2010 Mazda CX-7 Debuts in Toronto

Skipping the Chicago Auto Show to show Canada some love, Mazda debuted the 2010 CX-7 in Toronto yesterday.  Though it's only a few years old (it debuted in 2006 as a 2007 model), Mazda is taking great care to make sure the CX-7 stays relevant as competition stiffens.

The big news for the 2010 Mazda CX-7 is a new engine option: the 161-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder from the upcoming 2010 Mazda3.  The turbocharged 244-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder returns for duty as the top engine choice.

In addition to the new engine option, Mazda has refined the CX-7's interior and exterior.  Outside, the crossover gets revised front and rear fascias and a larger five-point grille.  Mazda also said it has improved body rigidity and reduced wind noise, vibration, and harshness.  

Inside, a 4.1-inch color Multi Information Display has been added to the top of the instrument panel, and new gauges featuring "blackout meters" replace the old ones.  Three-position memory for the driver's seat and the Blind Spot Monitoring system from the CX-9 are now available options.

Final specs and pricing will be announced when the CX-7 goes on sale.

Autoblog was able to catch Mazda's North American president, James O'Sullivan, at the Chicago auto show to ask him why the 2010 Mazda CX-7 made its world debut in Canada rather than the U.S.  According to O'Sullivan, Mazda didn't want to steal any of the Miata's thunder, Canada is a stronger market for Mazda (it retains a 5 percent market share, compared to 2 percent in the U.S.), and Canada usually sees Mazda's models a few months earlier than the U.S. anyway.

The 2010 Mazda CX-7 will make its first U.S. appearance at the New York Auto Show in April.

Source: Mazda, Autoblog