FOR many Australian compact SUV buyers, the only thing stopping the original Mazda CX-7 from being their next purchase was its considerable thirst for premium-unleaded petrol, yet many others took the plunge because no rival could match the sheer allure of this striking turbocharged crossover. For the Series II facelift, the Japanese company has addressed concerns over affordability and fuel economy with the arrival of a gutsy yet frugal 2.2-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel model, as well as a more affordable front-drive non-turbo 2.5-litre version. Here we test the diesel, and declare it a top choice despite the lack of an automatic gearbox.