Thanks to grey dealers' efforts, Mazda CX-7 and Infiniti FX have been running along Russian roads for quite some years now. But finally we're getting official supplies. So how are officially imported Mazda CX-7 and Infiniti FX different from their American brothers?
Being very unlike each other in design, Mazda CX-7 and Infiniti FX are quite close in their philosophy: both cars have a striking, unusual appearance and sporty character, markedly aggressive lines and sculpted "musculature". Both vehicles are oriented towards a sufficiently young, energetic audience; both are competing for the title of a trendsetter in the de luxe crossover segment which has been growing especially quickly lately. So which trump cards these American samurai are going to play to win the local customers?
By right of seniority, let's start with Infiniti FX.
Infiniti FX
Having come to the American market in the remote 2004, Infiniti FX crossovers had quickly won universal recognition. Their popularity grew so fast that very soon it crossed the Atlantic, and thanks to unofficial imports tens and then hundreds of these steel predators started roaming the Russian roads.
Infiniti FX attracted people primarily with the design and keep doing so; indeed, one doesn't have to stretch it very far to call it revolutionary. The designers themselves call the underlying concept "bio-design". True, Infiniti FX does very much resemble a predatory bug. On the other hand, it would be equally fair to describe Infiniti FX's style as a smooth and precisely calculated combination of futuristic vision and allusions to the middle of the last century. Both definitions would be equally correct but does it really matter what ingredients were used to make the cocktail? The main thing is, the target audience loved the drink.
Apart from the striking appearance, Infiniti FX did have a lot to show in terms of technical specifications and comforts. There are two engines to choose from: 4.5-litre 320 hp V8 and 3.5-litre 275 hp V6. FX crossovers officially imported to Russia are equipped with the same engines with the only difference: now the 4.5-litre one has 8 "horses" more and its 3.5-litre brother - 5 more. A little thing but nice anyway.
All FX versions are designed on the FM platform (Front Mid-ship, meaning the engine is placed after the front axis), providing optimal axes balances. The framework is made tougher by using thicker front frame girders, side sills and rear wing arches. FX has a long wheelbase (285 cm) and wide wheelspan (159 cm for front wheels and 164 cm for rear ones). Large wheels and 20-inch tires (for FX35/45 in Premium version) ensure good grip on the road and stability, while the long base and wide span provide enough space for passengers and luggage.
In standard version, 6- and 8-cylinder cars come with 5-step automatic transmission with manual mode. It's light enough to utilise the advantage of high torque provided by the engine.
Active safety of FX's driver and passengers is ensured by VDC dynamic stabilisation system (standard option in the 2007 model line), which includes anti-skid system and ATTESA E-TS™ torque redistribution system which automatically distributes torque between the wheels depending on the surface type and driving conditions.
FX's high sensitivity to steering is achieved by independent suspension of all four wheels which are made with a lot of aluminium alloy to reduce unsprung mass. Another component of the suspension is a special High Frequency Control absorber with a tension spring to increase the car's manoeuvrability, smoothness of drive and controls sensitivity.
Five-seat passenger compartment of FX cars is comfortable and hi-tech. Leather upholstery, memorised settings for the driver's seat, waist support, heated front seats, electrically adjustable (height and inclination) steering wheel - all that comes as standard options in the FX 2007 model line. The car also has a two-zone climate control system, 7-inch colour information display and a three-spoke leather-upholstered steering wheel with lighted cruise control and audio system control buttons on it - again, as standard options in the basic version.
Additional "nice little extras" - and FX cars are literally full of them - include Intelligent Key access and starter system, 300 Wt Bose audio system, rear view camera, 7-inch colour display and advanced air bags system (AABS). In a word, Infiniti FX has everything a de luxe crossover should have, while its striking looks keep turning other motorists' heads on the road.
Mazda CX-7
Mazda came to Russia to stay, so СХ-7 crossover originally intended exclusively for the American market had its Mid-Russian debut even before the European premiere. Note that СХ-7s supplied to the Russian market are quite different from both American and European versions.
Since we've already covered the American version of СХ-7 let's take a look at the specific features in the Russian version of the crossover.
Mazda CX-7 which is officially imported to Russia has been designed specifically for our market. Unlike the European version with a mechanical gearbox, the car has a six-step automatic four-wheel drive transmission with a special anti-corrosion protection. A turbocharged 2.3-litre engine has less power than the European and even the American versions: 238 hp compared with 260 hp in European and 244 hp in American cars. On the other hand, it became less demanding petrol-wise and can run not only on 98 (still rather rare in this country) but also on ordinary 95 octane petrol. Acceleration time of the rather big Mazda CX-7 from 0 to 100 kmph is 8.3 seconds, one of the best in the SUV segment. The top speed is 181 kmph. And a good thing too: 210 kmph offered by the European version can be dangerous on domestic roads: it's not Germany, after all.
There are just two versions of the car to choose from in Russia: Touring and Sport. The first one includes a full set of electrical adjustments, climate control system, AM/FM radio and CD player (also plays MP3 files), light alloy wheels and alarm system.
Sport version also features leather upholstery, electrically heated front seats, Bose® audio system with Centerpoint® panoramic sound device and nine speakers, xenon lights with automatic on/off function, fog lights, windshield wipers with rain sensor, tinted back windows, card key and (optionally) roof hatch.
Both versions have a wide range of safety devices and systems including ABS, emergency braking system (EBA), electronic braking distribution (EBD), TSC anti-skid system, dynamic stabilisation system (DSC) and six air bags.
And lastly, about prices: at Moscow dealerships Infiniti FX 35 comes at a price starting from $75,000 and FX45 from $90,000, while residents of the richest country in the world, the USA, can acquire them for $39,550 and $50,100 respectively. Mazda CX-7 comes a bit cheaper starting at $50,000, but even that is not impressive compared with $30,000 in the States.
Where's justice in this world?
Ilya Kalinov
Photoreport
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