During these tumultuous times that have seen the US and Canadian governments stepping into the roll of corporate stakeholder

A great looking SUV... er... crossover. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

instead of just regulating body, the repeated mantra from on high seems to be that small fuel-efficient cars are the antidote for healing what ails North America’s automakers. Yet there’s still money to be made selling SUVs and crossovers, as long as the right ones are put on sale. Mazda just might have the ideal answer in its sporty yet fuel friendly CX-7, as it’s difficult to ask much more from an SUV.

Okay, so it’s really a crossover. The Mazda CX-7 holds five-passengers and is big, but not too big. Seven passenger vehicles are all the rage, but there is a reason the automobile has evolved around a four-plus-one arrangement. Because really, how often do those extra two seats in the back really save the day? Five seats is all most people normally need, unless they have more than three kids.

But

Stylish from all angles, the CX-7 is one of the sportiest crossovers in the entry-level class. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

what about power? There are many people who think if there isn’t at least a V6 under the hood, a vehicle will be slow and won’t have enough power to meet their needs. After all, how often do you pull a 20-foot boat? How often do you need to rush to the next city at over 200 km/h? How often do you have to pass three trucks in a row on a two-lane highway? It’s not the ‘80s anymore, and four-bangers are no longer weaklings.

The CX-7 has a turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder with a very healthy 244hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. With a 6-speed automatic it gets a reasonable 11.9L/100km city and 8.7L/100km highway with front-wheel drive, or 12.7 and 9.1 respectively with all-wheel drive. So a 4-cylinder is all most people will need for everyday use.

Somehow, unless our parents had a Range Rover, we all managed to survive many winters

A beautifully detailed interior makes for a premium-like experience. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

driving that first crap car with front-wheel drive on nearly bald tires. So, is all-wheel drive really necessary to get us over the mound at the end of the driveway, when the real problem to be solved is our lack of ambition to shovel it in the morning? Front-wheel drive, and maybe a set of snow tires, once again is all most people will ever need.

With front-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and a good list of standard features, the CX-7 GS starts at $30,295 – a very solid value. You can add all-wheel drive for $2,000 or a power moonroof for $1,000. My loaded GT tester came with all-wheel drive, the moonroof, Xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a leather trimmed interior, a better sound system, Bluetooth, a keyless ignition system and other goodies for $37,655.

At

No shortage of cargo space in this compact model. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

this point I am not making the CX-7 sound very sexy, because all I’ve talked about is its layout. But it is the combination of a smart-package with being comfortable, stylish, affordable and sporty (yes I am saying sporty) that makes it a great vehicle.
The CX-7 can feed that occasional craving to carve a corner, or to push the drivetrain through a few gears for some satisfying pace. The 2.3L turbo pulls hard, and makes the tallish Mazda lean on its big 18-inch tires, forcing the suspension to keep composure, which it does very well. The tight and direct steering is a big part of the crossover’s sporty feel.

The steering wheel itself is thin and simple, looking like a slightly larger version of the wheel from the MX-5. You sit upright, but feel like you sit lower, thanks to the high beltline. Small triangular windows will

The CX-7 delivers a balance of sport and luxury in a fuel-efficient package. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

help you see through the big A-pillars, and big side mirrors help to see around the CX-7’s distinctive hips.

The dashboard has lots of shape and structure to it. A two-tone scheme goes all around the vehicle’s interior trim with black on top and creamy beige on the bottom. A cool vertical black stripe runs the length of each seat along the spine – including those in the rear.

Back there you get a surprisingly comfortable bench, except you can’t tuck your toes underneath the seat in front of you so legroom is limited. Those rear seats fold nearly flat, with just the slightest slope when leveled with the cargo floor. The look and feel of the interior is near luxury, adding to its appeal and value proposition.

The CX-7 takes the simple SUV people used to love and modernizes it into a true crossover. It isn’t better by being bigger, faster or more flamboyantly styled, and it hasn’t recalled an old name to generate hype. With the CX-7, the SUV ingredients have changed, but the recipe remains the same.

When I was growing up there were only a few ways you could fit seven passengers into a vehicle with any relative comfort.

Nice ride... Mazda certainly has a look all its own, and a pleasing one at that. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

One was into a “mom van,” as we liked to call it. A van that epitomized a mom who had three kids that played hockey or figure skated, who also had a golden retriever and a gardening fetish BUT could still make extra room in the back of her ride to throw camping gear. Despite its roomy nature, weren't and still aren't exceptionally cool. Yes, I'm talking from experience! Another way was into an old Volvo/Mercedes station wagon where you could fit a couple of extra kids in the rear cargo seats. It was fun, but unless you were under the age of eight or relatively short, legroom was a problem. And usually the last was to pile them into someone's four-door sedan and have people sitting on each other. Now that was super uncomfortable and dangerous, I might add, but perhaps the coolest and most enjoyable way.

The above scenarios probably still exist, although hopefully today people know better than to shove all their friends into the back seat of a sedan regardless of the reason. Still, fitting seven people into a car doesn't have to involve the shame of being seen in an uncool, but practical “mom van” or to compromise legroom in the very back of a wagon. Now, there are vehicles like the 2009 Mazda CX-9 GT, after all, that abolish all the negative stigmas of seven-occupant transportation. Not only is the CX-9 one of the nicest looking seven-passenger cars on the market today, it has a sporty flare, lots of legroom even in the third-row seats, dashing good looks, amazing safety features, a powerful engine and the appeal of wanting to be seen in its seats. Where was this crossover when I was growing up?!

Built on the Mazda6-derived platform (which with respect to crossovers is also shared with the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX), the CX-9 has the ability to allow passengers in and out with minimal effort. Its second row seats slide a total of 12 cm

Great styling, and totally practical too. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

forward or back to let those in the very rear inside with ease. The second row also reclines, so going on long trips couldn't be more comfortable for those in the middle section. Furthermore, the leather seating surfaces are great to sit in, whether behind the wheel, riding shotgun or in back. I did my fair share of testing out the various positions just to get a feel of what it would be like if I could be a passenger. I rarely get to sit in the rear seats of any cars as I'm always the one driving! My conclusion is, for someone of average height, male or female, the CX-9 has a comfortable seat no matter where you sit. If you're taller, sit closer to the front or in the front! And when I needed an extra bit of trunk space, or a lot of extra trunk space, both the second and third row seats have a 60/40 split which fold completely flat allowing a total of 487 litres (17.2 cubic feet) behind the second row and 2,851 litres (100.7 cubic feet) of room with the second and third row folded flat.

Whether

Great cockpit... designed for driving. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

I was hauling just myself or a carload of people, the CX-9's powerful 24-valve, DOHC, 3.7-litre V6 engine, which produces 273 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque got me where I needed to go, and quickly. It had ample power to zip around town in, but also to get me up the steep streets of Vancouver's North Shore. When I needed a little extra boost, the CX-9 was ready and waiting to deliver the 273 promised ponies at my beckoned call. And what better way to deliver that power than through a 6-speed sport mode automatic transmission. Then again, this transmission has been optimized for fuel efficiency at the top end and performance at the low end, so yes I was able to see the fuel gauge go down every time I put the pedal to the floor. It's a fair trade off, I guess, being that if a person goes a bit lighter on the throttle it will reward with something approaching 9.6 litres per hundred kilometers on the highway. 

There are no trade-offs in the technology department since the CX-9 GT trim offers plenty of

The details are nice. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

electronic gadgets. First off is an Intelligent Key System, a new feature for the 2009 model year; a system that allows for keyless entry and keyless starting. There are no new styling or mechanical upgrades for the 2009 model year as the CX-9 only came into being in 2007. There are, however, minor changes to the standard and optional features like the one above. Other technological delights include an optional voice activated navigation system with a touchscreen interface and a rearview camera ($2,675.) The navigation system now also comes standard with Bluetooth and Audio Profile for the 2009 model year.

CX-9 prices have been reduced as well, with an MSRP of $36,795 for the GS FWD trim and an MSRP of $44,395 for the GT AWD. Unfortunately such colours like Galaxy Mica Grey and Liquid Platinum Metallic are no longer available. Aluminum Metallic does, however, join the colour palette this year.

The Luxury

Passing is easier with the optional blind spot monitoring system. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Package which was also equipped on my 2009 CX-9 had a phenomenal stereo system. The LP will set you back an extra $1,895, but is well worth it if you're a music lover. Included in the package is a BOSE AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 10 speakers which now comes with Sirius satellite radio (free for six months). Whether I had my music turned right up or right down low, there were no bad vibrations that came from the speakers so I could enjoy my techno, heavy metal or classical music in peace.

Another important (and kind of fun) feature that comes as part of the Luxury Package is the blind spot monitoring system. If there is a car in the blind spot, a little ‘car' icon lights up on the appropriate side-view mirror. When you put your turn signals on and the icon is still lit up, the car will beep a couple of times warning you of potential danger. Of course, this is a precautionary measure to avoid an accident, so it's a good idea to keep checking your blind spots even if you have the system. All-round, it's a pretty cool feature on an SUV that is relatively long at 5,074 mm (199.8 in).

Even with its long body, the CX-9 seems to handle more like a sports car than a minivan! Thank goodness for that. Its responsive steering and excellent handling can be attributed to its rack and pinion type with engine-rpm-sensing variable power steering and 4-wheel independent suspension. The standard 245/50R20 all season tires with 20-inch bright finish alloy wheels grip the road amazingly well, and look pretty chic at the same time.  Not to mention it has active torque-split AWD system that makes driving in slippery conditions just that much safer. And to make it even safer, the CX-9 is readily

Five, six, or seven passengers, the CX-9 has you covered. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

equipped with power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC,) Traction Control System (TCS) and Rollover and Stability Control (RSC.) There are also plenty of airbags in the front and rear to protect passengers from harm.

What particularly caught my eye with the CX-9 was its interior. This is the kind of Mazda interior I'm used to. Say what? Well, since Mazda and Ford are very good at sharing with each other, in some ways, Mazda products have become very American. Take the Mazda Tribute for example. Its interior is almost identical to the Ford Escape. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the Japanese auto manufacturer kind of loses its identity in the process. I like the novelty-sized buttons and the red and blue backlighting of the instrument cluster. It's cool-looking and hardly boring. It's the Mazda that I know and like. The visually stimulating interior is complemented by tight-fitting panels on the

A good name to remember. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

dash, right down to the high quality details on the navigation system's touch screen.

With all this crossover's luxury features and phenomenal ride quality, I would expect to pay a premium at the pump, right? Nope. The CX-9 uses 87 octane gas, which is a cost saver to begin with.  It also has an estimated fuel economy rating of 14.0L/100km in the city and 9.6L/100km on the highway, which is relatively decent for a car of its size. After all, it can hold seven people!

Whether I was filling the 2009 CX-9 GT AWD with people or personal items, I was impressed with its overall ride quality and high quality interior. It's not hard to see why this crossover gets a lot of attention. And for all the right reasons I might add.

Specifications (2009 CX-9 GT AWD):

• Price Range MSRP: $44,395 - $48,965
• Destination Charge: $1,535
• Body Type: 5-door crossover
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 273-hp, 270 lb-ft of torque, 3.7L, DOHC, 24-valve, V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto w/ manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,074 / 1,936 / 1,728 / 2,875 mm (199.8 / 76.2 / 68.0 / 113.2 in)
• Curb Weight: 2,056 kg (4,533 lbs)
• Tires: 245/50R20 All Season
• Cargo Volume (seats up/folded): 487 / 2,851 L (17.2 / 100.7 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (est. city/hwy): 14.0/9.6
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive; 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Taurus X, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe / Veracruz, Nissan Murano, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota RAV4 / Highlander
• Website: www.mazda.ca

The first thing that you notice is the chromed flying M in the middle of the honeycomb grille. Telltale sign that the largish

Great looking crossover is accommodating too. (Photo: Jon Rosner, Canadian Auto Press)

liquid silver metallic crossover with the dry cleaner creased and crisp lines in front of you is from Mazda. The immediate expectation is of a vehicle that will offer solid acceleration, clean handling, fine ride, and solid gas mileage.

The interior strives for an opulent look with contrasting light and dark grays, rich hardwood and chrome. Two tone leather seats in front offer excellent upper/lower back as well as thigh support, with effortless cushioning that feels comfortable even after hours behind the wheel. The ability to slide the second row seat back and forth meant that we could accommodate a few really long-legged passengers. Those second row seats are equally appealing to the eye, offering a 2/3s split, but the lack some of the excellent support of the front seats, although more comfortable than the 50/50 split 3rd row fold-down seats.

The 3.7-litre DOHC V6 supplies a max of 273 horses at a very tall 6,250 rpm. Torque is rated at 270 pound-feet at a more reasonable 4,500 rpm. The CX-9 in

Comfortable cabin gives off luxury feel. (Photo: Jon Rosner, Canadian Auto Press)

front wheel drive form weighs in at 1959 kg (4318 lbs), which is  substantial for sure, while the all wheel drive version tips the scales at 2056 kg (4532 lbs). That said Mazda's largest feels surprisingly quick, nimble and poised. Credit a lot of that to solid suspension design, a stretched 2,870 mm (113 inch) wheelbase and unibody construction.

Shifts of the Aisan six speed slush box are nice and soft. Crappy switch-back roads are smoothed out and handled with grace and zippiness in spite of the steamroller 245/50R20 wheels. The pie-plate four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Roll Stability Control made linear hauling down of the CX-9 a simple matter of choosing the right amount of brake pedal pressure. Towing capacity for the CX-9 is a fairly low 907 kilos (2,000 pounds) with front wheel drive and 1 587 kg (3,500 lbs) with the all wheel drive and towing package.

Front wheel drive or Active Torque Split all-wheel drive can send up to 50 percent of the

Fits well into this family neighbourhood. (Photo: Jon Rosner, Canadian Auto Press)

power to the rear wheels, so while it's not an off-roader it's still capable of taking the family to the ski hill or off to the cottage.

Other praise and brick-bats: low .36 drag coefficient (a great number for a seven passenger vehicle), excellent five star frontal and side impact ratings from the government, and the VERY best blind-spot warning buzzer (with yellow warning lights on the mirrors) of any car this author has experienced. Not only did the system not produce the annoying false alarms that are all too common, but it was able to let me know the perfect timing for switching out of the passing lane as well as offering a warning when a no see-um car behind me had glued itself onto my bumper in order to make a light. Two brick-bats, the remote button for the power lift gate was a pain to activate and while the CX-9 runs on regular fuel, at just under 17 mpg it doesn't sip fuel like most members of its extensive Mazda family.

It came as no surprise to learn that the CX-9 won the 2008 North American Truck of the Year award from the press and the 2008 Sport Utility of the Year prize from Motor Trend. Mazda's stated goal for the CX-9 is their trademark “Soul of a Sports Car.”

That's a lofty bar to set, and Mazda's CX-9 is certainly one of the most enjoyable seven passenger vehicles on the road today.

Specifications (2009 CX-9):

• Price Range MSRP: $36,795 – $48,965
• Destination Charge: $1,535
• Body Type: 5-door crossover
• Layout: front engine, FWD (GS), AWD (GT)
• Engine: 273-hp, 270 lb-ft of torque, 3.7L, DOHC, 24-valve, V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto w/ manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,074 / 1,936 / 1,728 / 2,875 mm (199.8 / 76.2 / 68.0 / 113.2 in)
• Curb Weight (2WD / AWD): 1,956 / 2,062 kg (4,312 / 4,546 lbs)
• Tires: 225/55R18 (opt. 245/50R20)
  
• Cargo Volume (seats up/folded): 487 / 2,851 L (17.2 / 100.7 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (est. city/hwy): 2WD 13.2 /9.0 AWD 14.0/9.7
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive; 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Taurus X, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe / Veracruz, Nissan Murano, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota RAV4 / Highlander
• Website: www.mazda.ca