A new front-wheel drive CX-7 Introducing Mazda’s new CX-7, available in front-wheel drive only. Why has Mazda made this decision? "We did this simply because our customers were asking for it.” …according to what Mazda management told us. Perhaps…but the answer seems to be very broad and somewhat vague. Maybe this customer request could also answer the following question: "Any chance of offering us a cheaper CX-7??” Bottom line, what we notice is a significant price difference between the front-wheel drive model - priced at $27,995 - and the all-wheel drive model with a price range from $32,295 to $41,590.
For normal summer driving, there is no difference, with the vehicle behaving in much the same way. If you don’t have to drive every day in winter or if you go out only days when the roads are clear, then the font-wheel drive model will be OK for this usage.
Powertrain
Only the transmission is different on the front-wheel drive CX-7 GX model, with the powertrain different from the one found on the all-wheel drive models.
Gearboxes are also different: the CX-7 GX model featuring the 5-speed Sport mode automatic transmission while the GS and GT models come with the 6-speed Sport mode automatic transmission including overdrive.
Safety features
Two front air bags, two front side air bags and two side air curtains ensure the safety of driver and passengers. Furthermore, a rollover sensor for air curtains and sensors to determine the weight and position of the driver and front seat passenger are also installed. 3-point safety belts for all occupants and whiplash-reducing adjustable front and rear seat head restraints further enhance safety features. Finally, Mazda’s triple “H” construction frame protects the passenger compartment by dissipating energy in multiple directions during any resulting impact.
And why not?
With so many technologies now available to help improve your driving experience (including the mandatory winter tires that just get better and better for our increasingly milder winters), why not opt for a front-wheel drive vehicle? Plus, you’ll definitely notice a significant difference in fuel consumption between the front- and all-wheel drive models. So considering all this, has Mazda done the right thing? Upcoming sales figures will tell the tale - very soon.
Daniel Lafrance
A new front-wheel drive CX-7
