The best towcars: revealed

The Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI Estate has been crowned Towcar of the Year 2011 by the Caravan Club.

It was one of thirty-five different models entered for the event, and took top honours for its mix of towing ability and family friendly design.

Towcar of the Year 2011 winners:

Cars were split into five price categories, and two all-wheel-drive segments, based on vehicle weight.

Skoda not only won the overall award but its Fabia hatchback took top honours in the sub £16,000 category. The Fabia’s caravan-friendly steering and stable towing characteristics at speeds below 75 mph won praise.

The Fiat Doblo was voted the best vehicle in the £16,000-£20,000 category. Its interior space, ability to pull a caravan on steep gradients and good stability all helped its victory.

The Volkswagen Golf Match 2.0 TDi 140 was the winner in the £20,000-£25,000 section, thanks to a mix of strong acceleration, clam ride, slick controls and powerful handbrake, which made it a confidence inspiring towcar.

The £25,000-£32,000 choice was also the overall winner, in the shape of the Skoda Superb 2.0 CDR estate. It’s easy to use clutch won particular praise, as did the light gearshift and accurate handling, making the Skoda straightforward to control when towing in hilly or challenging conditions.

The Mercedes E350 Estate won in the over £32,000 category, thanks to its ability to haul a caravan up steep inclines, its fold away tow ball, clever electrical hook ups, 84kg nose weight, helpful towing data  and spacious interior all helped it secure top honours.

The Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D was given the under 1800kgs four wheel drive award. Its mix of space, smooth-shifting transmissions, ‘generous’ nose weight, and lack of movement when hitched to a caravan all contributed to its win.

In the over 18000kgs section, the Range Rover Sport  TDV6 HSE was voted the winner, thanks to its six-speed automatic, towing-friendly diesel engine, and adjustable suspension.  Its ability to pull a caravan from rest up very steep hills received special mention.

By Martin Gurdon