Head to head: VW Tiguan v Mazda CX-5

Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5.

Volkswagen Tiguan 118TSI

From $28,490 plus on-road and dealer costs. 1.4-litre turbo- and supercharged 4-cyl petrol; 118kW/240Nm; 6-sp man; 6.9L/100km and 162g/km CO2; FWD
Value

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A tad pricier but comes standard with roof rails, foglights, daytime running lights, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, eight-speaker audio and gets smaller but more stylish 16-inch alloy wheels. No auto option available for any front-wheel-drive Tiguan. Metallic paint an extra $700 (Mazda: no cost).
Inside
Despite the recent exterior update, the interior is starting to feel its age with a simple CD unit and no centre media screen, while the round air vents are out of touch with the other VW models. Storage is good through the cabin, with big pockets on all four doors.
Engine
Has more power than the Mazda but doesn't pay too high a price in fuel use terms (but requires premium unleaded petrol). Better pulling power down low in the rev-range and feels more responsive to throttle inputs. Six-speed manual shifts nicely. Engine stop-start system operates well.
How it drives
Among the best in class for road manners but outclassed by the newer CX-5. Firmish suspension can fumble over bigger bumps and the steering is not as intuitive as the Mazda. Corners very well for a high-rider but with some body roll at higher speeds.
Family values
Rear air vents are a big plus for families and the back seat is spacious. The boot volume is slightly smaller at 395 litres but it is noticeably narrower and less functional. Six airbags, stability control. No standard camera or sensors.
Verdict
VW's new-look crossover is still up there with the best but an ageing interior and no automatic option kill its chances against the more rounded Mazda.

Mazda CX-5 Maxx

From $27,800 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol; 114kW/200Nm; 6-sp man; 6.4L/100km and 149g/km CO2; FWD
Value
Cheaper but gets more standard equipment, including a reversing camera, tyre-pressure monitoring system and smart key with push-button start. Also gets Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB input, four-speaker CD audio, a rear spoiler and 17-inch steel wheels. Auto costs $2000 more.
Inside
A fresher, more sophisticated cabin. Dash is dominated by large and easy-to-use touchscreen media system, which links to rear-view camera. Storage is good but door pockets are on the small side. Knobs and switches have a quality feel. Soft plastics throughout.
Engine
Fantastic fuel economy on regular unleaded but lacks low-down torque, feeling underwhelming when you plant your foot and also slow to react to incremental throttle inputs. Six-speed manual does more justice to engine's modest power. Stop-start works quickly and cleverly.
How it drives
Sits flat, is agile through corners and copes with quick direction changes better than some small hatchbacks. Surprisingly cosseting ride; suspension deals well with small bumps. Steering is light but has good feel. Some tyre roar and suspension noise.
Family values
Rear-seat offers above-average head- and legroom. No rear air vents.
Boot is handy, rather than large, at 403 litres. Tow capacity same as VW (1800 kilograms). Matches VW's six airbags and stability control and the standard rear camera is a big tick.