The charm of SUVs can be hard to negate, especially when you have fallen for the commanding stance, purposeful looks, and bird's eye view from the helm's seat.
However these off roaders can be physically challenging to drive, proving a tad too cumbersome for city driving. Naturally, automakers found a way around it and started making a slew of cars on stilts in various sizes to suit various needs.
From the way our roads are filled with these compact SUVs (alternatively dubbed CUVs), we knew they have become an integral member of the automotive family - joining the age-old sedan and hatchback bodystyles.
Exterior
Despite targeting a similar group of audience, the CX-5 and Tiguan 1.4 boast very different flavours. Both test cars we have here are fitted with optional kits - consisting of skyroofs, larger alloys, navigation systems and bi-xenon headlamps.
However these off roaders can be physically challenging to drive, proving a tad too cumbersome for city driving. Naturally, automakers found a way around it and started making a slew of cars on stilts in various sizes to suit various needs.
From the way our roads are filled with these compact SUVs (alternatively dubbed CUVs), we knew they have become an integral member of the automotive family - joining the age-old sedan and hatchback bodystyles.
Exterior
Despite targeting a similar group of audience, the CX-5 and Tiguan 1.4 boast very different flavours. Both test cars we have here are fitted with optional kits - consisting of skyroofs, larger alloys, navigation systems and bi-xenon headlamps.
Tall, stylish and sporty, the Mazda CX-5 embodies the firm's modern design cues (dubbed KODO - Soul of Motion). Blessed with a taller dimension compared to the Tiguan, the CX-5 feels more commanding. And with adorning stylish sweeping lines throughout the metal, it is certainly the more appealing one of the duo.
On the other hand, the Tiguan is the more 'grown up' one of the two. Put next to the CX-5, it looks better behaved, prim and proper - like a more mature, experienced member of the family.
Working with the new family signature, the Tiguan puts on an array of squarish raked LEDs, giving off a distinctive hue which is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen.
On the other hand, the Tiguan is the more 'grown up' one of the two. Put next to the CX-5, it looks better behaved, prim and proper - like a more mature, experienced member of the family.
Working with the new family signature, the Tiguan puts on an array of squarish raked LEDs, giving off a distinctive hue which is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen.
Interior
There are no qualms about the carmaking capabilities of these two marques. Despite coming from different parts of the world, the innards of the cars boast equivalent standards.
The Tiguan charms with the carefully thought out bits of niceties, which make it very functional. For instance, the rear bench can be stowed forward - a clever design that allows a bigger boot space without sacrificing seating capacity. There are also picnic trays stowed at the back of the front seats, which help to communicate a better sense of utility.
There are no qualms about the carmaking capabilities of these two marques. Despite coming from different parts of the world, the innards of the cars boast equivalent standards.
The Tiguan charms with the carefully thought out bits of niceties, which make it very functional. For instance, the rear bench can be stowed forward - a clever design that allows a bigger boot space without sacrificing seating capacity. There are also picnic trays stowed at the back of the front seats, which help to communicate a better sense of utility.
While both models offer sunroofs as part of their premium package, the Tiguan triumphs with its panoramic view glass top which extends all the way to the rear quarters. It helps to bring out a better sense of occasion, especially for rear passengers who get an unobstructed view of the sky.
That said, the CX-5 does not shy from its competitor. The contrasted interior trims feel more lively than the Tiguan's. Sitting taller, the occupants will also have better views, and at the same time feeling more obscured and protected from the world outside.
That said, the CX-5 does not shy from its competitor. The contrasted interior trims feel more lively than the Tiguan's. Sitting taller, the occupants will also have better views, and at the same time feeling more obscured and protected from the world outside.
The Drive
Likewise in the technical department, both cars boast very different technologies. The Tiguan comes with a smaller 1.4-litre, featuring the firm's renowned force induction technologies. As such, it is capable in churning out a potent 150bhp and 240Nm of torque.
On paper, the Tiguan manages a 0.2 second lead over the CX-5 in completing the century sprint. On the move, the Tiguan feels punchy, perhaps due to the way the power is delivered, albeit with a slight delay, with an intoxicating torque boost. The downside, however, is that it loses refinement in start-stop traffic.
The CX-5's powerplant is a star in the making. It features Mazda's much talked about SKYACTIV technology. While the 2.0-litre relies on natural aspiration to put 153bhp and 200Nm on tap, it has the world's highest compression ratio of 14:1, which gives it better efficiency.
Put to the test, the CX-5 pots around town effortlessly, with its engine characterised by the linear power delivery. This makes the drive very refined, with no power lag or sudden surge in output.
Moreover, the CX-5 puts out an economy figure of 13km/L when driven at a more leisurely pace. While the Tiguan manages a slightly poorer 11.7km/L, it is still nonetheless impressive for its segment.
Likewise in the technical department, both cars boast very different technologies. The Tiguan comes with a smaller 1.4-litre, featuring the firm's renowned force induction technologies. As such, it is capable in churning out a potent 150bhp and 240Nm of torque.
On paper, the Tiguan manages a 0.2 second lead over the CX-5 in completing the century sprint. On the move, the Tiguan feels punchy, perhaps due to the way the power is delivered, albeit with a slight delay, with an intoxicating torque boost. The downside, however, is that it loses refinement in start-stop traffic.
The CX-5's powerplant is a star in the making. It features Mazda's much talked about SKYACTIV technology. While the 2.0-litre relies on natural aspiration to put 153bhp and 200Nm on tap, it has the world's highest compression ratio of 14:1, which gives it better efficiency.
Put to the test, the CX-5 pots around town effortlessly, with its engine characterised by the linear power delivery. This makes the drive very refined, with no power lag or sudden surge in output.
Moreover, the CX-5 puts out an economy figure of 13km/L when driven at a more leisurely pace. While the Tiguan manages a slightly poorer 11.7km/L, it is still nonetheless impressive for its segment.
In terms of handling, the Tiguan is no pushover. The well assisted steering makes daily commutes a breeze. However, the light steering does take away the involvement during aspirated driving.
The CX-5, on the other hand, charms with a more characterful handling. Despite a taller height, the CX-5 feels organic on the bends. Its supple suspension and potent chassis setup gives the car concise and sharp handling, without feeling overtly firm.
Conclusion
Regardless of the surroundings, both CUVs are capable in bringing out a lively ambience. Departing from the hustle and bustle of the city life, these cars are adept in their own ways to bring joy to daily commutes.
Both CUVs are also as capable in completing their missions, garnished with the added utility for people which the cars were conceived in mind for.
While the Tiguan comes with the renowned German technologies that is well received in the local community, the CX-5 strives to do even better, with enchanced fuel economy and driving dynamics - and with looks that complete the package.
If we may, that puts an edge over the Tiguan.
The CX-5, on the other hand, charms with a more characterful handling. Despite a taller height, the CX-5 feels organic on the bends. Its supple suspension and potent chassis setup gives the car concise and sharp handling, without feeling overtly firm.
Conclusion
Regardless of the surroundings, both CUVs are capable in bringing out a lively ambience. Departing from the hustle and bustle of the city life, these cars are adept in their own ways to bring joy to daily commutes.
Both CUVs are also as capable in completing their missions, garnished with the added utility for people which the cars were conceived in mind for.
While the Tiguan comes with the renowned German technologies that is well received in the local community, the CX-5 strives to do even better, with enchanced fuel economy and driving dynamics - and with looks that complete the package.
If we may, that puts an edge over the Tiguan.
