Mazda has long been in good standing with the racing community, but with a less-than-stellar ’06, venturing into the niche genre of sport utility has been daunting. Ford, on the other hand, is to American car manufacturing what Alexander Graham Bell is to modern communication -- they’re both originators -- and as a result Ford has been consistent. We’ve reviewed the CX-7 and the Edge on a bevy of requisites and tallied their points accordingly. Mazda and Ford have put two different spins on the crossover concept, but which will prevail?
Mazda CX-7
MSRP (base): $24,385Engine: 2.3-liter, turbocharged 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 244 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 258 @ 2,500 rpm
MPG: City: 17; Highway: 23
Performance - 15/20
The CX-7 is built on an adapted Mazda6 skeleton, while the front suspension is configured from the popular MPV and the rear applied from the Mazda5. The CX-7 is offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The mojo is supplied through a 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder engine. The small block convulses 244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 ft-lb of torque at 2,500 rpm. The V6-worthy muscle stats, however, don’t really jolt into actualization until the accelerator is finessed with a lead foot. Recovering from a less-than-desirable turbo lag at the mid range, the blitz of pep can be off-putting when the throttle is hammered. Thrust is forfeited briefly until the cog is transferred and the plant regains its wherewithal. The CX-7 plasters a mannered 7.2 seconds on the 0-60 mph time card, as the operator captains the engine output with a confident six-speed, sport shift automatic transmission with overdrive.
Exterior design - 15/20
The CX-7 is shoveling dirt on what we’ve known until now to be the ideal crossover SUV, incorporating a few of Mazda’s previous triumphs in the RX-8 and MX-5. An air of gusto is evident with the CX-7’s cloaked intake dam, chiseled fender splays, declivitous windshield, subtle roof spoiler, fog lights, high intensity headlamps, and 18-inch wheels.
Interior design - 6/10
The CX-7’s cabin reflects all the fundamentals of previous Mazdas, but take note -- aside from the tri-spoke steering wheel, gyred ventilation ducts and the electroluminescent gauges, it’s of a varied look for Mazda. The dashboard sprouts opposite the driver, clearing the runway for a flush vitals display. Amenities include remote keyless entry, CD stereo, top-grain leather and heated buckets, and an eight-way power adjustable captain’s chair. Upgrading will gain you automated climate control, a moonroof, and a DVD navigation system that rivals NASA. When the rear seats are collapsed, your cargo space expands to 58.6 cubic feet.
Sound system/goodies - 4/10
The optional nine-speaker, 240-watt Bose system in the CX-7 is marginally par yet admissible, provided that you’re listening to the “right” kind of music. It’s adorned with a Centerpoint surround sound effect that’s comparable to listening to live, soft contemporary music, but anything instrumentally heavier and you’ll get hissing and distortion. In what we assume to be a hasty flaw, the system is not configured for MP3 players and cannot support MP3 coded CDs. You do, however, get a SIRIUS satellite radio-ready audio head-unit as part of your standard package and the optional DVD navigation system with voice command and touch screen is a treat.
Bang for the buck - 16/20
What the ’08 Mazda CX-7 is envious of in sound quality, it more than adequately substitutes for with striking performance and aesthetic genius. It is performance and value that’s gift wrapped as only the world leader in road-raced vehicles could do.
Driving experience - 16/20
The Mazda CX-7 was designed with the pilot’s enjoyment in mind. Detailed attention was painstakingly paid to all aspects of pushing your daily driver to its limits. A four cylinder with V6 talent and passenger room to boot should make getting that speeding ticket a family bonding experience.
Overall score - 72/100
Among the options in class and with minor hang-ups that can be easily overlooked, Mazda has created an SUV-inspired vehicle with both family appeal and modern style.
Ford Edge
MSRP (base): $25,330Engine: 3.5-liter Duratec 35 V6
Horsepower: 265 @ 6,250 rpm
Torque: 250 @ 4,500
MPG: City:16 mpg Highway: 24 mpg
Performance - 12/20
The Edge is fashioned atop an amended Ford Fusion and is offered in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Edge’s front struts are fostered from the widely dynamic Mazda6, while the vehicle enhances its ride with independent rear suspension. The Edge is thrust into motion by a Duratec 35, 3.5-liter DOHC, 24-valve, V6 factory. This neoteric-aluminum under-the-hood locomotive cranks a stark 265 trusty steeds @ 6,250 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. For being a derivative of the Fusion, it is severely depleted in agile maneuverability making it more like a DHL delivery truck. Toggling the steering wheel in either direction less than an inch proved to be fruitless as the Edge will not be deterred from the driving line. However, this allows for better correction of the operator’s errors. Body lean is virtually nonexistent and the frame offers the most docile of rides. The Edge crawls to 60 mph in a disheartening 7.4 seconds. The pilot will beacon this vessel via a finer 6-speed automatic transmission than typical Fords.
Exterior design - 16/20
The Edge set it’s crosshairs on exonerating a bold American personality with strong athletic overtones. A raised beltline, ported wheel lips, raked windshield, fast hatch, jewel-like head and tail lamps, three-barred grille, domed hood, and the first all-glass roof in it’s class complete the extreme makeover.
Interior design - 6/10
The sole focus of the Edge’s interior is to maximize the expanse from window to window in the interest of intense functionality. The rear seats collapse like a lawn chair so effortlessly that even grandma could do it. The capacious rear liftgate swings open, allowing the consumer access to 69.6 cubic feet when the 60/40 seats are down. The center console has movable inserts that offers you yet another hole for you to lose your wallet in. A stealthy 12-volt outlet is also tucked away for convenience, while the center console is home to a DVD-based Navigation system, climate controls and SIRIUS radio connection. An 8-inch flip-down LCD for the rear passengers lends its pristine touch to the functional allure. Two-tone Greystone and Ghin Rime trim accents are standard as are hints of chrome on the shifter and doors.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
The Audiophile sound factory in the Edge really is cutting edge. Pitch distinction is ace with a deafening nine speakers and a cargo area mounted subwoofer. Audiophile has ensured that sonic decibels will reign supreme with any ductile EQ left dead lined. Even when cranked, the bass and treble maintain their integrity, while sonic separation is dealt with accordingly in the mid-ranges. Getting one up on the CX-7, the system does support portable MP3 devices. Tying in with the Edge’s theme, there is an infrared remote control for tap ‘n’ go operation and two sets of wireless headphones, which means your days of listening to your wife’s definitive Celine Dion collection on shuffle are over.
Bang for the buck - 15/20
The ’08 Ford Edge has made its intent clear. Its concentrated objective is to harvest consumers spanning from mid 20s to 30s who crave structure and organization even whilst in daily commute. America’s most trusted marquee has conceptualized the epitome of what it is to be young and successful. For just over 25 large, this is to be considered a wise investment.
Driving experience - 9/20
The Ford Edge was envisioned to cater to those who are abreast in the latest gadgets and are business savvy, the road warrior who is more concerned with making it to his presentation on time and keeping up with his fast-paced arena than shaving a few seconds off his travel time to the office. If you’re seeking stability and comfort with your morning coffee, look no further.
Overall score - 65/100
This is only a crossover in the visual sense, definitely a type-specific vehicle with amenities as far as the eye can see. It’s most effective at what it does, and accomplishes what Ford said it would.
and the winner is…
The word crossover in itself bears a negative connotation. It’s as if to say that by being spread thin over two genres, the manufacturer must compromise something on both ends of the spectrum -- six in one basket is the same as a half dozen in another. From where we stand, performance outdoes an exceptional features package and the victor is the Mazda CX-7.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayHomepage.action?bhcp=1
http://www.edmunds.com/
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