Mazda crossover on the water... In dealers next month

Holden's just-launched Captiva is not the only softroader set to hit dealers and local roads in November. With an "encouraging" order book and interest at a high, Mazda's CX-7 crossover is also on schedule to hit local highways and byways next month.

According to Mazda, the first right-hand drive Mazda CX-7 went down the production line in Japan earlier this month. The first shipment of production CX-7s is on the water this week.

While quantities will be restricted in November, Mazda says full stocks should be in dealers by December. Expect to see decent numbers of the sub-$50,000 AWD on local roads by Christmas.

Australia is the first right-hand drive market to receive the swoopy, five-door SUV. At this stage Mazda is still coy about how many CX-7s it plans to sell each month.

The CX-7 uses an auto-transmission version of the turbo-AWD drivetrain from the Mazda 6 MPS. The CX-7's turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine has been trimmed to 175kW (from 190kW). Torque peaks at 350Nm at 2500rpm -- 30Nm and 500rpm less than the hotshoe 6.

Based on the MX-Crossport concept shown at the 2006 Melbourne Motor Show, the right-hooker CX-7 will be unveiled to the public at next week's Australian International Motor Show at Darling Harbour, Sydney.