On the stand at Frankfurt 2009 is the new upgraded Mazda CX7, now available with a 2.2 L Turbo Diesel and the first Japanese passenger car with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.
This upgraded version of Mazda’s sports crossover vehicle has an enhanced design to give it an even more premium Mazda identity inside and out, and new technologies that make it even more affordable and fun to drive. New to the powertrain line-up is the next-generation MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel common-rail engine (average fuel consumption: 7.5 litres/100km, CO2 199 g/km) with a powerful 173 PS and 400 Nm of maximum torque.
The new diesel joins the acclaimed MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol engine producing 260 PS and 380 Nm of maximum torque, which is carried over from the current model. The upgraded CX7 adds a new compact navigation system with a high-resolution screen, a new Rear Vehicle Monitoring system and an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) for further active safety. The latest CX7 introduces several new chassis updates for enhanced handling and steering that include a stiffer bodyshell and new dampers. It also inherits Mazda’s torque-split All-wheel Drive (AWD) system, for superior traction in all on-road situations.
The exterior design of the upgraded CX7 is based on the athletic styling of the original, pushing further forwards with the sports crossover design, while incorporating enhancements that more clearly communicate a premium identity and give it a more refined character. The upgraded CX7’s new front end, detailing and high build quality on the outside take the original model’s advanced and emotional styling to the next level, while new materials and forms on the inside, give the cabin a more premium look and feel.
In developing the upgraded CX7, Mazda focused on delivering a car that is even more representative of the Mazda brand. It has an enhanced balance of styling, dynamics and affordability for even more global appeal, and stays true to Mazda’s ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ plan, which aims to harmonize driving pleasure with environmental and safety features.
To address strong demand in Europe for a clean-running diesel with high fuel-efficiency, the upgraded Mazda CX7 now comes with a next-generation MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel, including a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system designed exclusively for the European market. This engine delivers 400 Nm of torque and joins the already well-known, high performance 2.3 litre DISI Turbo petrol engine in the new CX7 line-up. And for the first time ever, Mazda’s sports crossover is equipped with a Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM) system and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) for even more active safety.
“I believe the new CX7 is ideally positioned to compete around the world as a sustainable crossover that’s a joy to own and to drive,” says Programme Manager Masashi Otsuka. “It moves away from the North American development and marketing focus of the original CX7 and creates a truly global model. Consequently, it was vital to adopt broader powertrain technologies – for example a diesel engine – and raise interior and exterior quality in ways that reflect the tastes of customers around the world, thereby giving the upgraded CX7 a competitive position in diverse markets.”
In response to growing environmental concerns and increasingly stringent emission regulations in Europe, the upgraded CX7 engine line-up delivers a newly evolved combination of sporty, refined driving performance, with superb fuel efficiency and environmental performance. Because, for the first time, a new, powerful and low-emission 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine, developed especially for Europe is introduced alongside the existing 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol engine.
The upgraded Mazda CX7 engine line-up retains the acclaimed in-line four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve 2.3-litre DISI Turbo petrol unit. This produces a maximum output of 191kW/260 PS at 5,500 rpm and 380 Nm of maximum torque at 3,000 rpm.
As in the Mazda 3, upgraded CX7 models with the MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo engine feature Mazda's exclusive underfloor single-nanocatalyst. It employs single-nanotechnology, which can control even smaller particles than nanotechnology. Due to this advanced technology, the amount of precious metal used in the catalyst has been reduced by approximately 73 percent compared to the current model. The total weight of precious metal per unit has been cut from 0.89 grams to just 0.24 grams. This new Mazda technology helps limit the use of rare natural resources and contributes to preserving the environment.
The engine’s 2.2-litre displacement, combined with turbocharger and common-rail direct injection with a high injection pressure of 200 MPa, realises high power and torque with low emissions. Newly optimised intercooler efficiency further promotes strong and linear performance. To keep ownership costs low, the DOHC-valve system on the new diesel engine is chain driven which allows a maintenance-free, live-long operation.
A front-chain-drive cassette-type balancer shaft significantly reduces NVH. Employing this balancer improves booming noise, and produces a linear relationship between the accelerator pedal position and the engine sound, contributing to the ‘fun-to-drive’ feeling.
The 2.2 litre DOHC turbocharged common-rail diesel features a newly-developed diesel particulate filter made of a ceramic material with high thermal resistance - including Mazda’s independently developed catalyst. In addition to oxygen in the exhaust gases, this catalyst uses oxygen stored in the base material, to improve the combustion of soot emissions. This optimises the time needed for the activation of the filter (shortened by one third) and realises excellent emissions, without sacrificing performance for driving fun.
With the new turbo diesel under the bonnet, the upgraded Mazda CX7 sprints from 0 -100 km/h in 11.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 200 km/h. Also new for the upgraded CX7 diesel is a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system, the first ever on a Mazda vehicle that converts NOx into harmless nitrogen and water using AdBlue urea additive. AdBlue is a form of aqueous urea and a registered trademark of the Verband der Automobilindustrie e
Mazda pioneered the Sports Crossover sub-segment when it launched the original CX7 as a practical and sporty multi-activity vehicle. Now, the upgraded model enhances this sporty aspect with a significant increase in bodyshell rigidity and with suspension updates. Combined with the carry-over Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, the enhancements deliver even better handling stability and ride comfort for an even more premium driving experience befitting Mazda’s flagship.
The new lower front grille of the CX7 has a larger five-point design that more clearly communicates the Mazda brand, and harmonizes it with the latest siblings in the Mazda model line-up. The grille is framed by a stylish silver look, detailing that expresses a premium identity. It also provides a larger intake area that contributes to superior cooling performance, which is of particular value to the newly-introduced 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine. Other enhancements to the fascia include a new design for the front fog lamp bezels, which creates a strong visual flow and lends a sense of fine craftsmanship.
On each side, a newly adopted chrome-plated garnish (depending on grade) along the bottom of the doors highlights the vehicle’s sporty silhouette. At the rear, the new CX7 has a new chrome bar on the tailgate handle, while a new and larger rear roof spoiler (depending on grade) complements the package of design revisions.
A line-up of seven body colours is available with the upgraded Mazda CX7 (depending on market), all of them chosen to compliment the vehicle’s sporty and strong exterior. This seven includes three new colours: Aluminium Metallic, Stormy Blue Mica and Sparkling Black Mica.
Mazda has carried forward the two original model’s popular black and sand beige interior colour packages. The new CX-7 now features newly designed 18-inch aluminium wheels and, for the first time to the line-up, new 19-inch aluminium wheels (both depending on grade), which further highlight the new CX7’s power and refinement.
For more information on the Mazda CX7 call Mazda Darlington on freephone 0800 980 4532 or Mazda Durham on freephone 0800 980 4534.