2007 Mazda CX-7: Test-Drive Tips

I really enjoyed my week testing the all-new Mazda CX-7 crossover, and it’s still on my own shopping list after finishing my review. Undoubtedly its looks and TV ads will bring a lot of people through dealership doors. In case you’re one of those so swayed, here are some helpful hints to prepare for that all-important test drive.

• The seating position in the CX-7 is pretty straightforward, so once you’re settled in spend time checking the side-view mirrors. My big beef — and really only major one — is with the visibility past either rear blind spot. So make sure you take note of where they are before heading out.
• Once you’re on the road, change lanes. I know it may sound silly, but the only way to get a real-world check of how your body type — mainly height — can accommodate the blind spots is by changing lanes. Obviously use your blinkers. Then check the mirrors. Before you change lanes, do a double check by turning your head over your shoulder to see if you missed anyone. If so, you may have a blind spot issue with the CX-7.

• Try to forget there’s a four-cylinder engine under the hood. People get too hung up on four versus six cylinders. This is a healthy engine with 244 hp. Take note of what it feels like when you hit the accelerator. Is it any different than six-cylinder SUVs you’ve tested? My guess is the average shopper won’t miss two cylinders in the CX-7.
• Have some fun, too. Test drives are about how you will drive the car every day. Once the kids are dropped off at school, or you’re commuting to work by yourself, you might want to flog your new vehicle. I’m not advising you to be reckless, but make sure you take at least one somewhat-twisty road during your test drive. Ask your salesman to recommend a sparsely traveled route if possible. Accelerate healthily from stops, and turn sharply. Just don’t go crazy reliving a scene from Talladega Nights.
• All-wheel drive is a lovely feature for anyone living in cold-weather states. Do you live in one? If not, go for a front-wheel drive model. Chances are you won’t need the extra grip of the more expensive all-wheel drive if you live in, say, the Southwest. You also might want all-wheel drive if you often travel unpaved routes, but I seriously doubt the CX-7 will be considered by those who do that kind of driving regularly.
• Turn the stereo on AFTER you’re done with your drive. I enjoyed the optional Bose stereo in my test vehicle, and chances are some shoppers will want this feature, or even navigation. Don’t test these features out to their fullest while driving. Wait until you’re back and parked at the dealership. If you hated the ride, you won’t need to bother, will you?
• Even though I just said don’t play with the stereo while driving it is a good idea to put your eyes on the combined stereo and air-conditioning display, which rests high above the center console, while you’re moving. This may be disconcerting to some, but I’ve gotten used to the feature in other Mazdas and after a few weeks of ownership it should become second-nature. The displays are in that high position so the driver’s eyes don’t move too far from the road ahead. That’s usually a good thing.
• Check out the rear folding seats. They go down with easy clicks of a button from the second row or a latch from the rear cargo area. It’s pretty nifty, and the real-world utility of vehicles like this are primarily why people buy them. Also flip the rear cargo area floor over. It’s a cool reversible one — one carpet side and one hard-floor side — that’s one of the best around.