Mother Proof's view

I don’t know too many people who would brag to their friends about going out to buy a Mazda. I’m not really sure why that is, as this is a brand that really deserves a second (and third and fourth) glance. Beep, beep – move out of the way, the 2007 Mazda CX-7 is speeding directly to the top of my new favorites list.

During my two weeks in the ’07 CX-7, I had the pleasure of commuting from Denver to the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Believe it or not, I’ve actually had spiritual revelations while driving this car. OK, maybe it’s just the pure joy of being in a car alone (sans fighting children), driving through incredible vistas, chilling to my favorite stations on Sirius.

Mazda’s “Zoom Zoom” is a cute little campaign, but what does it really mean? Well, after driving the CX-7, I can vouch for the fact that Zoom Zoom is actually the fountain of youth that people have been searching for since the beginning of time; an intangible ingredient in Mazda’s vehicles that actually makes driving fun again. (Remember taking a joyride in your parent’s car when you weren’t suppose to? Hey, I’m speaking to you! Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.)

Besides the incredibly joyous fun factor, the Mazda CX-7 looks great and is entirely practical and useful. The youthful (but not cheap or cheesy) styling starts with the sleek, aerodynamic, modern exterior. The interior of my test car sported black leather seats with a sliver of faux croc suede slinking down the middle of each of the front seats. The optional touch-screen DVD navigation system with voice command pivots open for access to the six-disc CD changer. The option of a rearview camera adds to the vehicle’s safety, especially for families with young children. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls let me search through the multitude of stations on Sirius Satellite Radio (there’s something for everyone, and still plenty left over that deserves no listening attention whatsoever).

In-door storage in the front doors extends the amount of storage space beyond the cavernous center console, which fits my purse nicely. I find myself wishing for in-door storage in the back doors as well, but I’ll take what I can get. A map pocket on the back of the driver’s seat also keeps a few extra things out of the way. The cargo space in the CX-7 is large enough for all the groceries I could possibly go through in two weeks, with room left over for backpacks. When more cargo space is needed, the rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat with the help of a smart little latch release button in the cargo area.

The rear seats in the ’07 CX-7 have Latch connectors hidden within small slits in the seat, yet are still quite accessible. When the center seat is not in use, the armrest folds down, revealing two cupholders at just the right height for little ones in car seats to reach and be slightly more self-sufficient. On the flip side, the center seat belt comes down from the roof – a pet peeve of mine (just put it in the seat like all the others, please and thank you). Also, the seat belt buckle receptors are a bit tough for little ones to use on their own, as they’re a bit flopsy.

The 2007 Mazda CX-7 is the catalyst for a union of two facets of my life that seem to have been separated since birth (well, since the birth of my children, anyhow): The independent, I-am-woman-hear-me-roar self along with the Mommy-where-are-my-pink-cowboy-boots self. Finally, a car that graciously accepts the challenges and complexities of my life with ease. The CX-7 reawakens my rebellious side, too, which can be nothing but fantastic. When I had to return the CX-7, I actually caught myself indulging in very real thoughts about packing up my most prized possessions and running away in it. After a vehicular intervention from the people closest to me, I make the difficult decision to surrender the Zoom Zoom, but will mourn the loss of the CX-7 until we meet again in the next model year.

*For more information on the Mazda CX-7 and its safety features, visit www.cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

LATCH Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair – Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove On and more