To date, the total production run of the CX-7 is approaching 50,000 units, including cars for the Japanese market. So calling this model a fresh, untried pie is not something you can say with a straight face.

The American versions of the CX-7, which we have already covered, differ noticeably from the European ones. Visually, you can tell a car for the Old World by its side mirrors with built-in turn signal repeaters, as well as by different bumpers and front and rear lighting. The Russian specification has its own unique feature, and it is hidden not outside, but inside. Only for us, as for the Americans, is an automatic 6-speed gearbox with manual shift capability provided. A manual transmission is not offered at all. Plus, under the hood of Russian CX-7s is not the 260-horsepower engine for the European Union, but its version detuned to 238 hp. This four-cylinder turbo engine with intercooler and direct fuel injection meets Euro-3 standards. A nice detail: it runs on regular 95-octane gasoline, not 98. What other differences do cars for Russia have? All-season tires, a recalibrated DSC stability control system, and an adapted suspension. The essence of the latter is that on our broken roads it works softer. And this is very handy, because during the presentation of the European version in France, on secondary roads the shaking was quite noticeable.



STYLISH AND RESTRAINED

The interior as a whole is restrained sportiness. The seating position is comfortable, the steering wheel fits naturally in your hands. The key-card system in the options list eliminates the need to take out and insert the ignition key. Forward visibility is excellent thanks to the small windows cut into the pillars. The multifunction onboard computer under the hood of the front panel is easy to read and does not distract from the road. The spacious front glove box locks with a key.


The false floor of the trunk is double-sided, with compartments for securing items. On one side it is carpeted, on the other it is covered with practical, easy-to-clean plastic. The trunk volume in the standard position is 455 liters, with the rear seats folded down it is 1348 liters. True, only the backrests of the rear bench fold. The cushion is not split and does not move on rails. For a modern crossover, this is somewhat unusual. For convenience of folding the backrests, the Karakuri system is used: just press a lever in the trunk. However, the folded backrests do not form a flat loading area with the trunk floor, so you should not count on a full-fledged sleeping place.


What I did not like was the leather upholstery of the seats. Even with the climate control working correctly, the fifth point was uncomfortable. However, this is normal for leather. You can also notice slight aerodynamic noises that appear after a hundred kilometers per hour. But the overall level of sound insulation is quite decent.

Despite the decent herd of horses under the hood, the CX-7 demonstrates a friendly disposition. The steering wheel is not sharp, the reaction to the gas is not nervous, and the brakes are the same. Overall, this is a very balanced car. It is easy to drive, and if desired, you can have an active drive. With miracles on corners. The company, in fact, positioned the model as a crossover with a pronounced sporty character.



FOR ASPHALT

The all-wheel drive system deserves special attention. The electronics read data from many sensors and, through an electromagnetic clutch, transmit torque to the rear axle. The rear wheels can receive a maximum of 50% of the torque. I did not get to drive in extreme conditions during the test drive, so I can only tell about diagonal wheel hanging. When on a slope the rear suspension used up its small travel and the wheel hung in the air, guess what happened? Exactly that: only that wheel spun, and the car remained in place.


In conclusion, about prices. In Russia, two trim levels are available. The first, Touring, costs 1,141,000 rubles. It includes a full electric package, six airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, DSC, TCS systems, 18-inch alloy wheels, and climate control. The second is Sport for 1,265,000 rubles, which adds a Bose audio system, rain sensor, key card, xenon headlights, and leather. In this class among powerful crossovers, the CX-7 so far offers the best price-to-capability ratio. Add to this a not-too-thirsty engine and the ability to choose a bright body color. In general, it is not surprising that the Russian quota for this year of 2,800 cars has already been exhausted.