The 2011 Mazda CX-7 sporty personality

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 is a midsize crossover SUV with a sporty personality. Its peppy acceleration and precise handling backed by an exterior with sleek lines and tapered roof line make the vehicle look more like a sports car than an SUV.

There are five trim levels for the Mazda CX-7: the i-SV, the i-Sport and the i-Touring and s-Touring and s-Grand Touring. The base i-SV model includes air-conditioning, full-power accessories, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, an adjustable driver’s seat that has six manual adjustments and a CD stereo system with four speakers. Added in the i-Sport package are a steering wheel wrapped in leather, privacy-tint glass, and Bluetooth connectivity. The i-Touring has all of the features of the i-Sport with the exception of the addition of an automatic climate control system and a Bose surround sound audio system with AM/FM stereo, six-disc CD/MP3 player and nine speakers.

Featured in the Mazda CX-7 s-Touring model is a turbocharged engine, dual exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rear cargo cover and a driver seat with eight power adjustments. On the top-of-the-line s-Grand Touring are automatic xenon headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, exterior mirrors that are heated, automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry, rearview camera, navigation system, upgraded leather upholstery, memory settings for the driver’s seat, a passenger seat with four power adjustments and an upgraded Bose audio system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio.

Specs:

The engine in the Mazda CX-7 depends on the model with the i versions sporting a 2.5 inline four cylinder that produces 161 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. The s versions have a turbocharged 2.3 liter four cylinder engine that can produce 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with manual shift control.

The i models of the Mazda CX-7 are front-wheel drive only while the s models are available in either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive system can send 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels should there be a loss of traction.

Fuel economy for the Mazda CX-7 is dependent on the model and the drive type. An i version with front-wheel drive rates 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. An s version with front-wheel drive rates 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while an s version with four-wheel drive is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined.

The interior of the Mazda CX-7 seats five comfortably and its sporty styling is also present on the inside. With the second row of seats up, there is about 30 cubic feet of cargo space, which can grow to up to 59 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 lives up to its sporty reputation with not only a classy exterior design and modern inside appeal, but as a car that can handle the road with power and respect.