Here’s two of the class-leading, customer-focused and segment-winning diesel SUVs in a showroom battle. NEIL DOWLING referees.

MAZDA CX-5 MAXX SPORT
Price: $39,040
Star: 4
VALUE: The CX-5’s pricing fits the market and 1400 sales a month shows Mazda has got it right. The Maxx Sport is the best deal, though CX-5s start at $27,800 for a 2WD petrol (there’s no diesel 2WD yet) and climb to $46,200 for the diesel Grand Touring. Rivals are numerous and hungry but Mazda’s strong name and the Maxx Sport’s standard gear – sat-nav, rear camera, keyless entry/start and fuel-cheating stop-start system – keeps most at bay.
Star: 4
DESIGN: Mazda replicates the Mazda3 hatch shape and wins with a compact wagon with excellent cabin room. The grille could be a lot prettier but the rest of the shape is functionally attractive. Cabin treatment is a bit dark and gloomy but dash switchgear and instrumentation are spot on. But it is quite plasticy and that diminishes the presumed quality.
Star: 3.5
TECHNOLOGY: SkyActiv technology promises fuel efficiency and better driving dynamics and it works. There’s trade-off in the petrol CX-5 with doughy engine response but the 129kW/420Nm bi-turbocharged diesel is a more engaging performer that gets a commendable 5.7 L/100km. There’s also a six-speed auto and all-wheel drive.
Star: 4
SAFETY: This is a five-star wagon with all the necessary safety gear enhanced with a rear camera, tyre pressure monitor, six airbags, emergency-stop signal, stability control, brake assist and a hill holder. The spare is rated as a temporary but works like a full-size.
Star: 4
DRIVING: Diesel engine is lively compared with petrol CX-5 but doesn’t sparkle like the Sportage. Gearshifts are a bit bumpy – the quick lock-up saves fuel – and the stop-start system becomes annoying in traffic. Engine delivery is linear and strong and fuel economy is impressive. Ride comfort is good – the cloth seats feel more comfortable than leather – though there is some low-speed suspension thump. Handling is very good but the Sportage is more confident through the corners.
Star: 3.5
KIA SPORTAGE PLATINUM
Price: $39,720
Star: 4
VALUE: Platinum may be a bit opulent in spec but shows good value. Kia adds leather, sunroof, privacy glass and 18-inch alloys over the CX-5 but loses stop-start and a tyre pressure monitor. The five-year warranty is a big attraction as is Kia’s upcoming fixed service charges. Better value is the SLi version at $35,720 though budget motorists can opt for the 2WD petrol at $26,720.
Star: 4
DESIGN: This is one of the Sportage’s highlights. It’s distinctive narrow-profile side glass, abrupt tail and cling-wrapped grille make it look purposeful yet compact. It’s similar inside dimensions to the CX-5 but lifts the game with leather, an involving and interesting dash (though still in basic black) and excellent seat position. The heavy C-pillars hurt rear-side visibility.
Star: 4
TECHNOLOGY: Simple stuff here with a 135kW/392Nm single-turbo 2-litre diesel that’s up a bit on power but converse on torque compared with the CX-5. Performance is similar. The 7.5 L/100km is a good figure but Mazda has changed the benchmark. Kia has six-speed auto, all-wheel drive and 4WD Lock.
Star: 3.5
SAFETY: In line with the Mazda – a five-star crash rating, six airbags, stability control, rear camera, hill holder, brake assist and auto headlights and wipers – but adds rear park sensors. Doesn’t have the CX5’s tyre pressure monitor but has a fully-rated alloy spare wheel.
Star: 4
DRIVING: Diesel engine is more noticeable than Mazda at idle but quickly settles to be on par. Acceleration and pedal response feels more lively but side by side there wouldn’t be much in the performance differences. But the Kia steers better and feels more composed through corners. It feels more sporty and better planted on the road. Ride comfort is similar though tyre noise on coarse bitumen is slightly more noticeable than the Mazda – probably due to the 18-inch low-profile rubber.
Star: 4
VERDICT: Two things here – when did you last see a Japanese car priced lower than a similarly-equipped Korean car? It’s extremely difficult to find a winner here because it’s up to you. I prefer the Kia because it’s edgier styling, has more equipment and a long warranty, though the Mazda’s fuel economy is a big drawcard.

Mazda: 19pts
Kia: 19.5pts