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The new buzz word in cars is crossovers. They're the hottest ride on the road, these days.

The latest creation is the Mazda CX-7. It's an affordable and value-packed crossover utility vehicle with sleek styling that distinguishes it from the competition.

The 2007 Mazda CX-7 comes in two trims: GS and GT. The base GS model is well equipped for only $31,995. Standard features include manual air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power heated exterior mirrors, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, and six airbags.

Options on the GS are few; basically they include all-wheel drive ($2,000) and a power moon roof ($1,000).

Move up to the GT trim for $35,195 and you'll get everything on the GS plus a few nice extras such as leather trimmed seats, power-adjusting driver's seat, heated front seats, a retractable cargo cover, fog lamps, automatic climate control and a power moon roof.

While I like the look and practicality of the five-door crossover, I'm not sold on the name. The CX-7 has two rows of seats for five people; while its larger sibling, the CX-9, has three rows of seats for seven occupants. It would make more sense to call the smaller CUV a CX-5 and the larger version a CX-7, so it's less confusing for customers.

The CX-7 looks stylish and well proportioned from the exterior. A sharply angled windshield, aggressively rising belt line, curved roof and chiselled lines add character.

From the front, you'll recognize Mazda's typical five-pointed grille and prominent front fenders. Large dual exhaust outlets, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a body-coloured rear spoiler are sporty; while the tinted glass on the rear door and gate add privacy to the cabin.

Entering the CX-7 is easy; the step-in is low to the ground just like a car. From the driver's seat, however, you have a commanding view of the road ahead.

The firm front bucket seats with manual adjustments are well shaped to support wider girths. The cloth material on my GS AWD tester is also durable and strong.

The rear seats could be roomier, but they're still adequate. The 60/40 rear seats fold flat for more flexibility, too. Although you may not need it — the cargo area is vast. There's 848 litres of cargo space, enough for three full-size golf bags.

Folding the rear seats is easy, too. From the cargo area, just pull the releases on the rear seatbacks and a spring-loaded mechanism lets them tip completely flat.

The dashboard is nicely laid out. The three-dial instrument cluster is legible, a console with shifter is within arm's reach, and the three-spoke steering wheel offers audio and cruise control functions right at your fingertips. I especially love the large rotary temperature dials — they're simple and easy to find.

Storage compartments are scattered throughout the cabin — a lockable centre console can hide a compact laptop computer, smaller bins keep coins in place and front seatback pockets are ideal for maps and brochures.

Dual front and rear cup holders in the centre armrest are handy. And leather touches on the steering wheel and shift knob add an upscale feel.

My CX-7 GS test vehicle has an AM, FM, and CD player with four speakers. If you get the GT trim, you can opt for a luxury package with a Bose premium sound system, nine speakers, 240 watts of power, a six-CD changer and noise compensation technology.

A touch screen DVD-based navigation system with voice command and a rear-view camera system are optional on the GT model for $3,150.

The CX-7 shares a version of the turbocharged 2.3-litre, four-cylinder engine found in the nimble MazdaSpeed6 sport sedan. It seems like an odd match for the CX-7. Although not as agile and sporty as the MazdaSpeed6, it does have enough power for merging on the highway and overtaking slower-moving vehicles. The turbo engine produces 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The only transmission is a six-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. Two drivelines are offered — front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. My GS tester has the all-wheel drive system, which is fabulous.

It can deliver up to half the available torque to the rear wheels on demand. On rain-slicked roads, it proved sure-footed and stable.

Other standard safety features such as antilock brakes with four wheel disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution, dynamic stability control and a traction control system also help keep the CX-7 firmly planted on the road.

Acceleration is swift and, at high speeds, it cruises effortlessly. Despite its tall size, there's little body roll when cornering and minimal turbo lag off the line, too.

The ride is a bit stiff, for my tastes. And road noise does seep into the cabin.

Fuel economy figures for the CX-7 GS AWD version aren't the greatest, either. It's rated at 12.9 litres/100 km in the city and 9.2 litres/100 km on the highway, but I averaged much higher than those figures. Unfortunately, it requires premium fuel, too.

When it comes to crossover utility vehicles, there are many to choose from, but the new Mazda CX-7 is a practical ride filled with convenient features and an affordable price tag.