What's Missing; Future Features

[Vision67]

I don't know if Mazda reads this forum, but perhaps we can add input to future product development.

So what recommendations would you make to Mazda for design improvements for the CX-7?

This is what I would like to see:

1. Offer the Bose stereo upgrade seperately with an i-Pod input in lieu of a 6 disc CD changer. I think CDs are obsolete (pissed)

2. Add Bluetooth for a wireless cellphone interface.

3. Tilt AND Telescope steering wheel.

What else?

 

[dracore]

1. I'd love to have the blue-white eletroluminescent gauges found in the 2007 Mazda MPV (released only in Japan). It sure beats the standard orange/red (or green) that you find in all other Mazda models.

2. How about a slight readjustment of the turbo engine to reduce the turbo lag. The Acura RDX has some good designs to reduce lag... I'm sure Mazda could do something just as well. Not saying that Mazda must completely remove lag but every little bit to bring it closer to the level of the RDX will help (and with the CX-7 $$$ tag, Mazda would be a clear winner)

 

[TheMAN]

I thought tilt and telescoping steering is already available?

an ipod adapter accessory will be available from mazda and it *will* work with the bose system

 

[02589]

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[02589]

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[Vision67]

1. I'd love to have the blue-white eletroluminescent gauges found in the 2007 Mazda MPV (released only in Japan). It sure beats the standard orange/red (or green) that you find in all other Mazda models.

2. How about a slight readjustment of the turbo engine to reduce the turbo lag. The Acura RDX has some good designs to reduce lag... I'm sure Mazda could do something just as well. Not saying that Mazda must completely remove lag but every little bit to bring it closer to the level of the RDX will help (and with the CX-7 $$$ tag, Mazda would be a clear winner)

Yes, I saw those gauges; they're gorgeous!

And yes, I'll bet they can reduce the lag. Acura did it by tweaking the transmission controller. Mere software patch! (shocked)

 

[Vision67]

A very good point was brought up whether intended or not. The CX-7 is a very affordable vehicle with a whole lot of bang for the buck. If you start adding stuff, the price goes up. Each addition cost money, some more than others. Re-engineering the turbo would cost much more than changing the part number on the lights. I don't know if solving turbo lag has an affordable solution. I kinda like how they did the turbo to give the engine it's torque band. The V-6 is one option to turbo lag, dual turbos in another, with neither being cheap or universally approved.

I'd like to see the tech pak upgraded. Maybe software enchancements to include memory seats, memory mirrors, auto door lock when you drive off and unlock when you shut down. I'd like to see the stereo upgraded. I'd like a manual transmission option. A parking brake operated by hand instead of foot would be nice. I just don't know if I would be willing to pay for these items.

I'm sure there will be a lot of changes coming since the car is such a success. I'm sure the price will go up too. I'm glad that I have a loaded GT at a more reasonable price than what's to come.

Some of these ideas would cost little. The Mazda 3 has both tilt and telescope. An AUX input for the stereo would cost about $1. Most car companies now have this as a standard feature.

 

[louarp]

How about HomeLink as std. equipment rather than part of a mirror option package that my dealer wanted $375 to install

 

[jmhumr]

Some features that shouldn't change the price much:

- Padding on the doors. One of my few gripes about the interior is all the damn plastic. I know that's pretty much standard for non-luxury cars these days, but I'm not convinced it is an expensive feature. Just a small portion of leather/fabric above the armrest would really make the inside feel less "hard."

- Chrome interior door handles standard. Again, just a cheap improvement to make the inside match the richness of the outside.

- Ditch the red lighting and use white. I'm just a fan of the white, that's all.

- Offer wheel options. I like the current wheels, but it'd be nice to have some other choices.

- Include more in the tech package, or reduce the price. $4000 is outrageous for basically just a navigation system and some cheap throw-ins. I balked at it not because I couldn't afford it, but because it was a ripoff. Aside from the iPod connection I can't think of anything else they could include in the package, but I'll post any I come up with....

 

[dracore]

How about LED rear lights? Do the current models have them?

 

[cruzdreamer]

Sunglass case overhead....I love that little feature. I have about 10 pairs though. (I lose them all the time) A little padded area on the doors would be nice in an accent color. Love the choice of white or orange at night for the dash as in the RX 8. A little more chrome like look and less black around the grill area...though maybe that would take the sportiness look away! That's all I can think of so far....love the deep center console and capability of putting water bottle on side door!

 

[cruzdreamer]

Oh and definitely offer another wheel option or at least offer the one now in chrome also. Love the wheels but wish they were chrome!!!

 

[CXRabbit]

LOL, All these come as a frustration to me trying to buy one currently (going to the dealer tomorrow).

ALL manufacturers need to STOP offering moonroof/sunroom "packages" that includes completely irrelavant things (like stereos!). I want the moonroof. I don't think I want the Bose system!

Same thing with advanced keyless entry and ignition. There's no reason this can't be offered as it's own thing. Or better, package it with a related item if you must - like remote start.

Mind you, the above two items wouldn't be such a big deal to me if they had simply offered an iPod plug on the front of the radio. Don't tell me about Mazda's adaptor either. Apparently, it sucks. AND it can't be used in vehicles with satellite radio. I shouldn't have to choose one or the other.

Speaking of satellite, how bought a nav system with life traffic updates?

I want this car. I'm test driving it tomorrow. But I'm frustrated that the lack of a simple iPod plug into the radio is causing me a headache. I now have to decide between a lacking "Tech" package, or an aftermarket system (found an awesome one), which, in turn, means I have to give up advanced keyless entry/ignition and moonroof. Bose and Mazda really dropped the ball by not incorporating the iPod.

 

[CXseven]

How about a integrated in-dash Turbo Boost Gauge, where you can also visualy see when the turbo kicks in, rather than feel and hear.

A color matching sports type grill, just like the MS3 & MS6.

Standard HID's for all models.

The huge center compartment, plenty of space to also be an ice box. (ughdance)

And yes, what happened to the sunglass container overhead ? (pissed)

 

[Platonium]

Now I'm really repetative but tilt-telescope column (or adjustable pedals/or both), and MEMORY SEATS! Add auto liftgate to the tech package to sweeten the deal (too expensive now for the offering), and for the love of crimony a 6 speed manual.

 

[wongster]

I know the mazda 3 have that option where if it rains the windshields automaticly wipe for you... i was kinda expecting that on the cx-7 since the mazda 3 had it... kinda sucks that my friend has a mazda 3 has that feature, and the cx-7 doesnt..

 

[G-Papi]

Sunglass case overhead....I love that little feature. I have about 10 pairs though.

I've found that the little compartment in the rear of the center console compartment does ok for sunglasses, though it's not as convenient as the overhead unit.

And how about some vanity mirror lights.

 

[Platonium]

I know the mazda 3 have that option where if it rains the windshields automaticly wipe for you... i was kinda expecting that on the cx-7 since the mazda 3 had it... kinda sucks that my friend has a mazda 3 has that feature, and the cx-7 doesnt..

Does your friend's system work well? I was GLAD to get RID of that system when I bought this car...My last car had it and it sucked. Maybe Mazdas works better!

 

[wongster]

Does your friend's system work well? I was GLAD to get RID of that system when I bought this car...My last car had it and it sucked. Maybe Mazdas works better!

yea hers worked fine.. i didnt even know about this technology until she first got the car, and when it started raining.. i was like wtf? thats so cool!!!... thats why i dono why a cx-7 which is higher end than a mazda 3 didnt get this feature?....

 

[cruzdreamer]

I've found that the little compartment in the rear of the center console compartment does ok for sunglasses, though it's not as convenient as the overhead unit.

And how about some vanity mirror lights.

Remember....I am female.....G Papi...that's my lipstick holder!! Yes what happened to the lighted vanity mirrors!! Thank God the center console is deep enough to hold all my sunglasses!