Before compact crossovers (hatchbacks with an SUV-like stance) became all the rage, families with two kids usually opted for a small four-door as their main runabout. But a saloon isn’t very versatile when it comes to transporting people and cargo. This is where the flexibility of a compact crossover comes in handy.
Arguably the best-known of the three crossovers here (due to it having the longest model history) is the Honda CR-V. Seen here in fourth-generation guise, the CR-V (short for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) promises even more space than before and better performance. But it won’t be “running about” too far off the beaten track, because it is only available in Singapore with front-wheel drive, like the CX-5.
Mazda’s all-new crossover (tested here in “Luxury” spec) aims to attract outgoing family men with its Kodo styling language and generous equipment level. At the same time, the CX-5’s suite of Mazda Skyactive technologies (which include an optimised drivetrain and lightened chassis) promise to enhance the car’s driveability and fuel efficiency vis-a-vis class rivals like the CR-V and Tiguan.
The German SUV (whose name is a creative combination of the words “tiger” and “iguana”) targets families with active lifestyles, which is why it has all-wheel drive and standard roof rails (the only car so equipped in this Group Test). The Tiguan also packs a potent powertrain that can be ordered with VW’s slick dual-clutch transmission.
Which of these three cars can best convince the family man to make the move from anaemic three-box saloon to dynamic five-door crossover? Continue reading to see the results of this shoot-out.
With its on-board amenities, tidy handling and excellent fuel efficiency, the Mazda CX-5 could have been the crossover to beat in this competition. But it falls short in terms of day-to-day practicality and weekend versatility, which is what families need.
If it’s living space you want on the road, the roomy Honda CR-V is just the ticket. But its dated drivetrain and rather low-rent cabin (with just two airbags versus six in the others) prevent the CR-V from climbing comfortably to the top of the desirability chart.
The most convincing vehicle in this shoot-out is the rugged Volkswagen Tiguan. Although it doesn’t have the CX-5’s infotainment goodies or the CR-V’s fantastic spaciousness, the Tiguan compensates with its surefootedness, eager performance and highly flexible interior. All in all, this wagon is the most convincing upgrade from the humble family saloon.
SPECIFICATIONS
Honda CR-V 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1997cc
BORE X STROKE 81mm x 96.9mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.6:1
MAX POWER 155bhp at 6500rpm
MAX TORQUE 190Nm at 4300rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 102.6bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 5-speed automatic
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 12.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 186km/h
CONSUMPTION 13.1km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Double wishbones,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS
SIZE 225/65 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 2
TRACTION AIDS ABS with VSA
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4550mm
WIDTH 1820mm
HEIGHT 1685mm
WHEELBASE 2620mm
KERB WEIGHT 1511kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.8m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $179,900 incl. COE
WARRANTY 5 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most willing drivetrain and roomiest interior of the group
– Lacklustre steering, unrefined cabin trim, worst radio reception
SPECIFICATIONS
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1984cc
BORE X STROKE 82.5mm x 92.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 9.6:1
MAX POWER 180bhp at 4500-6200rpm
MAX TORQUE 280Nm at 1700-4500rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 113.2bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 201km/h
CONSUMPTION 11.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Dueler
H/P Sport
SIZE 235/55 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4426mm
WIDTH 1809mm
HEIGHT 1703mm
WHEELBASE 2604mm
KERB WEIGHT 1590kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $182,300 incl. COE
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Strongest motor and smoothest gearbox of the bunch, most versatile cabin
– Air-con less effective than the rest, weak infotainment, relatively thirsty
SPECIFICATIONS
Mazda CX-5 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves
CAPACITY 1998cc
BORE X STROKE 83.5mm x 91.2mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 13:1
MAX POWER 155bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 200Nm at 4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 110.3bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 187km/h
CONSUMPTION 14.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Toyo Proxes R36
SIZE 225/55 R19
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4540mm
WIDTH 1840mm
HEIGHT 1670mm
WHEELBASE 2700mm
KERB WEIGHT 1405kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $181,888 incl. COE
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Group’s sharpest steering, most efficient engine and best infotainment system
– Less space and utility than the other two cars, least pleasing engine note
