Autocar - First for car news and reviews

This is the facelifted Mazda CX-7, which gets a mild styling refresh and, crucially for Europe, the option of a diesel engine for the first time.

The CX-7's external modifications include a larger grille with a more prominent Mazda badge, new chrome detailing, different designs of 18in and 19in alloy wheels and a lower, deeper front grille. Inside there are revised front seats, a new steering wheel, a Bluetooth-compatible sound system and a fresh multi-function display.

Read the full article

 I'm not convinced by this refresh - the original design was arguably so coherent and successful that these changes are superfluous to me. The original CX-7 look was striking, bu at the same time it was quite restrained.

Don't you think this is a common thing these days: badly updated designs that were still fresh at the time? The most obvious example is Nissan Murano, but don't forget about 350Z/370Z and others. It seems designers have run out of ideas, or it's more and more difficult to make something fresh when the old model is far from looking outdated.

As to the diesel power in the CX-7, I'm a bit disappointed with performance figures, but the economy will be a real bonus. I know something about performance, but also about economy of petrol CX-7, because my father drives one...

JackB:

I'm not convinced by this refresh - the original design was arguably so coherent and successful that these changes are superfluous to me

Absolutely - the original design was great, and the over large detailing on the nose has ruined the delicate proportions, much in the way Peugeot ruined its own look - I hope Mazda doesn't follow down this road.

I disagree about the 370Z now I've seen it in the metal, and in a restrained silver grey colour rather than tha garish yellows of the launch cars - I wasn't a fan from the early pics, but it looks much better in real life - a meaningful update, even with silly shaped lights!