Car Statistics: Mazda - CX-7 Series 07 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

There are some funky SUVs around, but the CX-7 still stands out. The only possible problem is that it looks a bit like the RX-8's fat sister.

Handling (4 stars)

The CX-7 steers very positively, crouching nicely into corners. It levels out as you straighten up, ready for a sharp gearchange as you power away. Fair enough, you won't think you're driving a Porsche Cayman, but it's closer to that than it is to a Nissan Patrol.

Comfort (4 stars)

Cabin comfort is excellent, helped by user-friendly ergonomics. The sort of bumps big enough to unsettle the vehicle are few and far between, and there's very little noise when cruising. The engine does get vocal when provoked, but you might consider that a good thing.

Quality (4 stars)

All the touchy-feely bits make you feel good about yourself, and on the move there's barely a squeak from the trim. The relatively high-stressed engine means it's particularly important to stick to the service intervals, though.

Performance (4 stars)

The turbocharged 2.3-litre engine revs away happily and fair roars with delight as you wring all 256 horses out of it. As you snick through the crisp six-speed manual box, it almost puts you in mind of the blat-blat experience that is driving an Evo or WRX.

Roominess (3 stars)

Crudely put, the CX-7 has about half the luggage space of its closest competitors. But, it makes decent use of what it's got and does a better job of accommodating people and luggage than some much bigger vehicles.

Costs (2 stars)

Combined fuel consumption is 27.7mpg, but you'll only manage that if you have no sense of fun. The taxman will make hay with your CO2 output, too, and group 15 insurance means steep bills.

Value (4 stars)

It might cost a bit to run, but you'll buy a lot of petrol with the money you save on the forecourt. Not many rivals can give you this much kit for £23,960.

Stereo (2 stars)

No arguments with the stereo's sound quality, but we'd have liked its controls to be clearer. You get used to it, though - which is more than can be said for the sat-nav option, which is just an aftermarket unit in a fancy cradle.