Topic: Test Drive: 2011 Mazda CX-7 GT

[Autos_Editor]

The Mazda CX-7 GT provides satisfying performance and family-friendly utility but fuel consumption is worse than expected, says Haney Louka.

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[theonlydt]

This article shows why North America is full of "cross-over not sporty not useful vehicles". The reviewer currently has a brilliant car and through no fault of their own it is no longer available for purchase - because buyers in the US don't like them. But instead of looking at a car like the Mazda 5, which is too dowdy, the public see AWD and think "that'll save me in the winter" and buy a car that uses 25% more fuel, or more, than something like that Mazda 5. The same vehicle (lets use the CX-7 as an example) also has a less versatile interior, a higher loading lip, a higher base price and reflects the vanity of buyers currently in their car choices.

The reason wagons don't sell well in the US? Don't like the look of them. Vanity pure and simple. (I also don't understand that -  I find the wagon version of some vehicles often better looking than the sedan.)

[hemusbull]

This is a vehicle with good looking exterior and interior, but until Mazda rework it with Skyactive and so on, it gona stay in luxury category gas mileage. Too sad...

[Gurgie]

I completely agree, why can't we just get simple wagon forms of cars anymore??  And yes, I  know, it's due to our neighbours down south, but you'd think these manufacturers that build the wagons for their domestic countries could import them still to Canada.  I know we do have a few different regulations to meet & they would be subject to approval by Transport Canada first, but it's gotta be damn close... most cars are loaded with all the mandatory safety requirements right now (that cause them to weigh too much, but that's another pet peeve) and even the daytime running lights... so why not import some here & see how they'd sell?  Maybe they sell 1500 - 2000 units?  But where's the extra expense on the manufacturers side?  They already have dealerships here, service staff, they are already shipping over other models... guess we're just too passive here in Canada & don't DEMAND anything, lol!!

I'm in the same boat as the author, I have a 2006 Volvo V70 2.5T AWD wagon... which I enjoy driving, it gives me all the room I need for 2 young kids, it tows up to 3300lbs, has the AWD to get me out of slippery boat ramps, decent on fuel if you stay out of it... only thing missing is the manual, then it would've been the perfect car.  But when it's time to replace it, where do I go?  The CX-7 is actually quite nice, but the tow rating is only 2000lbs... ultimately it would be great if Volvo would import the new V70 wagon here, with a diesel & manual... I can dream!  LOL!!

[D70]

If you can afford to purchase a fully loaded new car the cost of putting fuel into it should not be a complaint. Keep our economy going and buy what you really want

http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/6012164777/

[aaronk]

Thirsty, thirsty. I thought turbocharging a four was a way of increasing efficiency...several competitors' more powerful and smoother V6's get better mileage.

[Solstice2006]

A good review by our author Haney Louka as usual.  I am always looking forward to his reviews, as I am in similar situation looking for a wagon in the next 2 to 3 years to replace my Mazda6 Sport.  The Hyundai Elantra touring is appealing, but this is the last year it will be a wagon.  I know it's not a V6 but it has similar cargo capacity, and yes it is less sporty, but good value.  The Venza is several thousand more (with I4) and has less cargo capacity, and no more sportiness than the Elantra.  The best option I can think of is the Subaru Outback.  The VW Golf TDI Wagon is an option, but I am skeptical on the reliability after 3 or 4 years.  I enjoy the authors reviews of winter tires he gets to try on his Mazda as well.  I decided to go with Continentals for the winter for my Mazda6.  I am rather envious that he has the Mazda6 wagon manual option.  We purchased a demo, it was an 2008 Mazda6 Sport V6 GS automatic.  We saved $3500 by getting the demo which only had 5,045km on it.  The car has been problem free for 3 years, rear brakes, front brakes have been replaced.  Along with a set of winter tires, and replacement all season tires, regular oil changes, and air filters.  Not bad for 103,045km.  Haney, please send me an email, if your considering selling the Mazda6 down the road, 

[Blueprint]

Our 2003 Odyssey gets similar mileage on regular, with much more room and at least as much vrrooom.

Suggestions for our journalist:

Subaru Outback & Forester, both with sticks;
VW Tiguan fwd, smaller but manual;
V50: act fast, car being pulled from market;
Golf wagon TDI : a natural for you;
Honda Element: not as goofy in its final version, leftover manuals may be available;
Mazda 5 GT in black (manual, and smirk less evident);
CPO (for budget) Audi A4 Avant (along with extended warranty...).

[jasonhevans]

Haney...

Would like to know your comments about the Venza... we were also in the same position about wanting a proper wagon.  We ended up with a Volvo XC70 (the ground clearance helps here in Newfoundland winter), after considering the Venza and having some major reservations... specifically availability of snow tires options and possibility of combining a rack with the sunroof... seems like alot of vehicles are losing out on the practicality side of things...

[alpineskier]

When we test drove a CX-7 GT back in 2008 for a weekend when we were shopping for a new car, we got even worse fuel economy. When we took it to our country house (mainly twisty/hilly highway roads) we were getting around 10.5L-11L/100 km. When I took it to work on the Monday following the weekend, I got an average of 14L/100 km on my 1-hour commute (50% city, 50% highway). It was really dismal for a 4-cylinder. Ended up getting the Mazda5, much cheaper for the same options, similar cargo space, and much better fuel economy. If you don't care about fuel economy though, the CX-7 was really a beautiful car.

[kenm]

A 1818 kg., 244 hp, AWD vehicle, with 4 passengers, and full of luggage, has fuel consumption of 11L/100km while traveling 130 kms per hour. I don't see anything unusual about that.

[Blueprint]

Car and Driver got 14 mpg with the CX-7 when it came out.

Haney, was you drive on premium gas?  Fuel econ would be better with premium since the engine is tuned for it.  From your numbers, I get that you did feed it premium.

[gotak]

I have the same engine basically in my speed 3. I get 10L/100 city. How did mazda manage to make basically the same chassis with the same engine so much more thirsty?

[Blueprint]

I have the same engine basically in my speed 3. I get 10L/100 city. How did mazda manage to make basically the same chassis with the same engine so much more thirsty?

1) add more weight;
2) add unsprung weight;
3) increase rolling resistance with huge tires;
4) punch a bigger hole through the air;
5) send power through a slushbox.

[aaronk]

A 1818 kg., 244 hp, AWD vehicle, with 4 passengers, and full of luggage, has fuel consumption of 11L/100km while traveling 130 kms per hour. I don't see anything unusual about that.

You're right - I read the numbers incorrectly before, interpreting the author's noted 12.5-15L/100 Kms as average when they were specifically talking about city driving in a loaded vehicle with climate control blasting. 9-11L/100 Km highway is pretty respectable, actually.

[initial_D]

We had a 2007 CX-7 GT, leased for 3 years. Now we have a 2009 GT, in its second year of purchase. Did look at the Q5 and X3, but no local dealer discouraged us from getting them.

Agree mostly with the review. The mileage is acceptable, as long as not driven with a heavy foot. Crusing at 110Km/h on the highway yields much better return on the gas on the CX-7.

The only thing I dislike about the my 2009 model is the position of the screen, very difficult to see when it is bright out, the sun light just blinds it, impossible to see anything. The rear view camera is kinda useless in the daytime. Would of prefer the review camera be shown on the rearview mirror instead.

The suspension could of done better, it is sporty and firm, but just does not tuned well enough to isolate the harshness of the road conditions as well as the European competitions. 

[TopGun]

I'm now looking at HHR SS. Not many around in Canada, but lots in the US.

Lots of cargo room, based on the rocking Cobalt SS, Brembos available along with an MT.

Autos123 has the SS rated at 10 L/100 city and 6.8 highway...not bad for 270 horses and 60 in 6.4 seconds.