Mazda2 1.5 Sport

Streamlining is one of the areas that Mazda takes very seriously, with good aerodynamics comes better fuel consumption figures and reduced CO2 emissions. The front view is one of clean, tidy lines with a gently curved bonnet and integrated front bumper. Currently the Mazda2 is available as a five-door hatchback with two 1.3-litre (75PS and 86PS) and 1.5-litre (103PS) petrol engines plus a 1.4-litre 68PS diesel unit. There are three levels of specification, TS, TS2 and Sport. My test car was the 1.5 Sport which was flexible enough for in-town driving yet coped well with fast motorway journeys without too much stress. The suspension was on the firm side and this provided for plenty of front wheel drive grip on the open road with little body roll.

The new Mazda2 has brought some changes to the inside, too. The wheel-in-every-corner layout allows for a relatively spacious cabin. Despite being some 55mm shorter than the previous model, you now sit lower so there is plenty of headroom. While the rear legroom is moderate, it is adequate for adults and, as it is a 5-door hatch, the rear seats are easily accessed. The rear seats have the usual 60:40 split and fold function, except on the TS, which has a one-piece folding bench. The minimum boot space is a modest 250-litres but this can be increased to a maximum 787-litres with the rear seats folded and the five-door hatchback loaded to the roof.

Like the outside the interior is modern and bright, well laid out with good visibility thanks to its low waistline. The slim rear quarter pillars allow for good rear side vision. The main interior changes are in the front of the cabin where the 5-speed, manual shift has been moved and is now stack-mounted which makes for easier hand movement back to the steering wheel after a gear change. The driver’s seat height adjustment range has been increased and the rake-adjustable steering column has 50mm of travel, so it is easy to find a comfortable driving position. The dashboard is formed of two levels with the smoother top half containing the air vents and small instrument nacelle, which houses sporty, white dials, across the range. All Mazda2 models have electric front windows, only the Sport has rear electric windows. All models have stereo radio/CD and MP3 player, electric power steering, driver and front passenger airbags, remote locking and alarm and immobiliser. The new styling and range of colours will appeal to the younger generation without alienating the more traditional or existing Mazda2 customers

Mazda CX-7

Mazda Motors is certain that the new Mazda CX-7 sports crossover vehicle will create a niche within a niche, bringing its ‘Zoom-Zoom’ sports car attitude to the traditional SUV sector. The Mazda CX-7 defines its own market as it is more oriented towards a sports car in its styling and driving dynamics, while retaining the commanding driving position, presence and stature of an off road vehicle. The exterior features a bold front end and bulging wheel arches to good effect. Manufactured in Japan, the CX-7 is already hugely popular in the USA, but for the European and UK markets changes have been made to best suit the demands of local consumers. The suspension set-up has also been retuned for European roads and delivers handling agility that is unmatched in its class. Part of the crossover concept combines sporty design with sports utility comfort and practicality, and the Mazda CX-7 has plenty of both. There is ample space for five occupants to travel in comfort, combining sports utility-style rear seat functionality and boot space makes it an ideal vehicle for multi-activity lifestyles. Each Mazda CX-7 is mechanically identical, with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a six-speed manual transmission and Mazda’s unique Active Torque-Split 4WD system. The CX-7 has a top speed of 130mph and 0-62mph takes 8.0 seconds.
The boot is large, flexible and rugged with a 455-litre cargo bay with all seats upright and more than 1m long, large enough to carry three golf bags with ease. The split rear seats can be folded 60:40 using Mazda’s unique Karakuri system with a one-touch rear seat back release located in the boot trim. With the back seats folded, load space is increased to 774 litres. The boot floor has a reversible water-proof trunk board made of robust plastic so soiled items can be transported without staining the carpet.

The highly-specified Mazda CX-7 comes with a generous level of equipment as standard. Every vehicle has 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, heated front seats and a bespoke BOSE® premium audio system with 6-CD autochanger and nine speakers. Customers can choose from a range of options such as front and rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, a roof carrier and detachable tow-bar. For the sporty-minded the Mazda CX-7 has exhilarating dynamics and genuine everyday practicality and remarkable refinement it is the ultimate expression of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ driving excitement in a sophisticated four-wheel drive crossover vehicle.