Mazda CX-7 facelift inherits the passenger-car-like MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspensions from the original model, refined for the facelift to deliver even more linear handling and performance feel. New dampers are introduced that give a smoother suspension stroke and improves straight-ahead stability and ride comfort. These supplement the front suspension's ball-type struts with low friction bearings, strong lateral force control springs, and six rubber mounting points. An enlarged castor angle is also used to optimise straight-line stability, while delivering excellent road feedback and grip when cornering. The rear suspension also gets new dampers and is specially tuned for the facelift. Its geometry ensures that the wheels suffer minimal camber change and maintain their near-vertical position even when cornering hard, which is vital to a high-torque, high-performance vehicle like this.

While the high-performance DISI petrol retains the hydraulic power-assisted steering system from its predecessor, the new diesel uses electric hydraulic power-assisted steering for a great balance between fuel savings and good steering feel.

Electronically Controlled Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive

Mazda CX-7 facelift's permanent All-Wheel Drive, system employs Mazda's unique Active Torque-Split to translate the vehicle's high maximum torque to the road in a smooth and controllable way, regardless of which engine is under the bonnet. High-tech sensor technology of the All-Wheel Drive, system monitors the Mazda CX-7's steering angle, yaw rate, wheel speed, lateral G-force and throttle-valve position, to optimise traction in real time. The vehicle's All-Wheel Drive, control module then distributes torque between the front and rear axles using an electronically-controlled active-torque coupling mounted in front of the rear differential. The system distributes up to 50 percent of the engine power to the rear axle for an optimal torque split in all situations.