Mazda CX-7 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Mazda CX-7 ranks 4 out of 20 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 77 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda CX-7, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. Reviewers say that if you want good performance, the 2012 Mazda CX-7 delivers. But if performance isn’t a priority, reviewers say the Mazda CX-7 falls a little short, with less cargo space than competitors and tight second-row seats.

Most compact SUVs place practicality above performance, but the 2012 Mazda CX-7 takes the opposite approach, prioritizing nimble handling. Reviewers say the CX-7’s agile handling makes it easy to whip around town and its powerful turbocharged engine option makes it faster than most family SUVs.

It’s not surprising that the automotive press is so fond of one of the most well-tuned models in the class because many test drivers are drawn to vehicles that are fast and nimble. However, the performance traits that reviewers like about the CX-7 may give some shoppers pause. The CX-7’s available engines are two of the best in the class, but neither gets very good fuel economy ratings, especially when you compare them with fuel economy leaders like the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and GMC Terrain. A sporty suspension makes the CX-7 nimble, but it also gives it a stiff ride. Families or people with long commutes might prefer something with a softer suspension.

While the CX-7 is large for a compact SUV, it has a cramped second row and limited cargo space. And although the 2012 Mazda CX-7’s price is high for the class, its interior doesn’t come with standard features like Bluetooth and a USB port, which are becoming commonplace in affordable SUVs.

In terms of performance, test drivers think the 2012 Mazda CX-7 is one of the best options for families and commuters who want a compact SUV that handles more like an affordable sports car. But if traits like generous interior space, good fuel economy, a lot of standard features and a low base price are of the utmost importance, there are other crossover SUVs you’ll like better.

Other SUVs to Consider

Like the CX-7, the Chevrolet Equinox is big for a compact SUV. But unlike the CX-7, the Equinox makes better use of its interior space. The rear seats have enough space for tall adults, and even slide back to increase legroom. You can also slide the seats forward to increase cargo space. Though the Equinox isn’t as fun to drive as the CX-7, reviewers appreciate that its ride is smoother and that it has some of the highest fuel economy ratings in the class.

If an engaging drive is a must-have for your next SUV and you don’t mind paying more for it, check out the Volkswagen Tiguan. It’s the only compact SUV that can compete with the CX-7’s performance. But keep in mind that the Tiguan is much smaller, has a higher starting price and requires premium gasoline. CX-7 models equipped with the turbocharged engine also need premium gasoline.  

Details: Mazda CX-7

The 2012 Mazda CX-7 doesn’t see significant changes this year. The i SV, i Sport and i Touring trims have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The s Touring and s Grand Touring trims have a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is only available on s models.

Porsche Macan ; made in Indonesia ??

Porsche is planning to introduce the Macan for the 2014 model year. It will be the smallest SUV built by Porsche but in some ways it will be closer to its roots than the larger models. 

Porsche, after all, is known for its sports car production. The company received a lot of criticism for widening its line with the four-door Panamera and the Cayenne SUV. But these models proved to be successful for Porsche as they broadened the customer base and even appealed to Porsche traditionalists who were seeking greater utility than the sports cars. Their success with the new models lies in their increased space, but also in the translation of the Porsche driving experience to the larger vehicles as well as their provocative design. So now comes the Macan.

The Macan will be a smaller SUV based off the Audi Q5 platform. This puts the size among the smaller of the SUVs, competitive to the Q5 but also the Volkswagen Tiguan, Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3, and Mercedes Benz GLK. Nobody will buy a small Porsche SUV for serious off-roading, so just who is the target market and how will the vehicle be used?

In the 1950’s, ‘60’s and into the ‘70s, moms with kids favored the old station wagons. Who can forget the fake contact paper “wood” on the sides of those smelly, gas-guzzling sleds? In the 1980’s and ‘90s, soccer moms moved to the ever-practical minivans pioneered first by Lee Iacocca at Chrysler. Minivans gave way to SUVs. Soccer moms loved their large Chevy Suburbans, GMC Yukon Denalis, Ford Expedition and Excursions, Cadillac Escalades, and in their most extreme form, the Hummer. And even dads liked these vehicles as they were comfortable, spacious, macho, and could handle the occasional off-road duty. But gas prices have largely killed this segment both economically and politically. So that paved the path for mid sized SUVs and crossovers. These vehicles have garnered the focus of manufacturers for their utility and relative fuel efficiency. But lately they have received more attention from automakers with more daring design and performance. People looking for more utility than sedans or sports cars but with performance and flair have flocked to this segment. The Porsche models fit into this category.

Not a lot is known about the Macan at this stage. Porsche has released a video teaser that shows active young men and women all engaged in outdoor activities, and even the obligatory soccer mom with two young boys. Expect the marketing and positioning for the vehicle to be lifestyle focused. It is doubtful that the Macan will be viewed as a serious utility vehicle. The Q5 is about eight inches shorter than the Cayenne so expect the Macan to be similarly reduced. The height likely will be three to four inches lower than the Cayenne and should sit lower to the ground. Front seats will be the focus with plentiful space and sport bolstering but the rear should be a kids-only domain with room for two and a half. Pity the half. Cargo space will be minimal with seats up but more utilitarian with seats down. But who seriously buys a Porsche to transport stuff?

The design sketches look like a raised and shortened version of the four-door Panamera. According to the sketches, the front and back ends are typically Porsche. The side views are dominated by ultra large wheels (likely to be right-sized for production), and a chopped greenhouse (likely to be raised for production). So the final design likely will look more like a baby Cayenne with a lower, shorter, and more raked profile.

Who will buy the Porsche Macan?

The target will be young people who need more than a sports car but can’t bear to move to a Ford Explorer or a Chevy Acacia and who can’t afford the Cayenne or a Range Rover. They would prefer to be driving a Cayman or Carrera but know they need space for the kids. With an expected price in the $45-50,000 range, this should limit buyers to active, wealthier 30-45 year old couples with young kids. How big is this market? Not huge, but it is a gap for Porsche and large enough to be worth spending a half a billion dollars to adapt a Q5. It’s something to look forward to.

Russian Kombat T98 armored SUV is more of a luxurious tank

The Dartz Kombat T98 SUV from Russia looks like a cross between a Hummer and a tank, and that connection apparently shows up in the name as well (T9 tanks). The SUV comes with steel plated doors and 3-inch windows, and enough armor to keep the passengers protected from attacks, ranging from bullets from an AK 47 to rocket propelled grenades.

The Dartz T-98 has been noted as one of the fastest multiterrain armored vehicles in the world, boasting an 8.1-liter engine and made with parts courtesy of General Motors. The Hummer H1 is often considered to be the most desirable of the Humvee makes, being the first of the now famous line introduced by AM General and also valued for its (relatively) efficient gas mileage. Coincidentally, the Hummer brand is also associated with GM, which had to part with the line as part of its bankruptcy settlement. So how much do they have in common versus how much they don't have in common? Well, I'll let you be the judge, as this video puts both vehicle types to the test in various environments including highways, sand dunes, forests, and snow. Enjoy. Or not. It's no big deal, right?