Mazda CX-5 Problems

It's becoming a broken record, because the CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class. The new Vitara is roomy and well built, just flawed by an awful automatic gearbox.

The diesel is definitely the better engine choice in the Tucson, but you'll be giving up some headroom in the Highlander as — like virtually all sunroofs — it pinches a bit of roof clearance.

The CX-5 is the sales favourite with people buying mid-range SUVs. It seems I’m recommending it every week but that’s because it is a great car that gets The Tick.

The Kuga is a good drive but, like Rob, you should get her to test drive the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson before making a decision.

The best thing you can do and the cheapest solution is to change tyres, not cars. Australian roads are notorious for generating excessive tyre noise from our coarse-chip bitumen and a tyre specialist — for example, Bob Jane T-Marts — can probably advise on rubber that will reduce your problem significantly. Otherwise, wait until we see what the new Sportage is like, based on the impressive work by Kia on its latest Sorento.

I would not recommend a Captiva. At the moment, the CX-5 is best in class but the Tucson also gets The Tick.

Putting ride-handling up against comfort will mean a compromise on one side, as sporty-feeling SUVs tend to be a bit harsh in the ride with tyre noise as well. The Mazda CX-5 is the benchmark in the class, but the Honda HR-V could be more comfortable and flexible in the cabin.

For your needs, I would recommend the Subaru Forester. It is a great country drive, comfortable and safe, and gets The Tick. The Koleos is getting very dated.

The Qashqai is the right pick because of its bigger cabin, even if the Honda has lots of flexibility in its magic seats, but I would not commit without driving the Mazda CX-5, which is the class leader.

The CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class, as is the CX-3 tiddler. But if you want something sized between them then I also give The Tick to the Honda HR-V.