Comparison: Ford Kuga 1.6 4×2 EcoBoost vs Mazda CX-5 2.0 165 2WD

We had already confirmed the great response turbodiesel versions, but Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5 also dare to cross from shore. You will not find today two SUV in its class and power in 4×2 version and gasoline. ¿Undertow? With two engines so advanced, and yet so antagonistic, it was time to take account: You may not be way back.

Forget the turbodiesel at least for a day. Yes, I know it may seem counterintuitive, especially when speaking here SUV two media, more than 4.5 meters long and up to 1,630 kg. Of course, both are evolving petrol engines, which may surprise you and may even be worthwhile. At the moment, remember only one thing: 250.000 km. Do you plan to do? Otherwise I think mandatory, at least, to contemplate this alternative and stop reading, especially with two such complete products like Mazda CX-5 and Ford Kuga, where source also start with an advantage.

One is that, unlike its rivals in size, both associate these petrol engines also their 4×2 versions, which monopolize more than 70% in the segment and allow open access prices: Ford Kuga are today and Mazda CX-5 cheaper.

Another is that we do not speak here either two “gasoline” more. Mazda and Ford offer today possibly the most advanced engines of the moment, although technologically almost opposites. In his day and also compare their Ford Focus and Mazda 3, where their gasoline engines have come today to reach 50 percent of its sales. Amazing. For now, Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5 are just 20%, but if in the compact are so interesting, why not these SUV with new mechanics adapted? You no longer find or that little 3-cylinder 1.0 Ecoboost Ford, nor the 120 hp 2.0 then tested on Mazda. We climbed as much this time step, in vehicles and engines ….

¿Turbo or atmospheric?

The question is eternal, and repeated in Kuga Ford and Mazda CX-5; two cars with mechanical modern, technically, only share 4 cylinders and always more efficient direct injection. The rest, brand tactic. On one hand, “Downsizing“, that is to say small displacement and turbo, for a very modern Ford 1.6 Ecoboost 150 hp… official, of course. Other, traditional optimization for Mazda with SKYACTIV technology, capable of proposing a classic atmospheric 2.0, yes, with higher compression ratio in the world in a propellant gas, dual variable valve timing, reduced friction by 30% and 165 hp … again officers. And, in practice, none are. Tucked into bank, the Ford Kuga’s up to almost 180 real hp, while the Mazda CX-5’s low at 155: what, for better or worse, is a reflection of their characters.

A lot of technique, yes, but the result? Well, a priori, it depends on what you seek. Simply start the two to receive and wealth of information. Smoother and quieter 2.0 of Mazda CX-5, something nerve louder and 1.6 Ecoboost the Kuga. It feels, feels and also observe road. With finesse and progression always inherent gasoline engines, both move with great pleasure in the daily rhythm, although the Ford Kuga is significantly faster.

For mostly low engine speeds, the Ford Kuga 1.6 Ecoboost almost drives like a turbodiesel, without missing exceed 2,500 rpm to advance power, unlike a Mazda CX-5 2.0 solvent but requires stretched. Stretched, yes, it falls short in some (not many) demand scenarios. A mountain, overtaking one end or full load repechos traslucen lack of power. With identical exchange developments, the Ford Kuga overcomes superb speed in 6th situations where the Mazda CX-5 5th forced to pass and even then to 4th gear not down 4,000 rpm and keep pace barely.

a priori clear advantage for a “left over” Ford Kuga 1.6 Ecoboost ebullient … until you look consumption, of course. Because even at that time of troubles Mazda CX-5 2.0 solvable by pulling on the other hand, spends up to more than the Japanese SUV liter, which otherwise will usually be more than two. And yes there is no solution in Ford. Sox 7 l / 100 km in Mazda CX-5 to a sprinter Ford Kuga will go down where ever 9. And usually you see 10. It’s a lot, even more than a Mercedes Class A 45 AMG all-wheel drive and 360 hp. Therefore difficult to take a day, though, for € 2,000 less, resulting in more profitable end this Kuga Kuga Diesel gasoline for 100,000 km. Time to throw memory: the Mazda CX-5 are 250,000 km. And that’s a lot.

The most dynamic SUV

Within that efficiency of Mazda CX-5 2.0 lot has to do weight. Developed on a new modular architecture, barely 1,450 kg, less even than the Opel Astra compact like. Less spending, but also more agile before a Kuga almost 200 kg heavier, and that this second generation is softened noticeably. Very well insulated, better than the Mazda CX-5 also extends its route in extension of the suspension to roll with high comfort. In any case, yes, we are facing the two most effective segment cars, also moving in these tuned 4×2 almost as well on dry asphalt as 4×4.

And it is always with halo of sportsmanship, Ford Kuga is still committed to a very direct contact, even more than the Mazda CX-5, which makes it very reactive guide, but then not accompany him much greater body roll. Is, in practice, more SUV, more ostentatious in their reactions than a Mazda with very little to envy of any compact car. Because afinadísimo components (suspension, steering, changing …), the CX-5 is always very precise and progressive movements.

Firm, but not uncomfortable, the Mazda CX-5 rotates almost flat even in strong support, with a rear rounded curves best, always, albeit with a high safety margin, safeguarded by an ESP well calibrated. No doubt a reference today in its category, with other significant added value compared to Ford Kuga: more general space throughout height and trunk, and a price, discount, is now even more competitive than ever-adjusted day Ford Kuga complete. Have you closed both SUV because the circle? Maybe not yet balance against Diesel, but without much power requirements, the Mazda CX-5 2.0 petrol yeah that’s safe return: I bet you will not make those mentioned margin 250,000 km.

Ford Focus ST vs VW Golf GTI Performance, what is better?

The Ford Focus ST does not seem to change much, but introduces significant improvements and equipment rack to rival more than ever, with the VW Golf GTI. ‘s face!

The Volkswagen Golf has not only been the GTI driver category generation after generation (and that’s been more than thirty years since it first appeared), but even maintained over time as long as the Reference in this category of sports.

For some years now also the Ford Focus has its ST sports version, whose approach is very similar to the VW Golf GTI basis, While it is true that so far has not been able to steal too much prominence to the German myth. And we say to date … because this time retried overcome.

The last Ford Focus ST which has landed on the market looks today better prepared than ever to rival in the best possible conditions with the almighty Volkswagen Golf GTI. For the occasion, and to see to what extent can overshadow him, the Golf we have also chosen scarier version Performance: account, inter alia, with a slightly more powerful engine, which develops 230 hp instead of 220; also offers larger brakes, 18-inch wheels Serial rather than 17 inches and, above all, a differential mechanical limited slip electronic control that makes a difference when rolling very fast. Outwardly, this Golf GTI Performance also for the front brake calipers painted in red, among other less distinguished striking details.

Ford Focus ST: your changes

He Ford Focus ST envite faces the seeming perhaps not too changes over its predecessor. However, analyzed further, we see that benefits from important improvements in terms of aesthetics and equipment, but most importantly without doubt the It shows changes from the technical point of view. The gasoline engine of 2.0 liter turbo hardly remains unchanged, but now with the addition of System Start / Stop, get reduce fuel consumption by around 6 percent. For this mechanism is continued announcing a maximum power of 250 hp and nearly 37 mkg torque, which puts it ahead of even rival Volkswagen Golf in what regards to mechanical performance. While it is true that we must also bear in mind that, according to official data, Ford Focus ST It weighs about 40 kg more, something that has also been found by measurements on scale our Technical Center.

Even more important are the new features this Ford Focus ST with respect to the frame. Technicians Ford Team RS have completely changed the tuning of suspensions for behavior more agile and sporty. With this goal have changed completely the running gear set-ups, they have substituted dampers for a more energetic moron and also change the Rear suspension springs. In addition, Ford has also worked on the revision of the electric power steering and traction control, which in this case acts as autoblocante. They are subtle changes and, as discussed below, achieved optimize performance and driving pleasure Ford Focus ST.

VW Golf GTI: balance GTi

He Ford Focus ST only It is offered with manual shift six speeds while Volkswagen Golf GTI as well It is available with box of DSG automatic double clutch that, as the defendant has been our choice for the occasion. Needless to say, with the DSG, Volkswagen Golf GTI Perfomance this becomes a sport much more suited to everyday driving and especially in the urban travel, where the Ford Focus RS is not too comfortable: Its controls are harder to operate, while management has a very limited turning radius.

The Volkswagen Golf is always as a more comfortable, smoother handling car. Their suspensions, although they are quite strong too, better absorb the irregularities of the firm … and that our unit is not mounted dampers controlled option. Ford Focus ST have a sporty mood and it shows, it is hard as a board, is noisier and engine offers a much more violent response, more turbo effect.

The Ford Focus ST is, to put it somewhat more temperament, although it is true that the 2.0 TSI petrol Volkswagen is even more satisfying: it is soft and very refined in its operation, but offers a capacity of impressive response and It boasts a huge power at all times. The Volkwagen Golf GTI is also a more satisfying when traveling car, more comfortable and pleasant, while, stopwatch in hand, offers superior performance, although it is true that the differences are minimal. Bulkier are the differences in change in fuel consumption, around liter more per 100 kilometers in favor of the VW Golf GTI.

VW Golf GTI Performance vs Ford Focus ST, including curves

Time and delve more tortuous paths, mountain roads twisty and constantly changing support. Here, el Violkswagen Golf GTI demonstrates high efficiency in those circumstances, it is resulting also easy and rewarding driving. It is a car that believes all things, which always goes where you want it and that hardly puts the driver in trouble. If your heavy cavalry advantage, you can roll very quickly because it always transmits tranquility and boasts a very easy and predictable reactions. In addition, brake very well and without any fuss, although it is true that the Ford Focus ST makes it even better: Your system is more powerful, but does not seem as resistant to fatigue. Which makes sense if you consider that the disks are smaller.

He Ford Focus ST already evident his sportier and radical mood. If you are looking for fun, there is no doubt that the Focus ST is a good car. Improvements in the frame are noted here, and a lot: Agility has won many integers and as a result the car is shown as effective as rewarding driving. It penetrates easily into the turns, the front is very agile, fast and accurate, while the rear is shown much more receptive to change support in the Volkswagen Golf GTI

Finally, it’s time to take stock: given the choice, the Price is not a factor, especially if the Volkswagen Golf is dispensed with the DSG, the five-door or even pack Performance. In this case, they must influence over other issues, such as personal tastes, emotion or passion for driving. Once more the Volkswagen Golf GTI represents the perfect balance, common sense, while the Ford Focus ST is a sporty GTi, more radical and appropriate for a younger clientele and passionate. Now, you decide.

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