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I'm not certain what Mazda has in mind with its new slogan, "The SUV you never saw coming." Everywhere I drove the 2007 CX-7 everyone noticed it, and I heard the same comment: "I'm not sure about that color."

Officially called Electric Blue," the exterior paint color could have easily been called "Bright Blue" or "Flash Blue." It's a fine color for an emergency vehicle or for use as a promotional tool. But the color just isn't pleasing for a passenger car.

Color aside, the "Zoom-Zoom" or as Mazda likes to call it "the emotion of motion," is also promoted as the "the exhilarating, connected-to-the-road feeling every driving enthusiast loves." It's a bold statement.

But the CX-7 driving experience is pleasant and peppy. I drove the Grand Touring four-door model with all-wheel drive. It features a 2.3-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 244 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate.

The CX-7 is among the more sporty vehicles in its class. It accelerates well, has quick and responsive steering and maneuvers around town and in freeway conditions adeptly.

Despite its loud exterior color, the interior design, color, instrumentation and gauges are attractive and functional. Unlike other manufacturers' difficult-to-operate-and-see GPS parameters, the Mazda's large screen has easy-to-use dials and the rearview camera projects a clear image.

The vehicle's front and rear seating configuration, seat design, leg and head room, cupholders and storage areas and the rear cargo opening are all spacious or practical.

The CX-7 standard sport model features a strong equipment selection — tachometer to digital clock to rear privacy glass to tilt steering wheel. The Grand Touring model features automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, outside temperature indicator, automatic headlights, xenon headlights and foglights.

But here's the catch: With a base price of less than $30,000, CX-7 is attractively priced in the midsize SUV category. But some of the car's best equipment — Bose audio system, DVD/navigation system, review camera, six-disc CD changer, keyless entry and start system and power moonroof — are part of the Technology Package. It's a $4,005 option. The Bose system and sunroof package is also available indepently ($1,585). The features are worthwhile, but the extra expenditure provides a hefty pricepoint pause.

Mazda CX-7, 2007 (Facts & Figures):

Safety — Dual front, rear side curtain airbags (rollover deployment.); Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 18 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway); Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 4 years/50,000 miles; Base Price – $28,000.