Head to Head

There's no denying it: the crossover has well and truly established itself in the Philippine market. Thanks to all-weather capabilities and generous interior space, the crossover has become a firm family favorite.

This week's head to head pits two relative newcomers in the market, representing the East and the West. For Japan, we have the Mazda CX-5 which gives a sporting touch to this segment. The Mazda goes beyond looks as it offers the latest technologies to come out of Hiroshima. Flying the flag for Germany is the Volkswagen Tiguan. As the brand's first compact crossover, the Tiguan has a lot to prove in the local market but it comes prepared with top-notch German engineering. It's Japan versus Germany for compact crossover supremacy.

In the Mazda CX-5, it is available with three engine options. The range starts with a 2.0 liter SkyActiv-G engine with 155 PS and 200 Nm of torque. In the AWD models, you have an option of a 2.5 liter SkyActiv-G engine or a 2.2 liter SkyActiv-D turbodiesel. The 2.5 liter mill puts out 188 PS and 250 Nm of torque while the turbodiesel produces 173 PS and 420 Nm of torque. All Mazda CX-5's come standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Moving to the Volkswagen Tiguan, it too has a choice of gas and diesel engine. First is a 1.4 liter turbocharged TSI engine with 122 PS and 200 Nm of torque for the two wheel drive models. For the all-wheel drive Tiguan, it gets a 2.0 liter TDI turbodiesel with 140 PS and 320 Nm of torque. The Tiguan is also one of the few crossovers that still offer a six-speed manual transmission. The six speed automatic is found in the 2.0 TDI models.

Mazda calls its all-wheel drive system i-ACTIV while Volkswagen calls theirs 4MOTION. Each system works by staying front wheel drive in dry conditions, only activating when the road is wet or slip is detected. These crossovers also adapt similar suspensions systems with the use of MacPherson struts in front and Multi-link at the rear

Inside, the Volkswagen Tiguan boasts of high quality materials all over the cabin, coming with soft touch materials on the dash and door cards. The Tiguan also follows the current interior trend of Volkswagens with a wraparound dash. Overall, the Tiguan veers towards the side of luxury. Among the interior amenities offered in the Tiguan include a TFT multi-information display, multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, automatic climate control, leather seats, power seats for the driver and 40/20/20 split folding rear seats.

The Mazda meanwhile caters to those looking for a sporty flair in their crossovers. Hooded dials further accent this feeling, as well as the driver-centric center console. he sporty feel is further enhanced with red ambient lighting. For the Mazda, it gets power seats for both driver and front passenger, leather trim, multi-information display, multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control and 60/40 split fold seats.

Entertainment in the Mazda CX-5 is provided by a 7-inch monitor that can be controlled via the scroll wheel or by touch. The monitor also houses vehicle information such as fuel economy, average speed, diagnostics and the service manual. Functions for Mazda's infotainment system includes Bluetooth, MP3, Auxiliary, and two USB ports. Sound is channeled through 6 speakers in the entry-level variant while the top of the line models gets a hi-fi Bose sound system with 9 speakers.

As for the Volkswagen Tiguan, it gets the RCD 310 2-DIN head unit standard. RCD 310 has Bluetooth, MP3, Auxiliary, CD and USB. All Tiguans come with a hi-fi audio system with 8 speakers as standard, along with the Diversity Antenna to boost radio and telephone signal.

On the outside, the Tiguan follows the current design language Volkswagen adapts to all cars in its range. The slim grille dominates the front fascia with the Volkswagen logo boldly taking the center. The headlights meanwhile resemble those of its bigger brother, the Touareg. On to its side, it is similar to the Golf but with a raised roofline to improve headroom as well as visibility. At the rear, more cues from the Touareg can be seen with its unique tail light application.

In the Mazda, the CX-5 feature's the marque's Kodo design study with more aggressive lines and sharp angles. The signature hexagonal grill makes its presence known with a large Mazda logo in the center. Unique headlights and defined creases give Mazda's compact crossover contender a sporty look. More creases and lines can be seen on the side while the rear continues the sharp angled theme with its sporty looking tail lights.

Moving on to safety, the Mazda CX-5 has 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, electronic parking brake and reverse camera. Advanced safety features include i-STOP idle stop, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and adaptive headlights.

Standard safety equipment in the Tiguan include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Electronic Stabilization Program with driver steering recommendation, Traction Control, electronic parking brake and Park Distance Control. The more advance safety systems in the Tiguan are Anti-Skid Regulator, Electronic Differential System, Engine Drag Torque Control, Hill Hold Control, Driver Alert, Auto-hold brakes and brake pad wear indicator.

The Volkswagen Tiguan range starts with the 1.4 TSI M/T Trend and Fun, followed by the 2.0 TDI A/T Sport and Style. Topping the Tiguan range is the 2.0 TDI A/T Business Edition. Meanwhile. the Mazda CX-5 is available in four variants, starting with the 2.0 FWD MAXX, 2.0 FWD PRO, 2.5 AWD Sport and 2.2 AWD Sport SkyActiv-D turbodiesel.

Mazda CX-5 prices range from Php 1,345,000 for the 2.0 FWD MAXX to Php 1,985,000 for the 2.2 AWD Sport SkyActiv-D. Prices for the Volkswagen Tiguan start at Php 1,740,000 for 1.4 TSI models, all the way to Php 2,426,000 for the range-topping Business Edition.