Mazda CX-7

August is expected to be the peak season for motoring holidays in the UK this year as it was when 3.7 million holidaymakers took to the roads in 2006. According to the latest research from Kwik-Fit over three quarters of holiday at home Britons use their own car to travel, but are the cars up to it!

To accommodate people, provide a comfortable ride for what is usually a long journey, a home for the entire luggage and to expect to reach the holiday destination in safety, needs a pretty special car. The new Mazda CX-7 when it goes on sale in September is just that vehicle.

Mazda Motors UK is certain that the new sports crossover will fit into a niche sector linking SUV practicality with sporty performance and great style.

So if you’re waiting until we get some decent weather and planning a late break, the Mazda CX-7 will certainly prove the ideal get away car and turn a few heads. Within the exterior styling are echoes of the RX-8, the 6 MPS and the MX-5, all sporty performance cars. Chrome framed side windows and an aggressively raked windscreen angle, large powerful fenders over 18” alloy wheels and two very large tailpipes all contribute to a sporty and athletic design.

The family will enjoy the very comfortable five seater and there is plenty of leg and head room. At its launch in the Parisian countryside one of my co-drivers fell asleep quite happily in the rear seat for the entire three hour drive!

As for the cargo hold, the boot has the popular Mazda Karakuri system. One slight tug on the latch and the rear seats fall almost flat giving 1,348 litres of luggage space. With seats in place the boot holds 455 litres. And for muddy wellies and sand covered bucket and spades there is a reversible boot floor for soiled items. The tailgate has a real quality operation rising in stages.

There is lots of storage space in the cabin and a very high equipment specification. This single model comes with features such as cruise control, electric windows front and rear, climate control air conditioning, powered driver’s seat with six way adjustment and manual lumbar support. Unfortunately there is no reach adjustment to the steering wheel, only rake. Front seats are heated and there is an excellent sound system to keep both adults and children entertained. The bespoke BOSE premium audio system has a 6 CD autochanger and nine speakers.

You won’t need it at full volume though because the engine is really quiet and there is little wind or road noise. The CX-7 has a beautiful ride with a commanding view of the road ahead although I did find that the B pillar got in the way of good visibility when moving from lane to lane on a motorway.

As you would expect from a sporty looking car, there is a very sporty engine to drive it. The 2.3 litre powerplant is turbocharged which gives ten percent more power, reaching 62mph in just 8 seconds and going on to a top speed of 130 mph. There is lots of torque at low speeds and with a very slick six speed gearbox, enthusiasts wanting Mazda’s zoom zoom spirit will like this car as much as drivers just preferring a nice ride.

CO2 emissions are high at 243g/km and combined fuel consumption is 27.7mpg, but it is a sportscar.

And if your getaway holiday doesn’t actually get you away from the monsoon type rains, then at least you can be assured that you will be protected by one of the best safety systems. The CX-7 has all wheel drive, a host of braking and traction control systems and six airbags.

At a cost of £23,960 otr Mazda expects to sell just four hundred units this year in the UK which is one of Mazda’s strongest selling markets. If it’s everyday practicality that you need along with stylish good looks and sportscar performance, then the Mazda CX-7 is just the car to rediscover the charm of a British touring holiday

By Sue Cooke