Mazda is switching to diesel power for the latest version of its CX-7, reducing company car tax liability.
On sale from November 1, the CX-7 uses the 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel found in the latest versions of the Mazda6 and Mazda3.
Compared with the previous version of the CX-7, which used a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, CO2 emissions are reduced from 243g/km to 199g/km.
The CX-7 is available in one well-equipped equipment grade with standard 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, cruise control, leather seats, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, Bose audio system with nine speakers, satellite navigation and Bluetooth integration.
Official fuel consumption of 37.7mpg is a significant 10mpg improvement over the figure stated for the petrol version of the CX-7.
Although its acceleration on the 0-62mph benchmark doesn't seem to fit in with the 'zoom-zoom' image Mazda likes to portray, at 11.3 seconds, compared with 10 seconds for a Nissan X-Trail, it is more driver-focused and is more comfortable tackling twisty roads.
It is also good value, compared with other popular 4x4s. For example, comparing like for like with a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium and adding options to match the Mazda's equipment list, the Ford works out at about £3000 more expensive.
The CX-7 offers company car drivers a modest reduction in their tax bill compared with the previous version. Few drivers would have chosen the CX-7 2.3T over diesel alternatives, but a 40 per cent tax payer choosing one this year would be faced with an annual BIK tax bill of £3308.
The diesel CX-7 attracts BIK tax at 30 per cent of its value for the remainder of this tax year, and at 31 per cent from April 2010, so the same driver would have an annual bill of £3062 this year, rising to £3164 from April 2010.