Now, this writer has something of a fondness for all of the Mazda CX-7 lineup. It’s hard not to like something that combines sleek modern styling with the practicality (and fun) of AWD capacity and high ground clearance – perfect for a weekend away fishing or camping. But out of all the four CX-7 models on offer, the one I like the best would have to be the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports. How can you not like something that has all the grunt of a turbodiesel and a very pampering level of luxury inside… and the best fuel economy of the line-up into the bargain (and I do mean bargain – the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports is very reasonably priced, especially when you consider what you get).

This review could stop here after this brief summary, but I owe you a few more details than that. It’s one thing to say that the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports has a grunty turbodiesel engine. But how grunty is it? Well, it’s a 2.2 litre 4-cylinder DOHC turbo-diesel and while the power is a little lower than what’s on tap with the CX-7 petrol model at 127 kW, the torque is just the way I like it: 400 Nm at 2000 revs – plenty of what you need when off-roading or when towing. And this is the most frugal of the line-up as well as being the most torquative – it gets 7.6 litres per 100 km on average, so combine that with the lower cost of diesel and you get something that Scrooge would be happy driving.

Except that a real Scrooge-type ascetic would feel uncomfortable about the luxury inside the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports. All five seats are not only very roomy but they are also covered with leather trim. The driver’s seat is adjustable eight ways and has lumbar support as well as being heated (on a chilly day, the most comfortable way to drive and stay alert is to have a heated seat and cooler air from the air-conditioning in your face – this puts the mmmm in to Mazda). And the leather look is continued with the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. The audio system is also very pampering – 9 speakers and a crystal-clear Bose 240 watt amplifier to make the most of what’s playing, which could be the radio or one of six CDs or MP3s. And this audio system works in with the hands-free Bluetooth compatible communication, and with the multi-function display panel, when it’s not being used for the trip computer or for the satellite navigation. Other interior convenience features in the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports include the cruise control, the auto on-off headlights, the blackout instrument cluster and a reversing camera (meaning a camera to help you see behind you when reversing, rather than a camera that reverses).

I hope I never have to use the passive safety features in the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports. However, it’s good to know that the front, side and curtain airbags are all there, and that I’ll be surrounded by a tough bodyshell – although it’s a pity that the impact-absorbing zones mean that the good looks of the SUV will be spoiled. But the good visibility offered by the big windows and the high stance, combined with the twin headlamps and the fog lights, should help stop the worst happening. So will the active safety features, such as the Dynamic Stability Control, ABS brakes with EBD and brake assist. But these also affect my everyday driving, as they improve the “feel” of how the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports drives.

Favourite colour for the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports? I’m hesitating between the Stormy Blue and the Galaxy Grey out of the six possibilities.

Oh yes – the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports has an AWD drivetrain and a six-speed Activematic transmission. How could I have forgotten to mention that?

The current model series includes the:

• Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports

For any more information on the Mazda CX-7 Diesel Sports, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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