A new Mazda 6 is coming shortly and the new baby in the family, the Mazda 2 is due any day now.

Already on the forecourts is an exciting offering . . . the the CX-7, Maxda's first SUV for the European market.

This is a "sporty" SUV which is powered by a 2.3 litre turbocharged petrol engine which is based on the engine used in the Mazda 3 MPS and Mazda 6 MPS, the company's performance vehicles.

The CX-7 was designed and built for the American market but because it was so successful there, and the quality SUV market is so buoyant here and in Europe, it was decided to bring a version with European specifications to the market.

Mazda say the secret of the success of the CX-7 is that it offers sports car performance in a big vehicle. The combination will be a hit with SUV enthusiasts and could lead to more than the expected 80 sales a year here.

The power comes from a direct injection turbo powered unit with intercooler which puts out 260 PS at 5500 rpm and develops 380 Nm of torque at just 3000 rpm. This carries the 1660 kg vehicle from 0-100 km in 8 seconds and the top speed is 210 km/h.

The drive is through a Mazda designed active torque-split with all-wheeldrive via a 6-speed manual transmission. The system allows the torque to be distributed to the axles from 100/0 per cent to 50/50 per cent to front and rear wheels which will give drivers confidence in offroad and poor on-road driving conditions.

For the European market where driver expectations are higher than in America extra rigidity has been built into the CX-7.

Safety features include large disc brakes all-round, a full package of anti-lock and brake-assist programmes with traction control and six airbags.

The five-seater has a comfortable cabin and excellent boot space . . .enough to take three sets of golf clubs. The driver will enjoy the high seating position which gives excellent visibility . The engine is lively and gear changes are slick. In a short test drive the CX-7 handled well and felt more like a saloon car than a big SUV on winding hilly roads.

The CX-7 is priced at 49,995 with 1,000 extra for a sunroof and 500 for metallic paint. Mazda say the competitors will include the BMW X3 at 60,000 - 70,000, Subaru Outback at about 44,000 and the Nissan Murano at 64,000.

In the SUV market it is important to have a diesel option but Mazda will not be offering a diesel in the CX-7 in the immediate future which is bound to hinder sales prospects.