BMW X1 18d compared to Steptronic xDrive, Mazda CX-5 2.2D Auto and Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 4Motion DSG three diesel 4×4 SUV with automatic transmission. Which is better?

The SUV are going strong and there is no brand that boasts that it no longer offers a wide range in size and price. They ended the minivan with a speed almost as fast as it did at the time the Diesel direct injection gasoline engines fashion, and have been imposed on the sales charts in front of family saloons, also they had their moment of glory and now they continue to resist. At the end there is some logic in this; an SUV is aesthetically more successful than a minivan and some offer a similar internal modularity, plus You can go through more sites, although most buyers do not need it. In this comparative faced three good models: BMW X1 18D, CX-5 2.2d and Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI. All with diesel engine, all-wheel drive and automatic transmission.

He BMW X1 He stopped wearing the longitudinal engine to become a front-wheel drive, now sharing the frame with the Mini family and the new minivans house, the Series 2 Active and Sport Tourer. The tested version uses the 118d engine, February 1 liter 150PS, accompanied this time by the automatic transmission Steptronic 8 speed and the wheel drive. By CX-5 We have similar configuration change and traction with its large 2.2 Diesel two turbos and 6-speed automatic transmission. He New Volkswagen Tiguan not innovates with respect to the previous and brings a known configuration, with 2.0 TDI version 150 hp, AWD and the new DSG 7 multidisc oil bath speeds.

Let’s start with the space. All are around 4.5 meters long, a little more than the Mazda CX-5 and just under the BMW X1. They are the perfect size to offer large capacity interior and can combine good boot with the hollow leg of going back. Front space is more than adequate in all, I see behind most notable differences. The dimension of width at shoulder height is greater in the BMW, however the entire width of the sidewalk is less, so three adults will more comfortable in the other two; if for 2 no problem. To this is added a console and tunnel that require lifting heavy foot to access the second row, in addition to an excessively hard back in the center. Mazda has much better central square, although higher than the other two, and better overall width supports three adults. The VW is similar to the CX-5 and the two best places are raffled. Both the X1 as the Tiguan have longitudinal adjustment of the rear bench seat, allowing them to configure the interior space and trunk. Against this the Mazda defended with a good means clearly better than the BMW, since it offers more space and luggage point, and that the X1 tienee an interesting double bottom 105 liters. The boss is here the Tiguan that even with fully backward row has more luggage than the other two. If I have to choose one for your space I stay with VW, while the Mazda remains very close; the X1 does not look bad if it’s for four occupants.

Mazda and Volkswagen protect the door the lower threshold, which prevents if the car is stained by water and mud you could dirty the pants to go. The gates of the trunk can be electric in the two Germans, an option that allowed even open or close without leaving the car. There are good ergonomics in the three. Mazda in the driver’s seat had some crunch, detail he had not yet seen any unit tested CX-5. They have good settings and design, with special mention for BMW appears to be one step ahead of the other two. Mazda and Tiguan are the central touch screen, with a somewhat imprecise operation in the Japanese invites use the central command before the touch. The BMW is normal but with a higher resolution, as well as higher menus and possibilities. I miss the mirrors X1 in larger umbrellas, a longer center armrest in the Mazda and a less sober design at Volkswagen, and I like the size glove of the latter, finishing details M X1 and optional M Sport trim and as many USB ports CX-5; each has its details in favor or against, matter of taste and price of each.

When lead all meet safety and, again, the differences are more a matter of personal taste than radical difference. The Tiguan feels like a Volkswagen; close your eyes and do not know if you’re in a Passat or Golf. He does everything well but the emotion left in Germany before leaving the factory gate on the drawing board or computer designer responsible for marketing, because this does not come. I can not criticize because the end result is very good, but his excitement is that will take you where you say, on or off the asphalt, and more accurately than its rivals. BMW has what is lacking in the Tiguan, and that BMW is a more typical architecture of a Volkswagen. It offers more sensations thanks to a more precise front axle and an electric steering that hides very well.

He has always liked the Mazda CX-5 in behavior but compared to its two rivals conveys a sense of being more veteran, That it is. This feeling comes because it is slightly less agile than them and feels more weight by more body roll, feeling that multiplies because its gearbox is less fast, not slow. The engine is good and change is fine but compared everything is less agile. Again I can not explain it but criticize it, since it meets what is asked. BMW I like the mechanical touch and has the best comparative change that marry well with the car’s behavior. Tiguan what I do not like is weighing 100 kg more than its rivals; perhaps 90 percent of buyers will not notice, but there it is.

Off-road two Germans better develop, thanks to traction control much better adapted for low-grip conditions. They also offer drop controls and, in the case of the Tiguan, more drive options depending on the type of surface. Also possible to vary the hardness of some controls throttle response and to turn your feelings, do not result in Sport. For performance to the slowest it has a good level.

The BMW X1 is imposed on the Mazda CX-5 slightly, both on the Volkswagen Tiguan, which hampers its TDI with 100 kilos more, and that the other two are nothing light. This detail is left also see consumption; 100 kg more than the VW X1 is 1 second slower step by 1,000 m and spends about one liter more, but less than the CX-5. With this engine and drive combination is available only Japanese in finishing top of the range. This prevents a lower price; yet it offers better relationship between price and equipment than their rivals, they have to go to more expensive finishes to be just as complete as him. Yes, as good Germans offer more choice, but must be paid.

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