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.
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 Control ABS with VSA
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4550mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1685mm
Wheelbase 2620mm
Kerb Weight 1511kg
Turning Circle 11.8m
BUYING IT
Price $179,900 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Most willing drivetrain and roomiest interior of the group
– Lacklustre steering, unrefined cabin trim, worst radio reception
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 Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4426mm
Width 1809mm
Height 1703mm
Wheelbase 2604mm
Kerb Weight 1590kg
Turning Circle 12m
BUYING IT
Price $182,300 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Strongest motor and smoothest gearbox of the bunch, most versatile cabin
– Air-con less effective than the rest, weak infotainment, relatively thirsty
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 Control ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4540mm
Width 1840mm
Height 1670mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb Weight 1405kg
Turning Circle 11.2m
BUYING IT
Price $181,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Group’s sharpest steering, most efficient engine and best infotainment system
– Less space and utility than the other two cars, least pleasing engine note
