Mazda CX-7 Estate (2007 - 2011) practicality

There's no Euro NCAP rating the Mazda CX-7 safety kit list features six airbags as standard (twin front, side and curtain airbags) plus there are Isofix child seat mounting points in the rear and the front-seat head restraints have been designed to help minimise whiplash injuries. Electronic stability control, which helps correct the car's line during a skid giving the driver a better chance of regaining control, is also standard.

The diesel model comes with a Rear Vehicle Monitor (RVM) that visually warns the driver if there is a car in the driver’s blind spot and also bleeps if you indicate to pull out while the over-taking vehicle is still hidden.

With the rear seats in place there's a decent 455 litres of luggage space and this can be expanded to more than 1,300 litres with the rear seats folded. The seats split 60/40 and there is a simple single action for folding them forward. Up front there is a decent sized glove compartment and generous storage space in the front arm rest.