chicagotribune.com's view

Have to say the arrival of crossovers brings mixed emotions after twice losing out to the bottle blond and being forced to bypass the store offering fine spirits to visiting the facility pedaling automobiles to get a station wagon.

Sure, most crossovers are merely wagons with an odd name meant to fool prospective buyers into thinking they are getting something other than the vehicle we knew variously as the portable crib, diaper bag and potty-chair carrier of the ’70s and ’80s.

However, the crossover does everything a wagon does in far better style. The wagon was a frump, while the crossover is high fashion.

We tested the new 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover, with jewel-like designer headlamps rather than round dull beams. It stands tall so you can see down the road, not long and low like wagons of old that made it easier to slip 2x4s between the kids.

The CX-7 comes with two rows of seats to handle five folks. It will be complemented by a larger CX-9 early next year with three rows to hold seven.

Other than different seating patterns, the CX-7 offers a 2.3-liter, 244-horsepower, turbocharged 4-cylinder, the CX-9 a 3.5-liter, 254-h.p. V-6. That’s the same engine arriving with the Ford Edge crossover this fall. The 7 and 9 sport a new 6-speed automatic transmission.

Still, the CX-7 fuel-economy rating disappoints at 18 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway.

The 7 and 9 share some components with Edge, but the CX-9 is longer and wider than the Ford.

To make way for the CXes, the Mazda MPV minivan departs.

Mazda is one of the automakers Ford acquired; Volvo, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover being others. Unlike Jaguar and Aston, however, don’t expect it to be available at Ford’s garage sale. Sales are going strong and, unlike Jaguar, at least, it makes money. And, thanks to platform sharing with Mazda, Ford was able to create the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ sedans.

Mazda likes to call the CX-7 a “family friendly” vehicle. Can’t argue. There’s spacious leg, head and arm room front and rear; cozy, well-cushioned seats with above-average long distance support; and a large cargo hold.

And that cargo area grows. Push the button on the top of the seats and the backs fold, or pull either of the levers along the wall in back and the seat backs fold to provide more space.

And the CX-7 is room with zoom. With the turbo boost, we found the 4-cylinder climbs steep hills without chugging, pulls out to pass without hesitating and handles any call for a burst of energy when encountering all obstacles in its path on a run along Interstate 94 without losing its breath.

Station wagons never had that vitality, and certainly never provided the soft but solid ride and nimble handling of the CX-7 when piloting into and out of the twists in the road.

Wagons tended to wander on the pavement, in large part due to their length and loads.

The wide-profile, 18-inch, all-season radial tires contribute to the feeling of control in the CX-7. The test car also came with full-time all-wheel-drive, an on-demand system that operates in front-wheel-drive until sensors detect wheel slippage and send more torque to the rear wheels. As added insurance, stability control to monitor and prevent unnecessary lateral movement, side-curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes are standard. Another reason to call it family friendly.

Nice touches include a small cubby space alongside the spare tire under the rear floor to hide a few items, a power plug in the dash and good storage space under the center console armrest.

But there are flaws. Though the instrument cluster lights up in an easy-to-see orange with blue background at night, it is difficult to see in daylight, especially the fuel needle.

And to get a power moonroof, you have to buy a package that includes a CD changer and Bose audio system. Why?

The CX-7 comes in base, Touring and Grand Touring versions. Air conditioning, power windows and locks are standard in all. Touring adds to that power driver’s seat and heated front seats with leather trim. Grand Touring throws in fog lamps, body-colored mirrors and automatic climate control.

2007 MAZDA CX-7 GRAND TOURING AWD CROSSOVER

The Grand Touring with AWD starts at $28,000.
Price as tested: $29,585*

THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase:
108.3 inches
Length: 184 inches
Engine: 2.3-liter, 244-h.p. turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
CITY: 18 m.p.g.
HIGHWAY: 24 m.p.g.

THE STICKER
$28,000 Base
$1,585 Power sliding moonroof, Bose audio system and six-disc CD changer package
*Add $595 for freight

PLUSES
Pleasant ride and handling. Very peppy 4-cylinder. Holds five in comfort and lots of cargo. AWD for all-season motoring.

MINUSES
Low mileage.

Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation and Tuesday and Thursday in Business. Hear him on WBBM Newsradio 780 at 6:22 p.m. Wednesdays and 11:22 a.m. Sundays.

jmateja@tribune.com