Blending utility, verve

The Mazda CX-7 is for those who want a rakish, nicely sized car-based crossover vehicle with agile handling, lively performance and decent cargo capacity. It offers an astute blend of sports car verve with a good dose of practicality.

There's no doubt that the CX-7 is plenty sporty, with visual cues such as a steeply raked windshield, swoopy roofline and bulging fenders reminiscent of Mazda's RX-8 sports car.

That's not to say the CX-7 isn't practical. It has comfortable room for four tall adults -- or five in a pinch -- and a large cargo area with a high opening. However, easily reached releases make it easy to lower the split-folding rear seatbacks for extra cargo space.

The CX-7 is directed at married, childless couples 30 to 40 years old, although there's plenty of room for kids in the back. It comes in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring versions with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

List prices range from $23,900 for the front-drive Sport to $28,400 for the Grand Touring with all-wheel drive. The mid-range Touring models start at $25,800.

Even the entry model CX-7 is nicely equipped with air conditioning, tilt wheel with radio controls, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, variable-intermittent wipers and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

The Touring adds leather upholstery power driver's seat and heated front seats, while the Grand Touring adds automatic climate control and heated power mirrors.

Safety items for all include front- and curtain-side air bags with rollover deployment, traction control, an anti-skid system and anti-lock all-disc brakes with a brake assist feature.

The major option is a $4,485 Technology package containing a power moonroof, Bose 9-speaker sound system with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, keyless start feature, rearview camera and navigation system.

Changes for 2009 include turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors on the Grand Touring model and dual heated front seats with a power driver seat newly available on the Sport version.

Powering the CX-7 is a turbocharged, intercooled 2.3-liter dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder with 244 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.

Performance of the smooth direct-injection, 16-valve engine is lively in town and decent on highways, with a good 65-75 mph passing time. The 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds isn't neck-snapping but is OK -- considering the CX-7 weighs a hefty 3,710 pounds with front-wheel drive and 3,929 pounds with all-wheel drive, which isn't meant for off-road use. A responsive six-speed automatic transmission has an easily used manual-shift feature.

Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 23 on highways with front-drive and 16 and 22 with all-wheel drive. Regular-grade gasoline can be used, but premium is recommended for "maximum" performance.

Steering is accurate with good road feedback, and the turning radius is impressive for maneuvering in tight spots. Handling is sharp and the firm ride is generally comfortable, with nicely restrained ride motions and hardly any body sway in curves. However, the ride gets choppy over uneven surfaces. Brake pedal feel is good. So are stopping distances.

A little extra effort is needed to slide in and out, but front occupants sit relatively high in supportive seats with good visibility. Rear passengers sit low, with a seat cushion that puts occupants in a slight knees-up position. While the backseat area is roomy, the center of the seat is too firm for comfort. Rear seatbacks sit flat after being folded forward for more cargo space.

The electroluminescent gauges can be quickly read. Climate controls are large, but the small dashboard radio controls make the steering-wheel audio controls handy. Front doors have storage pockets, and the covered console bin is deep. Dual front cupholders are easily reached and the rear pull-down center armrest has two cupholders.

The heavy hood has an interior lining for noise control. But it's held open by an inconvenient prop rod, which can get hot and dirty. Hydraulic struts are needed here.

In all, the CX-7 stands out in a crowded market with its combination of sport and utility.

JEDLICKA'S TAKE

'09 MAZDA CX-7

- Prices: $23,900-$28,400

- Likes: Racy styling. Handy size. Sharp handling. Decent fuel economy. Nice interior. Fairly fast. Optional all-wheel drive.

- Dislikes: Small audio controls. High cargo opening. Low rear seat.

JEDLICKA ON THE CX-7:

Changes for 2009 include turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors on the Grand Touring model and dual heated front seats with a power driver seat newly available on the Sport version.

Color Photo: The CX-7 seats four comfortably -- and you can squeeze in a fifth ... ; Color Photo: ... -- plus a large cargo area with a high opening. Color Photo: (See microfilm for photo description). ;