Mazda CX-7 Dies So That the CX-5 May Live

With the imminent arrival of the all-new CX-5, Mazda has decided to retire its CX-7 crossover after the 2012 model year. Given the CX-7's sales numbers versus those of the competition and the fact that the CX-5 is roomier and more fuel efficient, we can't fault the decision. Just 5231 CX-7s were sold during the first two months of this year compared to 43,719 Honda CR-Vs in the same period. Initially, the CX-5 will feature the new 155-hp, 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine; we expect a Skyactiv diesel to come online early next year. Although the gas engine's output is slightly less than that produced by the CX-7's 161-hp, 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four—much less its optional 244-hp, 2.3-liter turbo four—Mazda claims the CX-5 is lighter by more than 200 pounds in front-wheel-drive, automatic-transmission trim, which could make for sprightlier acceleration. It also claims 26/32 mpg for the CX-5 compared to the base CX-7's 20/27. The CX-5 has a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, exactly two inches shorter than the CX-7's. With a length of 178.7 and a width of 72.4, the CX-5 is 5.6 inches shorter and 1.3 inches narrower than its sibling. Despite its smaller shadow, the CX-5 actually offers more interior space: 103.8 cubic feet overall to the CX-7's 101.7. Mazda will be targeting the Toyota RAV4, the aforementioned Honda CR-V, and the Ford Escape with its new crossover. All of those vehicles outsold the CX-7 significantly in past years, and both the Honda and Ford have been freshly redesigned. The cute ute wars are definitely heating up. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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