thanks...
One must say, that the CX-7 has definitely carved out a niche for itself, and can only be compared to comparable models costing more, not less.
My negativity resides with the fact that MAZDA spent on a bunch of R&D designing and engineering there brand new spanking CX-7... SO why in the name of logic didn't they polish off a few of the things that could of given it perfection IMHO.
I was never attempting to compare the RX400 vs the CX-7. That's liking to comparing the Toyota Matrix to the CX-7. Completely different market niche.
Once again, my disatisfaction lies primarily on logic, not r&d, nor the money side. If you have ever designed and engineered before you can better understand my reasoning. Case in point the electric seats. What is more expensive, designing the mechanism and electrics for the seat for one seat? Or designing and engineering the mechanism and electrics for both the drivers and passenger seats? See what I mean? AND, if the "hardware and nuts and bolts" are designed - tested - r&d'ed - built, then how hard would of it been to add memmory settings? Probably not a whole lot.
Same thing for the NAVI w/ Bluetooth capability. Bluetooth is a standard, and you would only be responsible for the rights and not for the actual protocols that have been put in place. True, you would need to integrate that into the head unit and add an external mic. But, excuse me if I'm wrong but doesn't the steering wheel have a button that looks alot like a "talk" button that works with the NAVI? See what I mean?
Ditto for the rear door panels.
I feel Mazda could of dotted the "I's" and crossed the "T's" and there was more than enough in the pricing of the car to make it a complete package IMHO and pretty much leave the buyer deciding simply on whether he/she actually likes the look of the car and the way it drives.
Sorry, but for me I was left feeling a little empty after looking at what I had to accept given the price for a fully loaded CX-7.
That's not to say if Mazda were to ask for an additional 1K or 1.5K I wouldn't have paid that amount to justify my needs, simply because the CX-7 is still a pretty heady vehicle and a far cry from most SUV's on the market today...
Infiniti FX35, Nissan Murano, Toyota RAV4, Honda Element... to name a few, what in god's name were "they" thinking when they designed those SUV's.
Any hoot, I've enjoyed my time here and wish everyone the best of luck, who knows, perhaps our paths will cross some day on the open rode...
Happy motoring...
LormaD
The only thing that somewhat bothers me is how you peg the mazda emblem alongside with a hyundai(I have nothing against hyundai BTW). How is it inferior to a lexus emblem(two lines making an L inside an oval), or a honda and toyaota(which are nothing more that an H and an A inside of a square)?
