Given its size and the equipment included, the CX-7 is well priced with metallic paint the only factory option. Fuel consumption is not too bad for a petrol with 250bhp but at 28mpg it’s not exactly frugal either. The diesel is considerably better at 38mpg. Mazda CX-7 running costs are helped by the strong resale values because owners should expect the car to be worth about half its list price after three years.

Insurance is about average with the petrol a group 33 (in the newer 1-50 rating introduced in 2009) and the later diesel a group 32.

There are worse cars, but a petrol engined four-wheel drive with a reasonably big body and sporty aspirations is not a green choice. Mazda CX-7 emissions are high but at least its turbocharged engine is quite small compared to the V6s found in similar cars. It produces 243g/km of CO2 and is claimed to do 28mpg, although you’ll need to exercise a great deal of restraint to match that figure.

The diesel version is better all round with emissions of 199g/km of CO2 and average economy of 38mpg.

The CX-7 is based on the Mazda 6, which has an excellent reputation for reliability. Mazda CX-7 reliability is excellent and should give owners very few problems as long as the service schedule is maintained.