Further on Mazda’s long standing CX-5 SUV but still highly competitive with ten models in a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive, I’m driving the second tier 2.5-litre six-speed automatic CX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive at $43,184 drive-away with optional metallic paint. I did nearly 900km over the Anzac weekend with a lot of highway cruising at the open road limit. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 140kW and 252Nm of torque did a workmanlike job but what surprised was the economy, averaging 7.4L/100km on 91 grade petrol with four passengers. This is simply a great allrounder, well shod 17-inch alloy wheels provide a very comfortable ride while the electric power assistance offers good feel whilst parking and on the run. Comfort and convenience items include dual zone climate control, satellite navigation, a head-up instrument display, well bolstered cloth seats, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a good level of active safety elements. Thankfully the warning elements are not intrusive like many of the new breed of Chinese SUV’s. Disappointments – no wireless phone charger and the lack of a power rear door. However, the Mazda CX-5 is still up there as one of our best mid-size SUV’s. I’m David Berthon

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Driving the popular Mazda CX-5 SUV today, Mazda’s top seller, it’s been around a long time in ten models, a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive. No hybrid but I’m told its coming. I drove the second tier 2.5-litre six-speed automatic CX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive - $43,184 drive-away, which included optional Soul Red Chrystal Metallic paint at $795. A colour that has in many ways become a trademark of Mazda. The CX-5 a good looker, still our fourth best-selling medium SUV, behind Toyota’s RAV4 and getting some strong competition these days from Kia’s Sportage and Hyundai’s Tuscon. I did nearly 900km over the Anzac weekend and it really surprised - well sorted, extremely comfortable for four adults – the Maxx Sport well specified apart from the lack of wireless phone charging and a power rear door. But it has dual zone air-conditioning with rear outlets, a welcome head up display, a rather small 8-inch display screen on the dash but just so safe to use with a rotary dialer to let you scroll through a menu – so much safer than many of the new Chinese SUV’s with their large touchscreens and no active buttons. Warranty 5-years/unlimited km. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon

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I finally caught up with the small Chery Tiggo 4 SUV recently – this relatively new Chinese newcomer has received favourable reviews – a highly equipped SUV in two sharply priced grades – the Urban at $23,990 drive-away and the Ultimate at $26,990 drive-away – both surprising in terms of value and very well-built for that money too. Utilising a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 108kW and 210Nm linked to a continuously variable automatic driving the front wheels. The Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate model with sunroof and dual zone climate control air is incredible value and unmatched in features by the likes of MG’s ZS and Haval’s Jolion while it undercuts the likes of Hyundai’s Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30 and Kia’ Seltos. I just driven Chery Tiggo 4 models and came away impressed – I review the Chery Tiggo 4 on Sunday week. I’m David Berthon

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