LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda today debuted the all-new Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. Featuring style, sophistication and excitement, the CX-7 is the first of three all-new Mazda vehicles that are being designed and engineered specifically for the North American market. Mazda will announce details of the remaining two vehicles at a later date.

"The Mazda CX-7 represents everything a Mazda SUV should be: powerful, stylish, beautifully crafted and fun to drive," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. "Being the first of three vehicles designed, engineered and built specifically for North America, the CX-7 is crucially important to the Mazda lineup and to the success of Mazda as a whole."

Produced entirely on Mazda-derived platform architecture, the five-seat CX-7 embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practicality, resulting in a fun-to-drive SUV with Mazda's trademark "Soul of a Sportscar." It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before.

The distinctive exterior design of the Mazda CX-7 is an extension of the sports car motif influenced by the 1995 RX-01 and 2005 MX-Crossport concept vehicles. Prominent front fenders, A-pillars rooted at the body's leading edge, and Mazda's signature five-pointed grille clearly register this new model as a Mazda. Inside, CX-7 fulfills every car enthusiast's innate desire to jump in and drive. The three-dial instrument cluster, sports car inspired high-mounted shifter and form-fitting front bucket seats are configured for spirited motoring.

Matching the sporty appearance, the Mazda CX-7's performance is powerful and dynamic, with use of a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that produces 244-horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Furthermore, the Mazda CX-7 delivers an estimated 23 mpg in combined driving.

In addition to the CX-7 and the balance of the Mazda lineup -- MAZDA3, MAZDA5, MAZDA6, MAZDASPEED6, MX-5 Miata, RX-8, Tribute, MPV and B-Series -- Mazda also will display two vehicles first shown at this year's Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) trade show.

The MX-5 equipped with MAZDASPEED accessories goes beyond the necessities for a high quality roadster. Exterior features include an aggressive front fascia with larger air openings, styled side sills, bold rear fascia, three-piece rear lip spoiler for improved aerodynamics and forged-aluminum light-weight wheels (18x7.5JJ) and BFGoodrich g-ForceKDW tires (225/35R18). With a six-speed short-throw manual gearbox, adjustable coil-over suspension, front strut tower brace and sport exhaust, this MX-5 Miata embodies a Zoom-Zoom lifestyle.

The DG Motorsports MAZDASPEED6 is luxury for your senses. From thrilling speed to g-force exhilaration, the DG Motorsports MAZDASPEED6 is all-wheel drive fantasy. The vehicle is the best that Mazda and DG Motorsports have to offer -- advanced engineering and unsurpassed, award-winning style. It offers a complete package of speed, comfort, handling and style.

The Greater Los Angeles Auto Show runs January 6-15, with media days January 4-5, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.