It's funny to look back even just a few years to think how much simpler the car market was back in the good old days - how naive we were, with our estates and saloons and maybe the odd 4x4.
These days every niche possible is being exploited and squeezed dry if there is the slightest chance a manufacturer thinks enough people will want to buy its offering. The newest such niche is the compact crossover segment, the missing link between a family hatch and an SUV.
Mazda thinks it has gone one better and created the 'sports crossover' with the CX-7, fusing the style of a coupe with the practicality of an SUV. Whether it looks like a coupe or not is probably dubious, but you can look and decide for yourself.
The CX-7 certainly sticks out in what is already a crowded marketplace though, with sleek lines and dynamic stance. The interior is impressive too, Mazda clearly having put effort into making this car feel more upmarket than some of the other cars in its range do. The CX-7 feels like a fun car to sit in.
There is enough space for passengers to be comfortable inside, but unfortunately the one area where that coupe inspiration makes itself felt is in the boot - there is much less boot space here than you'll find in any competitors. That said, the seats in the second row do all fold flat to give a useful load space.
The driving experience will probably win you right back over, though - the CX-7 feels quite fun through corners, resisting roll but allowing the suspension to keep the ride fairly comfortable.
Mazda has finally been persuaded to add a decent diesel to its line-up, which makes the car much more relevant to its intended market. The only downside here is that the diesel has arrived at the expense of the slightly crazy petrol engine that was actually quite fun to drive. You can't have it all ways though...
The 170bhp 2.2-litre diesel has enough torque to keep up with the amusing chassis, but is still happy enough to settle down for a cruise. Which is good, because the CX-7 is relaxing on the motorway, the composed suspension combining with thorough insulation to keep things hushed.
The CX-7 is full of character and very endearing - not the most practical SUV, but a great compromise for reluctant dads.