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Mazda bites back

The Sports Utility Vehicle market will be lifted to a more stylish level with the arrival of Mazda’s new 4×4, the CX-7

The fuel-efficient 2.3-litre turbo, well in line with Euro IV emission standards, is due to be launched in Europe in August, and will be competitively priced at around €35,000.

UK Marketing Director Mark Cameron says: “The CX-7 is different because it is more heavily oriented towards a sports car in its styling while retaining the command and stature of an off-road car.

“There are plenty of SUVs out there, so we need to offer something different – the CX-7 fits the bill.” He adds: “Despite criticism of 4×4s from some pressure groups there is still plenty of growth in this sector as long as vehicles are sensibly developed and marketed.”

Racing rivalry

Ferrari mastermind Jean Todt has warned drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa not to make their Formula One championship chase a personal war.

The French team chief wants Finn, Raikkonen (pictured right) – the new boy – and Brazilian Massa (pictured left) to play fair with each other in the best interests of the team as they strive to replace retired legend Michael Schumacher.

Ahead of the first Grand Prix in Melbourne this month, Todt has told the new partnership not to trip over each other in their anxiety to fill Schumacher’s daunting shoes.

He insists: “My drivers will be free to race until one or the other is in contention for the championship.

“We are starting from scratch after Michael’s retirement. There will, I hope, be healthy competition between Kimi and Felipe. It could lead to major results. But we will be very careful to make sure this in-house rivalry does not become counter-productive.

“There is one over-riding principle: Ferrari’s interests must come first. We have made Kimi and Felipe well aware of this.”

Todt adds: “Any comparison between Kimi and Michael would be inappropriate. He is good and fast and his characteristics are of the first order – but he is not Michael.”

Jolie good passenger

Movie star Angelina Jolie is the pillion passenger most riders would like to carry on the back of their bike.

In a poll carried out at the London Motorcycle Show, the Hollywood stunner came out tops as the dream passenger riders would most enjoy hugging them from the spare seat.

She beat off seven-times world MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi as well as Star Wars hero and round-the-world rider Ewan McGregor.

And if the rider fell ill, she could take over, having learnt to ride on the set of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Angelina’s now an expert biker – she owns a 265kph BMW F650GS and a lusty Italian MV Agusta Brutale.

To Russia with love

Bond may have driven round it in a tank, but now Moscow has got its hands on 007’s favourite car

Aston Martin, having once again found worldwide acclaim in the latest Bond spectacular Casino Royale, is opening a Russian dealership in Moscow.

This is the first time in the company’s 94-year history that the marque has had an outlet in the land of the new, cash-rich oligarchy.

Aston Martin’s Marketing Director, Bill Donnelly, is sure the initiative will boost the Bond-mobile’s already soaring sales. He explains: “We have carefully monitored the recent growth of Russia’s luxury sports car market. It seems the right move for us.”

Motoring events for this month