The body shell of the Mazda CX-7 facelift is more rigid than the original model, and delivers improved ride comfort and even better handling stability. The suspension system is specially tuned for each engine to provide predictable linear handling and the same superior straight-line stability the original model is known for. Coupled to Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive, this updated chassis makes the Mazda CX-7 facelift sporty and nimble.

Increased Torsional Rigidity for Improved Ride Comfort and Handling Stability

The original Mazda CX-7 body shell was ahead of its time at launch for its combination of high rigidity and low weight. Local reinforcements and high and ultra-high tensile steels were used for the body shell, which helped avoid unnecessary gain in weight while delivering some of the best body rigidity in the segment.

The Mazda CX-7 facelift inherits this body shell and adds new rigidity-enhancing measures for a 5 percent increase in torsional rigidity, which enhances handling stability and helps to reduce road noise and vibration for a quieter cabin. When combined with new dampers with a smoother stroke, this achieved an increase in overall ride comfort for the Mazda CX-7 facelift.

Weight gain had to be avoided as well, which would have negatively affected fuel consumption and handling. Engineers used advanced computer aided analysis to achieve both these goals. They applied reinforcements only where it was most effective, and used strong lightweight weld bonds (with advanced adhesives) wherever possible. Stiffness was increased for the facelift at the rear wheel houses, the door openings, the B-pillars, the shelf gussets and the underfloor frame (diesel only).