Test Drive Hails Mazda CX-7's Sporty Character

Filed in archive on April 21, 2006

How many times have I heard a manufacturer claim that its newest SUV handles like a sports car? Too many, and in every case untrue, but now it seems there is at least one vehicle that, as the maker proclaims, has the "soul of a sports car." In truth the Mazda CX-7 is a crossover, although the company would prefer a description that more accurately describes its character. It seems the philosophy was to integrate RX-8 design cues, fusing the conflicting ideas of urban hip/cool and the great outdoors. Remarkably it seems to have worked, according to this Edmunds.com test. I'll refrain from expressing an opinion until I've tested a Mazda CX-7 myself but after reading the review, I'm looking forward to the opportunity.