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.