KEY POINTS:
Mazda's price of $48,995 for the new all-wheel-drive CX-7 crossover takes the carmaker and its zoom-zoom catchcry into an unfamiliar area of the New Zealand market.
The company believes the new vehicle will shake up the crossover segment with its blend of style, dynamics and practicality, and attract
new buyers to the nameplate.
"CX-7 will be a major contributor to Mazda, not only in terms of volume but as a statement of Mazda's zoom-zoom philosophy," says managing director Andrew Clearwater.
"While we are forecasting around 400 units a year, as this is a new segment we are entering and based on initial public reaction, we may well exceed these numbers.
"The addition of the CX-7 is a critical step forward for us. New Zealand motorists have reacted positively to crossover vehicles as we see a shift away from bigger SUV vehicles."
Available in nine colours, the CX-7 is available today from Mazda dealerships nationwide for $48,995 including GST. And like all new Mazda vehicles, the CX-7 comes with a three-year, 100,000km warranty and on-call round-the-clock roadside assist.
Mazda says it combines the practicality of an SUV with the company's reputation for sports-car handling.
Said programme manager Shunsuke Kawasaki, in New Zealand for the launch of the CX-7: "It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before and this deviation from the crossover norm is inviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use."
The CX-7 is powered by a reworked version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine that powers the high performance Mazda6 MPS sport sedan.
It produces more than 174kW at 5000 rpm, with torque peaking at 350Nm at 2500rpm.
Mazda says a notable change from the Mazda6 engine is a new turbocharger designed to improve throttle response. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode. Standard safety features include six airbags, traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes and a stability system.
Standard features include leather trim, a glass sunroof, power windows and mirrors, a power-operated driver's seat with eight-way adjustment, heated front seats, heated side mirrors and climate controlled air-conditioning.
There's also wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, MP3 compatible six-disc CD player, a nine-speaker 240 watt BOSE sound system and remote central locking.