IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda said Wednesday the concept MX-Crossport, scheduled to be available beginning in 2006, will be called the Mazda CX-7.
The small crossover is designed to compete with vehicles such as the Nissan Murano.
"The addition of the CX-7 to the Mazda lineup is a critical step forward for us in terms of our ability to grow Mazda's business in North America," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations.
Mazda said the CX-7 will pick up many of the design cues of the concept vehicle that made its debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and will be built in Hiroshima.
The MX-Crossport concept combined sports car highlights, such as four bucket seats, with a cargo hold featuring a power-retractable tonneau cover. The instrument panel in the Hiroshima-designed concept vehicle was patterned after the one in the Mazda RX-8. The concept's gearshift lever had both manual and automatic modes. The Crossport concept's exterior was characterized by a long wheelbase, large tires and a retractable tow hitch.
What this means to you: Maybe Mazda has finally hit on a true crossover formula with the CX-7 that combines features of sports cars and SUVs.
The small crossover is designed to compete with vehicles such as the Nissan Murano.
"The addition of the CX-7 to the Mazda lineup is a critical step forward for us in terms of our ability to grow Mazda's business in North America," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations.
Mazda said the CX-7 will pick up many of the design cues of the concept vehicle that made its debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and will be built in Hiroshima.
The MX-Crossport concept combined sports car highlights, such as four bucket seats, with a cargo hold featuring a power-retractable tonneau cover. The instrument panel in the Hiroshima-designed concept vehicle was patterned after the one in the Mazda RX-8. The concept's gearshift lever had both manual and automatic modes. The Crossport concept's exterior was characterized by a long wheelbase, large tires and a retractable tow hitch.
What this means to you: Maybe Mazda has finally hit on a true crossover formula with the CX-7 that combines features of sports cars and SUVs.
Add A Comment »