2012 Suzuki SX4

 

Expert Reviews

 Cars.com National September 23, 2011

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Suzuki SX4 is derived from an established overseas model, the Swift. It's available as a front-drive sedan and SportBack hatchback, and the Crossover hatchback comes with standard all-wheel drive. All compete with other small cars like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Mazda3.

New for 2012

An electronic stability system is standard for 2012. The available navigation system has also been upgraded.  

Exterior

From the center roof pillar forward, the SX4 Sport sedan is a dead ringer for the SX4 Crossover, featuring the same stylishly assertive face with creased bodywork. The SportBack ditches the Crossover's roof rack for a cleaner profile. The SportBack and Sport sedan also have a lower ride height and firmer suspension than the Crossover. Exterior features include:

• Four-door sedan or hatchback
• Standard 15-inch steel wheels; 16- and 17-inch wheels available
• Standard power windows, side mirrors and locks
• Available body kit   

Interior

The backseat is workable for adults, both in terms of headroom and legroom. The backseat is split 60/40 and can be folded to free more cargo space. Interior features include:

• Standard driver and front-passenger armrests
• Standard tilt steering wheel
• Available CD stereo
• Available air conditioning
• Available cruise control
• Available navigation system
• Available Bluetooth connectivity
• Available heated front seats

Under the Hood

All SX4 models use the same engine and transmissions, though the Crossover has standard all-wheel drive and the others come with front-wheel drive. Mechanical features include:

• Standard six-speed manual transmission
• Available continuously variable automatic transmission
• 150-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder (148 hp with the CVT)

Safety

Standard safety features include:

• Electronic stability system
• Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Side-impact airbags for front and rear rows
• Side curtain airbags

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

 

Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen's answer to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 compact SUVs, the five-seat Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. It's offered in S, SE and SEL trim levels.

Despite a lower starting price for 2012, high-end Tiguans can still get pricey. A loaded SEL with the optional navigation system is nearly $39,000, putting it in competition with compact luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX and Land Rover LR2.

New for 2012

The Tiguan gains new front and rear styling that help align its appearance with Volkswagen's recently redesigned models. Newly available bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights incorporate LED daytime running lamps. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are available as well.

EPA-estimated gas mileage has improved by 2 mpg in combined driving on automatic-transmission Tiguans. The six-speed automatic gains a second overdrive gear to lower engine speed when cruising. It also shifts sooner when not in Sport mode, and the engine idle speed is lower.

Exterior

The Tiguan looks like a smaller version of VW's Touareg midsize SUV until you step around back, where it more closely resembles the rear end of a Golf hatchback. Exterior features include:

• Standard 16-inch steel wheels; 16-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels available
• Standard rear spoiler
• Available fog lights
• Available panoramic sunroof

Interior

The Tiguan has a well-designed interior with high-quality materials, including brushed-metal-style trim around the gear selector and air vents. The rear seat can slide up to 6 inches to increase cargo room, and the seatback also reclines. S models feature new black-colored cloth seat fabric; the SE has simulated leather upholstery; and the SEL gets real leather. Interior features include:

• Standard 60/40-split backseat with fore/aft and backrest angle adjustments
• Standard Bluetooth connectivity
• Standard flat-folding front-passenger seat
• Available heated front seats
• Available iPod connectivity
• Available push-button start
• Available navigation system
• Available Dynaudio premium stereo

Under the Hood

A 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is standard. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission are offered. Mechanical features include:

• Premium gas recommended
• Front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• 2,200-pound towing capacity

Safety

Standard safety features include:

• Six airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows
• Electronic stability system and traction control
• All-disc antilock brakes 

Ford C Max

Ford C Max, sometimes also referred as Ford Focus C-Max is a compact MPV manufactured by Ford.


It has been under production since 2003 for European market and from 2011 for North American market.

The model releases as second generation model in North America. C-Max is arguably the smallest multi-purpose model from the house of Ford.

Let us take a look at the various generations of Ford C Max.

First Generation – Ford C Max (2003-2010) Mk I

Mk I was the first model ever to adapt the Ford C1 platform. Other models which used the same platform were Ford Focus Mk II and Mazda 5.

The five seater model was also equipped with huge cargo space which could be enhanced further by rolling down the back bench. The first generation C-Max also shared the control blade independent rear suspension with Ford Focus.

The various engine options included 1.6 liter Duratec, 1.8 liter Duratec HE and 2.0 liter Duratorq. The maximum horsepower of 136hp @4000rpm was produced by the 2.0 liter Duratorq engine.

2006 C Max – The Facelift

At 2006 Bologna Motor Show, the revamped and facelifted version of C-Max was showcased. The model then went ahead to hit the sales charts in the spring of 2007. The models before this one were called as Ford Focus C-Max; but after the facelift the model got renamed as Ford C-Max.

The fresh styling done on C-Max was inspired from Ford’s “Kinetic Design”; however as the body shell of the model was not officially designed on the design language, Ford claimed that C-Max had only the elements of “Kinetic Design”. The model received fresh twin trapezoidal grilles, angular headlights and larger wheel arches, as part of its facelift.

Second Generation – Ford C Max (2010-Present)

The latest second generation C-Max is getting built on Ford’s new Global C Platform. The outlook and the basic theme of the model is inspired from losis Max concept, which was previewed at 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The new C Max comes with 7 seat and is also being referred as Ford Grand C-Max.

The new C-Max was showcased in the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The model entered European markets first as a 7 seat MVP and it enters North America in 2011.

The new platform on which the model is built is one of its kind, that supports Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). Other special features of the second generation C-Max include flat folding third row bench, a rear view camera, panoramic sunroof and park assist. Entertainment and comfort features include HD Radio, dual-zone climate control, Sirius XM and navigation unit which are either standard or optional depending on the trim levels.

Like the first generation even the second generation features a variety of petrol and diesel engines. We see 1.6 liter Duratec Ti-VCT, 1.6 liter EcoBoost and 1.6liter/2.0 liter Duartorq diesel engines as the different variants available in this generation.

Hybrid C-Max

Ford showcased Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and the C-Max hybrid at the 2011 North American Auto Show. The models are set to hit the sales chart in 2012 in North America and in 2013 in Europe. Energi has driving range of more than 500 miles and it comes only as a five seater.

2012 Ford Grand C-Max

With the 2012 model of C-Max Ford consciously enters the sensibly sized minivan segment and is expected to make a strong statement. It features a wide range of traditional and latest tech and non-tech features. The buyers can opt for either a 2.5 liter inline 4 cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.6 liter EcoBoost inline-4 cylinder engine.

As the model’s release date comes closer, we keep calm and wait for more official announcements and test drive results.

Looks Inside

The C Max MPV is one of the best handling cars in its class, and looks like a scaled version of its big brother S-Max.
The new edition features a stylish dashboard design, following the Fiesta car and its edgier looks make it look more expressive than before.
It has a very small main screen with too many controls on the center console, but the glass roof and large windscreen make the car’s interior feel airy, light, and spacious.



It has an excellent, elevated driving position with supportive steering wheel adjustment to make it more comfy. The head- and leg- room for 3 individuals is fine, and can be removed completely or folded forwards.

 

2013 Mazda CX-5 SUV

Pros

Stylish design; very good fuel economy; agile driving dynamics.

Cons

No V6 option.

View Road Test Specs

 

Style, Plus Great Fuel Economy, Too

The CX-5 isn't the first compact SUV from Mazda, but it might as well be. Previous attempts at making inroads in the crossover market have included the Mazda Tribute (a clone of a Ford Escape) and Mazda CX-7, but neither stirred much consumer interest. With the handsomely designed and generously equipped 2013 Mazda CX-5, the people at Mazda finally get the crossover combination right. Plus, the CX-5 offers class-leading fuel economy and liberal interior dimensions, all at a competitive price. Sounds like a winning combination if ever we've heard one.
Official pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle's on-sale date in the first quarter of 2012, but official sources have reassured us that the five-passenger 2013 CX-5's pricing strategy will mirror that of its chief competitors, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. This means we should expect a price range from about $22,000 for the base CX-5 Sport to about $28,000 for the top-tier CX-5 Grand Touring. Mazda expects the midlevel CX-5 Touring to take the lion's share of sales, of course. All models are powered by the same fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, and all are available with all-wheel drive as well.
When it arrives, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 will be the first all-new vehicle to completely utilize Mazda's latest and most significant engineering effort to date. Mazda cryptically calls its all-encompassing approach Skyactiv Technology, a suite of efficiency, safety and driving-dynamics technologies baked into a vehicle as a whole. From the CX-5's body-in-white construction, to the powertrain, to the way this crossover steers and rides, this new SUV represents a fundamental shift in the way Mazda will engineer and construct everything it sells from now on, plus it's a strong new entry in a market segment that is becoming incredibly popular.
Mazda is very serious about competing with both the brisk-selling Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 with its CX-5. So confident, in fact, that the company predicts the 2013 CX-5 will be the second-best-selling vehicle in Mazda's portfolio.

Performance

Mechanically similar to the Skyactiv-G 2.0 engine already available in the 2012 Mazda 3, yet tuned for the dissimilar demands of the heavier CX-5, this 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. This is enough power and torque for the 3,200-3,400-pound SUV, and Mazda says an all-wheel-drive CX-5 Grand Touring should run to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds. Our seat-of-the-pants experience says this estimate is spot on.
Despite an engine that is smaller in displacement and less powerful than the 2012 Honda CR-V's 185-hp 2.4-liter four, the Mazda should be quicker than the Honda, although it'll be 2 seconds slower to 60 mph than the last V6-powered RAV4 we tested. It's also refreshing to report that a well-executed six-speed manual transmission is available on the front-drive CX-5, something that will make this model rewarding to drive.
Yet going fast isn't what the CX-5 is all about. In fact, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 can claim class-leading fuel economy. Mazda estimates the CX-5 will earn EPA estimates of 26 city/33 highway mpg for a front-wheel-drive model with the six-speed manual. A front-drive automatic should earn 26 city/32 highway mpg, and an all-wheel-drive CX-5 (available only with a six-speed automatic) is expected to earn 25 city/30 highway mpg.
On our first drive of this crossover over a twisting road, we found the CX-5's brakes, suspension and steering uncommonly capable — a dynamic departure from the compact SUV segment. Thanks to the Skyactiv initiative, the CX-5's chassis is downright fun to drive and gives you confidence while doing so. The steering is quick and direct without being nervous. The handling is sporty and secure without being edgy. And the four-wheel disc brakes are strong and predictable.

Comfort

On the open highway, we did detect some road noise from our Grand Touring model's 19-inch tires, but that is widespread for this segment. The large side mirrors, too, add a little wind noise, but you'd have to move up to a more expensive SUV to avoid these common maladies. The ride itself, however, felt like that of a larger SUV. Clever suspension architecture and tuning manage to offer that rare combination of agility and comfort.
The driving position and front-seat comfort overall is quite good. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with remote audio/cruise controls is standard on all models, but an eight-way powered driver seat, heated front seats and dual-zone HVAC all appear with the Grand Touring model. The standard leather-trimmed seats in the Grand Touring model were especially well-bolstered up front. Rear seats are spacious (especially legroom) for the category, though some might feel the bottom cushions are a little flat in order to get a nearly flat load space when the seatbacks are folded forward.

Function

In terms of storage and cargo capability, the CX-5 is on par with its competitors. With all seats occupied, there are 34 cubic feet of luggage space that grows to 65 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-5 Sport has 60/40-split folding rear seats, but for those of you who enjoy four-up skiing/snowboarding, you should note that both the Touring and Grand Touring models feature unique 40-20-40-split folding rear seats that accommodate four passengers and skis thanks to the ability of the center section to fold separately from the two seats.
The cockpit of the CX-5 is attractive, modern and functional. Of course, the farther up the model range you go, the list of standard features grows, but even the midlevel Touring model offers standard blind-spot monitoring, a color display with rearview camera, Bluetooth phone/audio streaming and privacy glass, to mention just a few items.
Mazda has also taken some pains to ensure that popular equipment on higher trim levels (such as Bluetooth, the monitor/camera and so on) will still be available as an option even on the base Sport model. There are four option packages (two for the Touring and one each for the Sport and Grand Touring) that offer a compelling number of choices, including upgraded audio systems, corner-following xenon headlamps, a TomTom-based navigation system and advanced keyless entry with push-button start.

Design/Fit and Finish

We hardly need to tell you, but the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is probably the most daringly styled compact SUV out there. It has an aggressive stance, a confident face of handsomely sculpted sheet metal and a variety of alloy wheels depending on the model. In some ways, it's almost more European-inspired design than Japanese.
While the interior is modern, attractive and functional, it won't make you think "luxury." Nevertheless, the use of piano-black panels highlighted by satin-metallic details creates a very handsome look. The materials are substantial and look smart, and there's no simulated-wood trim option, which is fine with us. We were pleased to find soft-touch materials from armrest-level up. The cloth-upholstered seats of the base model feel durable, while the leather surfaces with their double-stitched seams show careful attention to detail.

Who should consider this vehicle

The compact SUV segment is typically rife with compromise: space, ride comfort, driving pleasure, modern amenities or styling are often at odds with one another. With the 2013 CX-5, Mazda seeks to deliver all of the above and more without the usual give-and-take.
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 ought to attract buyers looking for a fun-to-drive alternative to the ubiquitous Honda CR-V and/or Toyota RAV4. The added bonus of class-leading fuel economy will also appeal to those who are looking for the utility of an SUV while trying to maintain a budget based on a previous compact sedan or hatchback.
Furthermore, the CX-5's impressive roster of standard and optional equipment (such as Bluetooth connectivity, digital-media compatibility, dual-zone climate control and so on) will serve those who have perhaps grown accustomed to these features in larger or more expensive SUVs.