The Mazda cx-7 is a mid-size crossover SUV model from Mazda, the production version of the MX-Crossport concept car. The Mazda cx-7 is built in Hiroshima, Japan, starting in early 2006. The Mazda cx-7 was shown publicly for the first time at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. Production officially began on February 20 at Mazda's Ujina#2 factory in Hiroshima. The CX-7 went on sale in spring 2006 as a 2007 model. It is also Mazda's first mid-size SUV since the Navajo was discontinued in 1994.
The Mazda cx-7 receives an all-new platform instead of sharing the Ford/Mazda CD3 platform used by the larger Mazda CX-9/Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX crossovers as well as the Mazda6. It uses the front suspension of the Mazda MPV minivan, with the rear suspension from the Mazda5. Many of the all wheel drive components come from the Mazdaspeed6. It shares its turbocharged engine with the Mazdaspeed6. It uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda cx-7 currently slots between the Tribute and the CX-9.
Mazda cx-7 combines sporty good looks with nimble handlingPower comes from the same 2.3 L straight-4 MZR engine used in the Mazda speed 3 and Mazda speed 6 coupled with a 6 speed Aisin automatic transmission, and tuned to produce 244 hp or 182 kW (Australian model 175 kW) at 5000 RPM and 258 ft·lbf (350 N·m) of torque at a low 2500 rpm, 99% of the maximum torque is available to 5000 rpm.
The MZR 2.3L DISI turbo engine found in the Mazda speed 3 and Mazda speed 6 has been retuned in the North American-Spec CX-7 to deliver torque at a lower RPM for less turbo lag off the line. This was achieved thanks to a redesigned, smaller KO4 turbocharger. UK-Spec CX-7's feature the same, larger KO4 turbocharger and transmission found in the Mazdaspeed line.