made clear as soon as you lay eyes on it. Bold curvaceous styling replaces the more traditional ruggedness of most contemporary SUVs; only the not-much-loved Nissan Murano cuts such an off-road dash in this sector and the CX-7 makes many rivals look staid, successfully translating Mazda's design themes onto a larger scale. The sculpted arches are a strong feature, but it's the cleverly shaped window profile that lends the most to the sporting stance.

The interior is reminiscent of every other modern Mazda: i.e. it's spacious, practical and comfortable but lacks flair and is therefore a little bland. A little more thought to plastics and more subtle features such as the clock, trip computer and stereo interface would make a huge difference to the environment. It's a surprise Mazda hasn't applied more effort in this area.

Engine & Transmission:

We've seen, and indeed appreciated, the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the 3 and 6 MPS models previously so it's no surprise that it has more than enough reserves to propel the CX-7 along at a decent lick. Undoubtedly the weight significantly dulls the performance but what remains is more than many would need in an application such as this and it's plenty to give the chassis and the brakes a good work out.

Unfortunately, the price one pays for such enjoyment is at the pumps, with an average of only 24mpg recorded during our week - albeit on a car that was fresh out of the showroom and so a little 'tight' as a consequence. Fundamentally though, as good as the engine and transmission is, Mazda is missing a trick by not fitting a powerful turbodiesel into the CX-7; many prospective owners will be looking for one. Rumour has it that the excellent new 2.2-litre unit coming to the Mazda6 will make its way under the bonnet of the CX-7 eventually and it can't come quickly enough.

Ride & Handling:

From the outset it is clear that the CX-7 has more dynamic capability than many owners would ever need. Generously shod alloys ensure that grip is never in question and, even considering the mass involved, the CX-7 corners with alacrity. Passengers will notice the firm ride, but no more than they would in a BMW X3 and though it can't ultimately match the BMW's class leading chassis, the CX-7 is in no way embarrassed by its more expensive rival.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Running costs aside the CX-7 represents decent value when compared to rivals. Few competitors available on the UK market offer the blend of performance, style and space with perhaps only the X3 - albeit at more expense - able to trouble it (though some Japanese market Subarus available through personal import could be equally tempting). As a family wagon the CX-7 has many of the features one would expect with satnav being the only significant omission and it could be argued that factory fit satnav doesn't represent good value.

Overall:

As is always the case, we would question whether a buyer actually needs an SUV with such sporting pretensions as the CX-7 offers; many estate cars offer a better alternative. However, if your heart is set on an SUV the Mazda CX-7 has enough going for it to be well worth a closer look. The lack of a diesel engine is a fundamental flaw in today's market but this aside the CX-7 is an interesting and enjoyable choice.