With its sharp Giugiaro-designed...
With its sharp Giugiaro-designed body, a cutting-edge new platform and a range of revamped engines, this is an Alfa that won"t rely on style alone in order to attract buyers. The 156 replacement carries over many of its predecessor"s styling cues, but adds even more distinctive details.
The sleek crossover-style...
The sleek crossover-style SUV is clearly inspired by the Japanese company"s coup탩, and the striking front end features RX-8-style headlights. There is also the trademark five-point Mazda grille and logo. Pro-nounced wheelarches give the tall-riding machine a chunky stance, too.
However, unlike with the radical RX-8, power will be provided by a conventional engine - a 244bhp 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission - rather than a hi-tech rotary unit. Jim O"Sullivan, president of the firm"s US operation, said: "This vehicle represents everything a Mazda SUV should be: powerful, stylish, crafted and fun to drive."
Buyers wanting to make use of the model"s increased ground clearance will even have the option of ordering an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive set-up, although a cheaper front-wheel-drive alternative will also be offered.
Expected to make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the brand new CX-7 should go on sale in the UK in mid-2007, complete with a price tag of around í‚á£25,000. Only the 2.3-litre engine will be available at launch, but the Mazda will need a diesel motor in order to challenge top-selling class-leaders. An oil-burner is thought to be under development, and is expected to be added to the line-up later on.