 Mazda CX-5 |
VS |  Volkswagen Tiguan |
Welcome to the 2012 Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan comparison and review page. The VW Tiguan has been around for about 2 years and has recently been updated whereas the CX-5 is an all new model.
The CX-5 is so much more modern looking than the Tiguan both inside and out. While exterior design attractiveness is based on your perception, you would struggle to convince anyone that the VW is anything else but plain. We prefer the layout in the CX-5 as it is a more modern place to be. The Tiguan really needs some updated buttons and design because it has more in common with the Amarok than the nicer Golf. The only area that the VW is ahead of the CX-5 is in terms of slightly higher quality of materials – solely due to the way the doors close, that’s it. Upmarket Tiguan models feature some chrome around the door frames and openings which is a nice touch.
In terms of technology the Tiguan has plenty to boast but its overall reliability is still not the by word since it requires a specific service schedule and 95 octane fuel to be followed exactly. Furthermore the number of complaints for the DSG automatic gearbox and other parts also used in Golf and Audi so early, does not help tits image. The service intervals on the Tiguan may also be longer but it does cost so much more than 2 or 3 services for the Mazda? The CX-5 likewise has all the latest technology yet you can be fairly sure it will go the distance.
In terms of off-road capability – the 2012 Tiguan’s can no longer be purchased with the off-road pack and the CX-5 is merely an AWD system. If you want to go off road in a compact SUV the only choice is the Suzuki Grand Vitara!
The other confusing thing about the Tiguan is that the number of engine choices. They are based on the same basic engine and only turbo tweaks change the amount of power. This is a cheap way of selling the same car at a higher price. Although you can argue that computer and hardware changes are required but not as much as the price difference suggests. Nonetheless the VW is only second to the V6 powered Toyota RAV4 which no other review has managed to point out. The final and most important point of comparison between the two cars is that the CX-5 can run on the cheaper 91 octane unleaded the VW needs 95 or 98 unleaded to achieve the fuel and performance claimed.
In the end we like the Tiguan, it is well priced but there is something about the maintenance and running costs that just does NOT add up for a family run-about and that a road test will not convince us otherwise. It is like a high rise Golf with even lessor design flair. Likewise the CX-5 which we think is a great package and the best choice if using you head to purchase but after sampling the Subaru XV we think that is the way to go at this point in time.
| Mazda CX-5 (KE Series) | Volkswagen Tiguan |
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| Engines | |
| SKYACTIV-G IL4 cylinder Petrol 91 octane DOHC with VVTi Direct Injection EFI 2.0 Litre (1977cc) Claimed 114kW @ 6000rpm Claimed 200Nm @ 4000rpm SKYACTIV-D |
IL4 Turbo Petrol 125TSI IL4 Turbo Petrol 147TSI IL4 Turbo Petrol 155TSI IL4 Turbo Diesel 103TDI |
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight 1475 -1685 Kg Towing capacity up to 1800 Kg |
1630 – 1660Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| 56 litres – Diesel or Unleaded 91 Octane SKYACTIV-G Petrol 6.4 litres per 100km (Claimed) SKYACTIV-D Diesel 5.7 litres per 100km (Claimed) |
Up to 64 litres |
| Other specifications | |
| 6 Speed Auto or 6 speed manual transmission Overall height/width 1710/1840 Overall length/wheelbase 4540/2700 Tyre size: 225-65-17 or 225-55-19 NCAP safety rating x/5 |
6 speed manual or 6 speed Auto |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Min ground clearance xxx mm Water Fording depth xxx mm 4WD system: FWD or AWD only |
Angle of: (degrees) |
| Performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2012 $27,990 – 46,220 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, on road costs and specials accessories etc… |
2012 $28,490 – 38,490 AUD |