Mazda CX-7: Roomy, sporty and spiffy.(evalution of product)(Product/service evaluation)

Byline: Mark Rechtin

Small crossovers are not for small families. They are personal-use vehicles for singles or couples who need room to carry their stuff. At least, that's what Mazda's market research says.

So, in designing the CX-7 crossover, Mazda emphasized on-road performance and traded rear-seat room for more cargo area. If families want a Mazda SUV, that's the turf of the CX-9, which arrives in early 2007.

The basics: Contrary to some published reports, the CX-7 is not the assembly line twin of the Ford Edge crossover. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a less powerful version of what moves the MazdaSpeed6, the high-performance version …