Mazda SUV revealed in LA

Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled its eagerly awaited CX-7 SUV in Los Angeles yesterday in production-ready form. Frist debuted in concept form at the Detroit show last year, the CX-7 you see here is the real deal. And yes, it's coming to Oz.

Mazda says the CX-7 is "a clean break" from today's typical SUVs. The company claims it is engineered with "Mazda’s trademark, 'Soul of a Sportscar.'"

According to Doug Dickson, Managing Director of Mazda Australia: “CX-7 represents everything a Mazda SUV should be: powerful, with great styling and detailed craftsmanship and fun-to-drive."

Dickson also confirmed the five-seater will go on sale in Australia in early 2007. It will "compliment" rather than replace the Tribute range.

The AWD CX-7 shares drivetrain componentry with the recently-released Mazda 6 MPS but will also be built in a front-wheel drive only version. Both variants will feature a six-speed automatic transmission, however, it is not certain both versions will come to Oz.

In North American specification the CX-7's 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder fuel-injected petrol engine develops 182kW at 5000rpm -- 8kW and 500rpm short of the MPS's local-spec mill. Peak torque of 350Nm (MPS 380) is, however, delivered at 2500rpm (also 500rpm lower) and maintained all the way through to the engine's peak power point.

If the MPS's powerplant is anything to go by you can expect the midrange acceleration to be lusty!

Strictly a five-seater, the CX-7 features rakish styling -- Mazda says the 66-degree windshield angle featured is "sleeker than many sportscars, let alone SUVs." Distinct character lines run through the A-pillars forward to the distinctively Mazda five-pointed grille and headlights.

The wagon's profile view is dominated by a fast rising beltline and prominent wheelarches.

 Mazda claims the CX-7 will deliver best-in-class performance for coefficient of drag. Even the underbody hasn't escaped attention -- ribbed covers attached to the center under-floor area are claimed to optimise aerodynamics.

Three trim levels will be offered when the car goes on sale in the USA shortly. Some of the highlights of the standard equipment list are aircon, power windows, power door locks, retractable key, cruise control, and six airbags. Also standard on all CX-7s are ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS).

The 'Touring' edition adds leather trim (seats, steering wheel, shift knob), power adjustment of the driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a retractable cargo cover. In top of the line 'Grand Touring' trim, the CX-7 is equipped with high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, fog lamps, body-color mirrors, chrome door handles, climate control aircon and other upmarket goodies.

At this stage Australian specification are yet to be finalized, but our bet is that Mazda Australia offer at least two variants: Classic and Luxury.

No news yet on when the CX-7 will be unveiled Down Under, however, with a 2007 onsale date it is unlikely the car will be displayed locally before October's Australian International Motor Show at Sydney's Darling Harbour.

But, then again you never know...