Mazda CX-5 launch means end for CX-7

* New Mazda CX-5 replaces CX-7 * Just 50 CX-7s remain in dealers * Large discounts expected on cars in stock...

Mazda CX-5 launch means end for CX-7

The launch of the new Mazda CX-5 SUV signals the end of sales of the companys larger SUV, the CX-7.

Mazdas UK boss, Jeremy Thompson, told What Car? that, once the CX-5 was on sale, there was no point selling the CX-7, which is dearer to buy and run, but no more spacious or practical.

He added that imports of the larger car had already stopped, and that only about 50 cars remained in stock in UK dealers.

That means anyone looking to buy a CX-7 should be able to negotiate a large discount, because they'll have to buy one of these existing models, rather than specify their car. Our Target Price suggests buyers should expect a discount of 1500, and some online brokers are already offering more than that.

Thompson told What Car? that there are no plans to directly replace the CX-7, but hinted that, in the future, the company could look at introducing a smaller SUV-style car to rival the likes of the Nissan Juke.

However, the companys immediate plans are to replace its mainstream models the 2, 3 and 6 so dont expect to see a CX-3 until 2014 at the earliest.

Andy Pringle