Mazda CX-5 Problems

Save the money and get the front-driver. You won’t notice the difference in your driving.

That Tiguan is getting old and a customer complaint is not unusual for Volkswagen. If he wants the best car then, it's the CX-5 but the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage also get The Tick and are the value champions.

For your main requirements, I'd avoid all four of your shortlisted models and go for a Subaru Forester or Outback. They are more car-like but will still handle the rough roads.

The CX-5 is rated to tow 1800 kg (braked) and as long as you stay within that limit you should be fine. There shouldn’t be any need to fit an additional transmission oil cooler, and any increase in tyre wear should be minimal.

The CX-5 is a clear winner.

You will struggle for space in a CX-5 as it's smaller than the CX-7. I would go for a Hyundai Santa Fe, which gets The Tick with seven seats, quality, a five-year warranty and lifetime capped-price service costs.

If you genuinely have an unlimited budget, the best mid-sized prestige SUV is the Porsche Macan. If you're being more realistic, the Mazda CX-5 gets The Tick.

The Forester has been a top choice but these days I would rate it behind the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage for class and value. And the best car in that class is now the Mazda CX-5.

Moving out of a Statesman you will probably want some luxury, so that's definitely not a Captiva. I'd suggest you test drive a CX-5 and a Subaru Forester, both of which get The Tick, and choose between them.

The 2.5-litre petrol engine in the CX-5 will give you the zip you want. If you need oomph for towing, go for the diesel.