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.

Lamborghini Madura

The lamborghini Madura was brought to life by Slavche Tanevsky, a student at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany. The vehicle is a more eco-friendly concept car to be produced by the Italian supercar manufacturer Lamborghini in the year 2016. This environmentally sound vehicle, although not the first of its kind, maintains the speed and performance that Lamborghini has become known for.

The Lamborghini Madura was created in collaboration with Audi as well as Lamborghini designers for Lamborghini's Raw Materials project.^[1] The project allows students at the University of Applied Sciences^] in Munich, Germany to design a car body and propose it to the major designers at Lamborghini. Slavche Tanevski, a student at the University, proposed this body style as well as hybrid concept to the designers, and his super-car idea has become a sensation among hybrid enthusiasts around the world. Aside from proposing the idea for a hybrid super-car, Tanevski has given other contributions to the Lamborghini company such as the Lamborghini Ankonian. The Madura body design was meticulously sculpted and manages to resemble other Lamborghini vehicles as the design will invoke aggressive body lines, a sleek interior, as well as a slightly more environmentally friendly engine. The drivetrain of this vehicle is placed in the front-mid section of the body of the car allowing Tanevski to create radical rear end body lines. The car's engine, as stated by Lamborghini officials, will maintain the same basic setup as other cars and will utilize 10-12 cylinders all while keeping a high amount of horsepower, as many Lamborghini vehicles have become known for.^[2] As for the body of the car, it utilizes large, slender headlights with bulky air intakes underneath, in order to accentuate the cars width.^[3]

As some car enthusiasts may be aware of, Lamborghini has always named their vehicles in the spirit of Spanish culture such as bulls, bull fights and famous places in time. This symbolic naming system was proposed by car company creator, as well as tractor manufacturer Ferruccio Lamborghini, due to his immense love of Spanish culture as well as heritage.^[4] In the spirit of his ideas, Lamborghini continues to name their vehicles in this way and has managed to come up with the name Madura for their concept vehicle. The name Madura arose from the island Madura in Indonesia which is famous for its large scale bull races and bull fights.^[5][6]