Mazda CX-7 v Subaru Forester 2010 Comparison

Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sport v Subaru Forester 2.0D

Comparison Test

Carsales Network verdict:
Performance:

With Mazda and Subaru both making the foray into the diesel-powered softroader market recently, we thought a head-to-head battle of the brand's two most popular 'D' badged models was worth a yarn, even if strictly speaking the pair are not direct rivals.

The Mazda CX-7 is slightly larger than Subaru's Forester (the Subaru Outback probably more relevant proportionally) but from a sales perspective, the two vehicles tested highlight a growing trend in the move towards turbodiesel SUVs, both heading a quiet charge forward in sales for their respective brands.

Indeed, the pair shares a lot of common ground. They both offer adequate seating for five, a fair whack of luggage space, decent softroad credibility (well, almost), and that certain high-riding cachet favoured by need-to-be-seen soccer mums and dads far and wide. Add to that the added benefits that come from fitting a modern turbodiesel engine beneath the bonnet -- more torque, better drivability, improved fuel economy and a dose of 'green' streetcred -- and it's easy to see why diesel is flavour of the decade.

OILERS AIN'T OILERS
The obvious place to start in our comparison is at the oily heart of the matter. And straight away the difference is obvious. The Forester uses Subaru's new 2.0-litre 'Boxer' turbodiesel, the first of its kind anywhere in the diesel SUV market. The horizontally-opposed cylinder arrangement keeps weight low in the engine bay, already giving the Forester a slight advantage over most comers -- most traditional diesel engines carry a noticeable weight disadvantage over their petrol rivals, usually due to heavier construction materials, such as cast-iron.

Conversely the CX-7 sticks with tradition and uses an inline four-cylinder turbodiesel, albeit of greater capacity at 2.2-litres. The inferior weight distribution is immediately obvious, the higher centre of gravity up front evident offroad where combined with CX-7's front-wheel drive dynamics it works to unsettle the front end in corners.

But strength is on Mazda's side, the 2183cc DOHC unit develops 136kW and 400Nm. This easily out-powers the 1998cc DOHC Subaru Boxer with its 108kW and 350Nm -- despite a staggering 408kg weight difference (1928kg v 1520kg respectively).

In simple terms the Mazda offers more midrange grunt, a useful trait when faced with bigger hills or when overtaking where the Subaru requires a gearshift (or two) to achieve a similar result -- something worth keeping in mind considering neither vehicle is offered with the option of an automatic transmission.

Interestingly fuel economy also plays in Mazda's favour. Despite the contrary being true 'on paper', real world results showed the Forester was significantly thirstier than the CX-7, in spite of its smaller capacity and lighter kerb weight.

For the record, our time with each showed Mazda adhering closely to its claimed result achieving 8.1L/100km (ADR combined cycle 7.6L/100km) while the Subaru offered 9.8L/100km, substantially more than the ADR combined cycle claim of 6.4L/100km. For the purposes of this fuel economy comparison both vehicles were tested over the same 300km course on the same day.

TOWN OR COUNTRY?
The real strength of each vehicle only becomes evident once behind the wheel. Besides the 'rubbery' fuel figures already noted, the differences in road feel are akin to Aesop's town mouse, country mouse, and are probably an apt depiction of where each vehicle's strengths are found.

Around town and on sealed highways the CX-7 is more at home. The car is more settled at speed, steers better (despite the theoretical advantage of the Subaru's configuration) and offers more cornering confidence from its firmer suspension arrangement.

Mazda's softroader is also more refined and has a car-like feel to the way it drives, plus a quieter engine and road noise factor. Also, the cabin feels more polished with features and switchgear decidedly more upmarket in their appearance and feel -- even if this comes at a cost.

On the downside, the Mazda is a touch harder to see out of, especially where over the shoulder headchecks are concerned. It also takes more gusto to shift gears, both the clutch and gearstick requiring more effort than Forester's schmick shifting stick.

The country mouse then is almost the complete opposite. In every aspect of Mazda's upsides, the Subaru is weaker, and vice-versa. For starters, the Forester's diesel is more agricultural aurally, and lacks that distinctive pulsing character of the Boxer petrol engine for which Subaru is famous. The utilitarian cabin also seems a little basic by comparison, with harsher (though arguably more durable) dash plastics and a simplified control layout.

But the Forester's basic control setup is easier to manipulate from the get-go as the plethora of controls on the Mazda -- both on the steering wheel and centre stack -- can be a little overwhelming.

Indeed, the Subaru conveys a sense of rugged durability both inside and out, and while the Mazda doesn't deliver the same sensation of toughness it certainly has the edge in sophistication, offering more luxury options if you're happy to spend the coin.

Both cars are impressive in the comfort and interior space department, though the Mazda has slightly more rear seat legroom thanks to its 4693mm length, trumping the Subaru's 4560mm. Both vehicles have a maximum towing capacity of 750kg unbraked, 1600kg braked.

While the Mazda CX-7 boasts well-cushioned pews, the Subaru Forester's seats are surprisingly well suited to the car's touring and soft-road intent... And it's here where Forester shines.

Despite its somewhat flaccid onroad feel, so-so road noise and average performance, Forester 2.0D is a champion of the rough stuff, soaking up potholes and corrugations without even flinching, the suspension working skilfully to keep occupants comfortable and the wheels on the ground.

Grip is tremendous on loose gravel and through mud, Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive coming in to its own over difficult terrain, offering sure-footedness the CX-7 could only dream of. Where the Mazda CX-7 feels nervous turning into corners on unsealed roads, understeering and offering vague feedback, the Forester is very confident, telegraphing what the wheels are doing beneath you and making the dirt road treks far more satisfying as a result.

Ground clearance in Forester, though not ideal, is adequate if obstacles are tackled at an appropriate speed while the car's anti-lock braking and stability control systems are also superior off-road, being noticeably more active while not intrusive. (If you're planning on taking your softroader 'bush' check out our advice guide here).

You only need to look at the vehicles to gauge which is the bitumen battler and which is the dirt demon. The Subaru's squared-off, rugged appearance is at odds with the CX-7's contemporary, curvaceous lines.

CONCLUSION
There was a lot of debate here, but ultimately the gong goes to the CX-7 -- but only by a whisker.

Though the Mazda CX-7 diesel will put you back more than $7000 compared the Forester (as tested), its engine performance, ride quality and refinement are hard to ignore, and the fuel consumption figures are also a big factor. It's an area where Mazda dominated the Subaru.

However the Subaru is the more rugged of the pair, and that's where it comes down to necessity. If you don't plan to leave the bitumen, the Mazda CX-7 is a no-brainer, but if your street is unsealed or you do a lot of travelling beyond the urban fringe, the Forester is clearly the more prudent purchase.

SPECIFICATION & PRICING

Subaru Forester 2.0D
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $35,990 - $39,990
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Nil
Price as tested: $35,990
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 6.4L/100km
CO2 emissions (g/km): 168

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 2.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sport
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $43,640
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Nil
Price as tested: $43,640
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 7.6L/100km
CO2 emissions (g/km): 202

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 2.5/5.0

Vital stats
Engine: 2183cc DOHC in-line four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 136kW @ 3500rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1800-3000rpm
Fuel Economy: 7.6L/100km (Claimed)
CO2 Emissions: 202g/km
Kerb Weight: 1928kg

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