Interview with Mazda CX-7 Program Manager

Like a proud father introducing his new baby to the world, Shunseke Kawasaki, Project Manager for the Mazda CX-7, tells oneshift.com about how this great-looking SUV came about:

: If you look at a typical American highway, you’ll notice that SUVs are becoming increasingly popular. We decided to do a survey on what people thought of SUVs, and what they would like in an SUV.

Our results showed that they didn’t like SUVs that were big and bulky, but instead wanted ones that were sleek and stylish, and more fun to drive. With these results, we decided to create one that was a cross between an SUV and a sportscar.

To give my team a better idea of what I wanted, I used the images of two movie icons. I told them the car was not to be like Arnold Schwarzenagger, who is tough, but also big and bulky, but rather, they should think of Keanu Reeves, someone who is also athletic, but also lighter and more sporty. I coined the term “Metropolitan Hawk” to capture the image of the car.

There is a distinct Mazda family resemblance for the CX-7. Our chief designer made a few drawings of how the CX-7 is a development from the RX-8 and Mazda 6. The big under bumper grille in front is from the RX-8, and also the way in which the front wings come up to meet with the bonnet. The rear also has similarities with both the Rx-8 and Mazda 6, especially the shape of the rear lamps.

My favourite feature of the CX-7 is the window graphic – it shows how sleek and modern the car is, and it is unique to the CX-7. To emphasize it, it is surrounded by a stainless steel strip.

Yes, that’s right. At the front, the CX-7 shares components with the Mazda 6’s front suspension. At the back, we used the rear suspension from the Mazda MPV (which is not available in Singapore). Although the components are taken from these models, the tuning rates and adjustments are unique to the CX-7.

No, the Tribune and Ford Escape were developed under the previous administration, and is the last time Ford and Mazda will share platforms. From now on all Mazda vehicles will be unique, and there will not be building any more Fords at our factory. The new Escape does not share anything with the CX-7.

No, there is only one engine for the CX-7 – all CX-7s are turbocharged and come with the same 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

: After Singapore, Australia and New Zealand will received the car.

: As for the other ASEAN markets, there is a high tariff for CBU(Completely Built Up) models. As there are no plans to assemble the CX-7 in ASEAN, we will have to evaluate each market on a case by case basis. Mazda sells the MX-5 and RX-8 as CBU models, and we have to see if there is demand for the CX-7 as a CBU model.

: I really like the strong grille, and as that is black, a lighter colour will help it to stand out. I also like the window graphic, and to help the stainless steel trim surrounding it stand out, the car should be painted in a dark colour, so there is a problem. Perhaps for me, a dark grey will be best to show if these two design elements that I like.

Credits: Justin Lee