Ford diesel to boost Mazda CX-7 range

Date: 21 September 2007   |   Author: Hugh Hunston

Mazda will strengthen its diesel range within 18 months by fitting a 155PS 2.2-litre Ford power unit to both the CX-7 4x4 and the new 6.

This could quadruple initial British market petrol-only CX-7 volumes to nearly 4000 units. The upcoming engine is particularly important for the new 6 in the business sector where Mazda hopes to sustain a top six upper medium volume.

The new generation engine will also power Ford's Mondeo and Jaguar's X-type.

Mark Cameron, Mazda Motors UK's sales director, would not comment on the diesel programme but hinted at a move upsize for the 5 MPV toward Ford S-max territory within two years, with a full seven-seater format. The current car is described as a 6+1 seater.

Cameron said: "We will continue with more stylish and sporty but fundamentally functional cars. These elements should not be mutually exclusive."

A revised 5, due in January, features electrically operated sliding side doors and a five-speed automatic transmission.

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