Spy Shots: Mazda CX-7 nip/tuck spotted
by Chris Paukert on Feb 5th 2009 at 3:57PM 
Please To our eyes, Mazda's CX-7 crossover still manages to look fresh despite having been on the market since mid-2006. While it has aged gracefully, the Japanese automaker is readying a facelift for 2010, and some early mules have just been caught by spy shooters roaming in wintery Michigan.While the prototypes have been quite heavily disguised, it is still possible to see that beneath their anti-spy cloaks, changes are taking shape. Significantly upsized air intakes have taken up residence up front, and tape around the rear lenses could indicate that the taillamp clusters may be altered as well. Click on the link below for the full monty.
[Source: EVO]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MikeofLA 4:02PM (2/05/2009)
They need to revamp the interior. Use the same rich materials found in the 3. The door panels on these things is just a disaster.
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ASEVENSEE4 4:39PM (2/05/2009)
The plastic isn't that bad at all, the new 3 uses the same stuff on the dash and in other places. The current 3 has some semi-glossy plastic stuff on the lower panel and fabric on the insert. Not really all that awesome.
James 11:49AM (2/06/2009)
Please Mazda, enough of the "Joker grin" looks!!!...
SteveJ 4:10PM (2/05/2009)
The front is probably going to be similar to the new 3. Large vents under the headlights, the headlights themselves, and I bet there's a smiling grill under there.
Did they not ask anyone what they thought of the design before going through with it? A small test group maybe? Or did they ask their 'friends' and the friends did not want to offend them, so they said it was nice?
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adelossa 4:11PM (2/05/2009)
I just hope it isn't jokerfied.
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john riley 7:08AM (2/06/2009)
Count on it. :-(
Torrent 4:15PM (2/05/2009)
Can you get the camo as an option?
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z-man 6:13PM (2/05/2009)
.....fingers crossed......
Kitko 4:18PM (2/05/2009)
Is it just a facelift????
CX-7 has two exhaust pipes, one on each side. This car only has ONE on the RIGHT side.
Mazda is about to put its new 2.2 MZR-CD diesel (currently in the EU Mazda 6, being prized as the best diesel available in Europe), it's got 136 kW (185 hp) at 3500 rpm and whooping 400 Nm of torque at 1600 RPM (400 Nm is 295 in imperial units)
Is it just a testing for the EU, or will Mazda drop a diesel bomb in the US?
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Kitko 4:22PM (2/05/2009)
Or it can be a 2.5 liter from Mazda3/6. CX-7 is based on Mazda3 platform, it's available as FWD only, so why not. Euro specced 2.5 liter Mazda6 has dual exhaust (one side each), US version only one on the right.
ASEVENSEE4 4:37PM (2/05/2009)
Just to be clear AWD is an option and it's not on the 3 platform. It's on it's own unique platform. It's going to be a I4 engine.
Kitko 5:19PM (2/05/2009)
@ ASEVENSEE4
Sorry, I meant it's "available also as FWD-only". Euro version is standard AWD, AWD only, that's why I think of FWD as of an option. You're partially right about the platform, CX-7's platform is unique, however, it is derived from M3's, which was available on JDM as a 4x4.
Scott 4:21PM (2/05/2009)
A boost to the interior on par with the new 3 and the new 2.4 litre to increase mpg would make this a much better contender.
Looks like the engine could be a possibility since there is only one tailpipe on the mule.
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ASEVENSEE4 4:41PM (2/05/2009)
I wonder what the new side facia will look like, that big thing they have now is just hiding it, like it was on the MPS at the 'ring.
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Mazda FTW! 4:48PM (2/05/2009)
I think the fascia will be ok on bigger vehicles.
But I dunno what Mazda is doing this gen. Oh well...as long as they drive like they always do...I'm willing to smile alongwith the car.
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Farmboy 5:22PM (2/05/2009)
Is it possible that the "smile" is getting bigger. That would mean that there is at least one car company that is optimistic.
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retsel 5:48PM (2/05/2009)
FUEL CONSUMPTION
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Adam 7:04PM (2/05/2009)
A Mazda exec told me when I was working for them about them putting an I4 in the CX-7. Of course this was when gas was nearly $4 a gallon, and the call for premium in the 2.3 DISI Turbo was highly disliked among potential buyers.
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Marc-O 7:19PM (2/05/2009)
Err... The CX-7 already has an I4. Did you mean naturally aspirated instead of turbo ?
Adam 7:34PM (2/05/2009)
Yes it would be the new 2.5 found in the new 3/6/tribute.