(Wed 04 Jan 06)

Mazda has publicly revealed its new CX-7 crossover SUV at the Los Angeles Show, and will have it on display at the Detroit Show in the next few days. As reported previously, the CX-7 is intended primarily for North American markets (where it will go on sale in the spring) and there is no talk as yet of it becoming available in Europe.

It might attract interest in these parts, though. Of its type, the CX-7 looks pretty sporty, following the intention of designer Iwao Koizumi. "My idea for the Mazda CX-7 design was to combine dynamic movement, speedy shapes and a bold presence in one passionate statement," he says. "Mazda has such a strong sports car heritage that it can offer a crossover SUV with an exceptionally lively and distinctive appearance."

And the CX-7's looks are unlikely to deceive, judging by what's under the bonnet. Here lies the same 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit also found in the high-performance Mazda6 MPS. In this application it produces 244bhp, and the most significant departure from the MPS set-up is that the turbo unit is new, with a reworked inlet port intended to improve throttle response from low engine speeds and reduce lag.

The engine is connected to a six-speed gearbox and then to either front-wheel or four-wheel drive transmission, depending on model. There is no diesel option at present.

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