CHOICE OF TOWCAR

This leaflet is prepared as a Club service. The contents are believed correct at the date of publication
but please raise any queries with the Club's Information office.

September 2008

Caravanning should be fun, and part of that fun should be the journey, and not just the
destination. Choosing the right towcar will go a long way to ensuring that your
towing experience is enjoyable and relaxed, as well as being safe and legal, of course.
Caravanners can create problems for themselves and attract the hostility of other road
users in two main ways: by being or appearing unsafe, or by holding up other traffic.
The first results from an outfit badly matched for weight, with a caravan too heavy for
the towcar to handle safely (outfit weight ratio) and the second from a towcar with
inadequate power to pull almost twice its own weight (power to weight ratio). Given
unlimited funds neither would occur, for you would choose a heavy, powerful car
which avoids both problems. In reality, most of us need an economical, generally
light car for most of the year and just an occasional towcar - it can therefore be a
difficult compromise in finding one that fits both bills.

1. OUTFIT WEIGHT RATIO

Leaving aside other considerations for a moment, for optimum towing performance,
the principle must be to have the heaviest practical towcar for a given caravan, for
otherwise the chances of a swaying trailer becoming an uncontrollably snaking trailer
are very real. Aim for a towed load of no more than 85% of the car's kerb weight
(KW) and never exceed 100%. Remember that the towed weight is the actual laden
weight (ALW) that the car is asked to pull (empty weight of caravan plus what you
add), not the theoretical maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM).
When you have established your caravan's ALW, multiply it by 1.2 as a guide to the
kerb weight of car to aim for.

Remember that all the above are rules of thumb, not of law. Relating the unladen
weight of the car to the laden weight of the caravan is an example of a simple
formula, and the variable loading of the car is the reason why the car's laden weight is
not suggested. Of course the more you can load in the car without unbalancing it or
exceeding the manufacturer's stated axle loads and the less in the caravan, the more
secure you will be on the road.

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Note that when The Club or a caravan dealer does an outfit match assessment for you,
this is usually based on a ‘worst case scenario’ of the car’s kerb weight (ie the lightest
the car can be) and the caravan’s MTPLM (ie the heaviest the caravan can be). We do
not know exactly how much payload you are going to put in the car or in the caravan,
so a check in these terms makes sure we can be confident you will be OK.

2. WEIGHT LIMITS

The car's kerb weight will normally be found in the handbook - if not consult your
dealer. The maximum allowable weights of the car, each axle, and the total train (car
and trailer) weights are shown on a plate on the car - usually under the bonnet, or on
one of the door pillars.

We are often asked, ‘why 85%’, rather than 90% or 75%, say? The connection
between weight ratio and stability has been proven through The Club’s own testing of
cars and caravans, the wealth of member feedback we receive, and not least the
scientific research we have sponsored. We picked 85% as the highest ratio we were
comfortable using for universal recommendations, thus allowing the widest choice of
compatible cars and caravans, while being confident that owners should find their
outfit safe and comfortable to tow.

We have, in fact, increased the ratio recommendation over the years, as car and
caravan technology has improved, and more research has been carried out. When this
advice was offered in the 1960s, the recommended maximum weight ratio was 70%.
This increased to 80% in the 1970s, and to 85% in the 1980s. It is not likely that we
will increase the recommendation further for the foreseeable future, though. The
maximum permitted caravan speed limit has also increased over this period (starting
at just 40mph), and the combination of high permitted speeds and higher weight ratios
is not ideal.

For all modern caravans built by NCC members the MTPLM should be on a plate
(usually near the door or on the A-frame), and also included in the handbook. Consult
your caravan dealer if in doubt. It is important you are aware of and comply with all
these limits to avoid trouble with the law.

3. POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO

Power to weight ratio is almost as important as the weight relationship of car to

caravan. This became much more confusing when diesel engines gained popularity,
as they traditionally produced less brake horse power (bhp) for a given capacity
engine, yet often still managed to be good towcars. Recent diesels challenge their
petrol equivalents in terms of power output, however, perhaps making things a little
easier again! Although quite a simplistic assessment (as it ignores factors such as
gearing, torque characteristics and aerodynamics, of instance), power to weight ratio
can be a useful measure, especially when comparing two broadly similar cars, or
perhaps when looking at a number of variants of the same basic model.

For many of today’s cars, one basic body shell has to cover a very wide range of
engine sizes, from the economy model to the top of the range luxury version.
Performance, flexibility and economy varies enormously, and the power to weight
(sometimes measured as bhp per tonne) can be a useful indicator of this. For

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instance, a 2008 Ford Mondeo Hatchback can have between 70 and 137 bhp/tonne,
depending on which engine, body style and trim level is chosen. Hook a caravan on
the back and the power to weight ratio is often nearly halved. One rule of thumb to
aim for here is 40 bhp/tonne of the train weight, ie everything in the outfit that the
engine has to pull - laden car and laden caravan. This is a minimum target figure for
allowing reasonable performance, not delaying other traffic and having sufficient
power for overtaking. Note: this rule does not necessarily apply to older, diesel-
engined cars, where good, low-end torque and relatively large engine capacity will
often make up for any loss of bhp. However, the latest generation of diesels are
tending to have both power output and power delivery characteristics which are more
like those of petrol engines.

Torque is a measure of engine performance which is difficult to visualise or explain.

It is the turning power generated by an engine. Good torque at low engine speeds will
allow easy pulling away, and towing with a minimum of gear changing.
Manufacturers generally only quote maximum torque and the speed at which it is
produced. However many engines nowadays produce 90%+ of maximum torque
from 2500 to 4000 rpm, so a quoted maximum at 4500-5000 rpm need not necessarily
be bad for towing. Even a high engine speed maximum torque can be tolerable if first
gear is low enough to pull away, the gearchange is light and you do not object to more
frequent changes. Alternatively, you can choose an automatic gearbox whose torque
converter usually solves the problem. Ask if the car salesman can show you the
torque/rpm graph for the car you are considering. Manufacturers used to regularly
include graphs of power and torque characteristics in their promotional literature, but
this seems much less common for recent models. If you do find such information,
however, it can be useful for predicting the towing performance. Some examples of
torque curves:

a ‘flat’ torque curve, curve with ‘twin peaks’ - so the max

max torque 135 NM @ 3,500 revs figure of 141 NM @ 5,200 is deceptive
(good for towing) (may cause problems at some speeds)

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

Curve with sharp peak at high revs -

less suitable for towing. Max torque
140 NM @ 5,200 revs

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4. PETROL, DIESEL OR TURBO?

The issue of ‘turbo or not turbo’ at least has become somewhat easier in recent years,
and almost all cars with engine capacities under, say, 2.5l tend to be turbocharged.
Larger-engined models also tend to be if they are diesels. The decision between
petrol and diesel used to be very clear cut – diesels were comparatively sluggish,
noisy, and generally only chosen by people who needed to do very high mileages or
who needed an exceptionally torquey engine for off road work or heavy-duty towing.
This has completely changed over the past 10-15 years. Modern diesels are lively
and refined, yet retain their inherent characteristics of good fuel economy and good
torque delivery. If you have not tried one recently, do not make your final decision on
a new car before doing so – you could well be very surprised. Do check carefully the
manufacturer's towing limit before buying a diesel, though, as (very occasionally) it
may be less than on petrol versions.

Selected models from the Citroen C5 Hatchback range (2007) give an opportunity to
compare some of the options available. (manufacturer’s figures)
Petrol Petrol Diesel Diesel Petrol
4 cyl 4 cyl 4 cyl HDi 4 cyl HDi V6
5sp Man 5sp Man 5sp Man 6sp Man 6sp Auto
Cc 1749 1997 1997 2179 2946

Bhp/revs 125/6000 143/6000 138/4000 173/4000 210/6000

Torque/revs 125/3750 148/4000 236/2000 273/1500 215/3750
Max speed mph 125 131 127 138 143
0-62mph (secs) 10.0 9.1 9.8 9.3 8.6
Towing limit kg 1500 1500 1700 1800 1600
Mpg* 37.27* 35.3* 47.1* 46.3* 28.2*
* These solo fuel consumption figures are based on government tests simulating a
‘typical’ mixture of urban and open road driving.

On the basis of the figures above, for what is a fairly typical modern car, a few
conclusions can be drawn:

• Even the ‘base’ model petrol engine is surprisingly powerful and fast – it is
about as quick as a 1970s Jaguar 4.2l saloon, for instance, yet has less than
half the engine capacity, and better than twice the fuel economy.
• In practical terms, there is relatively little difference in outright top speed or
acceleration across the range. Any of these cars is going to be more than
adequate in everyday use.
• The bhp outputs of the diesels are broadly comparable to those of the similar
capacity petrol models, but peak power is produced at significantly lower revs.
• The torque outputs of the diesels are much better than those of similar capacity
diesel models.
• The fuel economy of the diesels is much better than the petrols, with perhaps
the most striking comparison being the 2.2 diesel, which despite having
performance which is very similar to the 3.0l petrol, is some 60% more fuel
efficient on the Government combined fuel consumption test cycle.

It is no wonder when looking at these figures that most of the recent Towcar of the
Year winners (and class winners) have been diesels, and not surprising that some 70%
of Club members choose a diesel car.

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5. GEARING

Gearing will also affect towing performance. All likely towcars now have at least
five gears in manual gearboxes and probably at least four, if not five or more, in
automatics. More gears give improved ability to match the engine to the road speed
in an optimum way, giving better fuel economy, better emissions performance and
quieter high speed cruising.

A partial guide to a car’s towability is the road speed at which maximum torque is
produced for every 1000 rpm in top gear. If the figure quoted is 21 mph (in top gear)
and maximum torque is quoted at 3000 rpm, then multiply 3 (thousand) by 21 = 63
mph. This suggests that at about the maximum legal towing speed on a UK
motorway, such a car would be ‘pulling’ at its strongest - this should mean it will be
able to maintain a steady speed in spite of moderate hills, for instance. Too high a
figure for this calculation and the car will ‘run out of breath’ very easily in top year,
forcing you to change down at the slightest up slope. It is also said that a vehicle
showing good midrange acceleration times (normally 50-70 mph) should be a good
towcar. Modern cars will regularly achieve times of under 7s for this measure, but
those which do so in 4th or higher gears are likely to be best for towing – watch out
for figures which only show good performance when in 3rd, since this could be an
indication of a ‘peaky’, inflexible engine.

6. AUTOMATICS

One way to bypass problems created by less than ideal torque is to choose an
automatic gearbox rather than a manual. An automatic is ideally suited for caravan
towing, and with its torque converter allows crawling pace where a manual's clutch
would slip and wear. Also when starting off from rest the action of the torque
converter gives a torque magnification factor approaching 2:1, ie when the converter
output is at rest or turning slowly the torque is maximum and the output torque
exceeds the input torque - ideal when towing.

Other benefits are less wear and tear on the transmission, easy re-starts on hills and
reversing to hitch up (not having to cope with three pedals and only two feet!), and
perfectly adequate gear control with the selector. As the mood takes you, the gearbox
will do all the work if left in Drive, or you take control of changing up and down.
With all these advantages there must also be disadvantages! One penalty with older
three speed automatics, but less for those with four-speeds or more was higher fuel
consumption. Another was slight loss of performance over the manual equivalent and
increased heat production. Later generations of five, six, seven and soon eight(!)
speed automatics have virtually eliminated any significant fuel consumption penalty
in most cases and generally deliver performance effectively equal to their manual
counterparts. As there are occasional exceptions to this, it is still worth checking the
manufacturer’s fuel consumption data, though. Occasionally, the manufacturer’s
towing limit is lower with automatic transmissions – be sure to check (see information
leaflet ‘Automatic Transmission for Towing’). Over 20% of Club members choose
an automatic.

One annoyance when choosing a new model is that diesel automatics remain
comparatively rare. This seems strange, since the ability of a diesel to perform well at
low revs should make it ideally suited to use with an auto ‘box. The combination of a

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modern diesel engine and a modern automatic gearbox is generally a delight, and
some of the best towcars around fall into this category.

7. FRONT, REAR OR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE?

Is a caravan best towed by a car with all wheels driven or whose driven wheels are at
the front or the rear? The majority of cars under 3 litres are front wheel drive (fwd),
although there are still rear wheel drive (rwd) types available, such as BMWs and
some Mercedes. It has been said that rwd is preferable because no amount of loading
and caravan noseweight can lift the driven wheels off the road. However most fwd
cars tow very competently providing
the car manufacturer's noseweight limit Traction control is great, but there is
and rear axle limits are observed, and usually a button to turn it off. That is
most experts would say they offer because it operates by reducing engine
significant advantages, due to power to prevent wheelspin. But in
inherently safer handling some circumstances (deep mud, or a
characteristics. Areas where fwd slippery hill start, perhaps), you need the
performance can be compromised while wheels to spin to let the engine rev high
towing are on hill starts, or on wet enough to produce enough power to get
grass/mud, where it is not uncommon you moving.
for the front wheels to scrabble for grip.
However, the majority of more recent
cars likely to be chosen as towcars now have traction control systems which largely
address these problems.

For caravanning purposes, 4x4 vehicles can be divided into three main categories: the
true all-terrain vehicles (Range Rover, Discovery, Shogun, Trooper, Landcruiser etc),
the 'lifestyle' off roaders, which are lighter and smaller-engined (Suzuki Vitara,
Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, etc), and high-performance road going passenger cars
(Audi, Subaru etc).

Four wheel drive can either be selectable, just for slippery off-road moments, or
permanent, leading to enhanced acceleration and cornering due to improved traction.
Ever increasing sophistication of the control systems for such transmissions means
that many models now have multiple modes of operation, and variable degrees of
automatic selection of which wheels power is directed towards. These are one class
of vehicle where you really do need to spend some time reading the handbook, if you
want to get the best out of the car! Thankfully, though, the days of being confused
over which of the three gear sticks in your new off roader you need at any particular
time have largely disappeared, with most of the selection now being electronically
controlled.

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Many caravanners see a 4x4 as the ‘ultimate’ towcar. Certainly, if you need a heavy
car to match appropriately to a large caravan, then this may be your only option,
although some larger estates and MPVs may be viable as well. A large 4x4 will
almost certainly deliver excellent pulling performance, great hill start ability, and a
confidence of always being able to get
off a muddy field after a weekend’s
Are you allowed to tow with a 4x4? If
rain! Be aware that some of the smaller
you passed your driving test from 1
models are less competent, though, and
January 1997 onwards, you can only tow
may not have especially high
an outfit with a combined maximum
kerbweights, towing limits or
allowable mass of 3500kg unless you
noseweight capabilities. There are
take an additional driving test. Many
some penalties of choosing a 4x4 too.
4x4 will exceed this limit with almost
High running costs (including high fuel
any caravan. See The Club's Information
consumption) are almost certain, while
Leaflet ‘Driving Licences in a Nutshell’
sadly, reliability and refinement cannot
always be taken as read for what are
usually premium price vehicles. Interior space can sometimes be compromised by a
need to leave room for all the heavy-duty mechanical bits and pieces, and turning
circle is often limited too, making parking more of a challenge than normal. The
sheer size of some of the ‘proper’ off roaders can be a mixed blessing – while many
owners like the feeling of safety and security that results from this, you may find you
can not get your new car in your garage.

Some caravan manufacturers say their warranty may be invalidated by towing with an
all-terrain vehicle, so check this point first, either in the caravan manual, or by
contacting the manufacturer direct. Al-Ko Kober, the most popular caravan chassis
manufacturer, issued advice some years ago about towing with an off-road leisure
vehicle. This was to the effect that, in general terms, UK-market caravans are
expected to be towed primarily on prepared roads, with a small amount of
manoeuvring likely on softer ground such as caravan sites. In these circumstances,
the use of leisure type four wheel drive vehicles (those with car-like suspension) is
acceptable, given usual careful driving.

4x4 versions of conventional passenger cars tend to be relatively heavy compared to

their two wheel drive variants, so may be good matches for medium to heavy
caravans, if not ideal for the very largest ones. They will have many of the
advantages of bigger 4x4s (improved traction for slippery roads and hill starts), but
seldom the real off road ability of a true all terrain vehicle, mainly due to limited
ground clearance and ‘road’ rather than ‘off road’ tyres.

8. BODY STYLE

A long rear overhang is less desirable in a tow car - ie. the distance from the rear axle
to the towball, making some large saloons less than ideal. In extreme cases, this can
lead to a depressed rear end requiring suspension aids and a tendency towards
pitching or swaying - a case of the 'tail wagging the dog'. Many estate variants have
uprated, adjustable or even self-levelling suspension to cope with their enhanced load-
carrying capacity, and this can also benefit their towing ability. Self levelling
suspension is a great boon, but often a costly option or only found on the higher
models. Citroen have been a notably exception to the rule in this regard, and their
success over the years at Towcar of the Year must in some part be due to this. The
need to add rear suspension aids (see our leaflet on the subject, ‘Rear Suspension

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Aids’ for more details) is rare these days. The choice between saloon, hatchback or
estate will often come down to
practicality – if you need to carry more
luggage, especially odd shaped items And now for something completely
like awning poles, deck chairs and all different….Why not tow with a
the other ‘essentials’ we find we need convertible? Or a high performance
when going on holiday, then generally a saloon? Or a pick-up truck? As long as
hatchback will swallow more than a a vehicle has an adequate towing limit
saloon, and an estate will take more specified by its manufacturer, you should
than a hatchback. be able to tow with it. While this usually
rules out things like Ferraris, it wouldn’t
‘Multi Purpose Vehicles’ (MPVs or necessarily exclude a BMW convertible,
‘people carriers’) are now very popular. a Subaru Impreza WRX or a Mitsubishi
These often have a relatively high kerb L200. Your towcar does not have to be
weight and short rear overhang, which boring!
are advantageous for towing. The high
seating positions and flexible seating and luggage arrangement normally possible are
also bonuses while touring or in normal use. Note, however, that some models are
quite low-powered for the size of vehicle, and hence will not be especially lively
when loaded or towing. Also, some manufacturers may consider that the high internal
load capacity (often 7 people plus luggage) means that a relatively low towing limit
and/or noseweight limit is appropriate for the car. Others quote variable limits – ie
you can carry lots of payload in the car, or tow a heavy caravan, but not do both at
once. As always, check in the car handbook before buying.

9. NOSEWEIGHT

It is vital to have enough noseweight when the combination is stationary, as research

shows that this figure decreases on the move due to aerodynamic loads on the
caravan. This effect does not cause stability problems provided there is sufficient
noseweight to start with, but if all your noseweight disappears at speed, then
instability is much more likely.

Car manufacturers quote a maximum permitted noseweight for each car model.
Several factors may be taken into account when setting this noseweight figure,
including the capabilities of the car's rear suspension, the traction of the car
(particularly if front wheel drive) and the strength of the towbar mounting points (see
paragraph headed ‘Towbars’). Therefore, it is important not to exceed the car
manufacturer’s recommended noseweight. However, from the caravan point of view,
it is recommended that the target noseweight for stability of the outfit when towing is
generally found to be approximately 7% of the caravan's actual laden weight
(generally between 70 and 100 kg). You can see that those car manufacturers quoting
a maximum noseweight of 70 kg or less will restrict the choice of ideally compatible
caravan quite considerably. Refer to the tables on pages 14 to 17 for car noseweights,
but check again before you buy, as these figures are liable to change. If the car dealer
seems unsure, ask him to find out! Caravan manufacturers sometimes quote a
noseweight limit too - check this is compatible with the 7% recommendation.

It is probably fair to say that noseweight compatibility is the most common reason for
The Club to consider a Club member’s proposed outfit to be ‘not ideal’. This has
been exacerbated by the trend in recent years for caravans to get heavier. Many

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owners find it impossible to meet the 7% target noseweight recommendation as a
result, and while some compromise of this issue is possible if other factors are
favourable (eg outfit weight ratio) with any significant compromise, it must be
recognised that the risk of instability at higher speeds will be increased.

10. TOWBARS

Still at the car's rear end, consider carefully the mechanical connection of your
caravan, the towbar. Today's fuel-efficient cars are quite lightly-built and have metal
panels designed to crumple in an accident. Attaching a rigid towbar to such a
structure, to accept the considerable vertical and horizontal forces from the caravan is
now a very exact science. The car manufacturer will specify precisely at what points
the attachment must be made, and often provide pre-drilled and threaded points for
the bolts. From 1 August 1998 most new cars have to be fitted with a towbar meeting
European Directive 94/20/EC, which should guarantee the towbar’s performance. For
older cars, though, it is not wise to save a few pounds buying the cheapest possible
towbar, which most likely does not attach to all the recommended points - insist on
one which states that the design has been tested to the British (BS AU114) or similar
International (ISO3853) Standard. Any claim that a towbar is 'designed to' or 'meets'
the Standard is bogus - it must have been tested to the Standard. The noseweight limit
marked on the bracket may sometimes be higher than the noseweight limit for that
particular model of car (since the same towbar may be used on a range of vehicle
models). Check in the car handbook, and work to the lower of any specified values.
(See also The Club's leaflet, ‘Choice of Towbar’).

11. CLEAN LEAN AND GREEN

With ever-increasing fuel costs and concerns for the environment it is necessary to
recognise that it is not always practical to choose the best possible towcar, when this
vehicle may well spend most of its time operating solo.

If you choose a large, heavy caravan, do not compromise unduly on your

choice of towcar, as your safety and legality may be affected. If you only tow
a modest mileage a year, would an older, secondhand 4x4 be a better option
(low purchase price, possibly outside of the scope of emissions-based Vehicle
Excise Duty (VED, or Road Tax), restricted mileage insurance policy
possible), if you used it only for holidays and occasional other trips, instead of
buying a theoretically greener and more efficient new 4x4 but used it all the
time? You would perhaps need a small, efficient hatchback for everyday use,
as well, though. Far better – if possible – is to choose a lighter caravan, of
course, but even then, it is unwise to match it to too small, light or low-
powered a towcar.

As a general rule, the more modern a car is, the better its emissions
performance and fuel economy will be. Manufacturers are giving more and
more attention to these issues now, and tomorrow’s cars will be better still.

Alternative fuels may be worth considering. Sales of petrol/LPG capable cars

peaked in 2003 (at about 3000 new registrations), but LPG remains a cost-
effective way of running a larger-engined car, as the fuel is still currently
cheaper. If you can find an already-converted secondhand petrol 4x4, it could

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be a good buy, even for limited mileage use. If you wanted to have a car
converted, however, you will probably need to be doing a high annual mileage
to offset the cost of conversion. Most common petrol/electric hybrids (eg
Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid) are not approved for towing, but a few are
suitable (eg Lexus RX400h), and are potentially very effective towcars. Their
characteristic of lots of torque from an electric motor at low speed is ideally
suited to hill starts or pulling away on a slippery field, for instance. Expect to
see more new models in this sector in years to come. Current electric-only
cars tend to be far too small and have too limited a range to be viable for
towing, but that may change in years to come.

Increasing engine efficiency means that having a large engine is no longer a

necessity for an effective towcar. Models such as the VW Golf GT Sport with
just a 1.4l petrol engine, but produces 140 or 170 bhp (depending on
specification) and 162 or 177lb ft of torque at 1750 or 1500rpm. That is the
kind of output which would have been obtained from a 2.5l engine only a few
years ago, yet this example will return around 40mpg and CO2 emissions of
around 170g/km. Modern diesels of around 2l capacity or perhaps a little less
are capable of even better figures. Staying with the Golf GT Sport, the diesel
version has a 2l engine, again produces either 140 or 170bhp (depending on
specification), and 236 or 258 lb ft of torque at 1750 or 2000rpm. Better still,
fuel consumption is around 50mpg, and CO2 emissions are around 150g/km.

Want to find the relevant figures for a particular car? Try the following:

 The car handbook or brochure or manufacturer’s website

should have all the information, but some are much clearer in
this respect than others.
 For new cars, there should be an environment label (much like
those used on fridges and washing machines0 which rates the
car from ‘A’ (most green) to ‘G’ (most polluting), and which
gives other facts and figures too. These should be displayed on
cars in the showroom, and are often reproduced in promotional
brochures and sometimes websites.
 The Government’s ‘Act on CO2’ website
(www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2/) includes details of the emissions
performance of all new cars, as well as tips ion choosing and
using a car efficiently.
 The Vehicle Certification Agency’s website
(www.vacarfueldata.org.uk/) has a sophisticated search facility
covering new cars to enable you to find fuel efficient and/or
green vehicles, and also those which fall into specific VED
bands etc.
 For older cars, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
has a database of cars from 1997 onwards giving CO2 figures
(www.smmtco2.uk/).
 An interesting project currently being evaluated by The Club is
the ‘Ecotest’ study run jointly by the German auto club ADAC
and the FIA Foundation. See www.ecotest.eu for details. This
attempts to evaluate a range of efficiency and environmental
factors, and to combine them to give a simple 5-star rating

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 assessment to that used for vehicle safety in the Euro-NCAP
test programme.

Remember that whichever car you buy, and whatever its economy and
environmental capabilities, it is at least as important how you drive it as how it
is designed. The Act on CO2 campaign suggests the following advice:

Check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly, as under-inflated tyres create more resistance
when your car is moving, which means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used
and more CO2 emissions are produced.

Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to lug around. By removing it, you could
reduce your engine’s workload. This will burn less fuel and cut your CO 2 emissions, so
unload any items you will not need for your journey before you set out. Similarly, failing to
remove a roof rack which is not being used causes unnecessary inefficiency.

Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore
produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting
your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. In this way, the traffic may have
started moving again by the time you approach the vehicle in front, so you can then change
gear and be on your way.

Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so
revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear.
Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs. If you
drive a diesel car try changing up a gear when the rev counter reaches 2000rpm. For a petrol
car try changing up at 2500rpm.

When the engine is idling you are wasting fuel and adding CO 2 emissions. If you are likely to
be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, simply switch off the engine.

Try to avoid using your car for short journeys – use public transport, ride a bicycle or walk.

Plan ahead – choose uncongested routes, combine trips, car share.

Cold starts – drive off as soon as possible after starting, as it is more efficient to let the engine
warm up while driving than on your driveway.

Drive smoothly and efficiently – harsh acceleration and heavy braking have a very significant
effect on fuel consumption. Driving more smoothly saves fuel.

Slow down – driving at high speeds significantly increases fuel consumption.

Use higher gears as soon as traffic conditions allow.

Regular servicing helps keep the engine at best efficiency.

Check your fuel consumption – it will help you get the most from the car. Changes in overall
fuel consumption may indicate a fault.

Use air-conditioning sparingly – running air-conditioning continuously will increase fuel

consumption significantly.

11
12. MISCELLANEOUS

Watch out for:

Low-mounted number plates which may force you to choose a more

expensive detachable towbar, or risk prosecution if your towball obscures
the plate.

Tailgate mounted spare wheels on 4x4s, which make it awkward to hitch and
unhitch (especially with a ball-acting stabiliser).

Large and low tailgates which might be obstructed by the caravan hitch –
especially side-hinged ones which are occasionally seen on 4x4s.

Cars fitted with high intensity gas discharge headlamps – can the beam be
readily adjusted for continental use by the owner, or will this mean expensive
trips to the dealer for every holiday. Some are very easy, others are not!

It is hoped these factors will help you choose a towcar suited to your needs, but for
any further information, contact The Club's Information Department.

Photocopies of various tried and tested reports, and new car tests featured in the
Caravan Club Magazine are available to members.

If you would like to receive a towcar report or one of the information leaflets
mentioned, please send a large (A4) stamped addressed envelope.

Useful Conversions

POWER 1bhp = 1.0139 PS (= German Pferde Starke or Horse Power)

1 KW = 1.341 bhp or 1.36 PS

TORQUE 1 Nm = 0.737 lb/ft

1 lb/ft = 1.357 Nm
1 Kgm = 7.227 lb/ft
1 Kgm = 9.806 Nm

FUEL CONSUMPTION Litres per 100 km = 282.47 1 litre = 0.22 gal

mpg
Mpg = 282.47
1/100km 50 litres = 11 gal

SPEEDOMETER CHECK 1 Km, or 10 marker posts on a motorway, should take

55.9 seconds at 40 mph, 44.7 seconds at 50 mph and 37.3 seconds at
60 mph. Preferably measure over a longer distance.

MILEOMETER CHECK 1 Km (10 marker posts) equals 0.6214 miles. At least

10 Km is needed for any reasonable verification.

To help you with your selection the list below suggests a target minimum engine
power to aim for in relation to train weight. The first column shows car kerbweights,
the second a caravan weighing 85% of that kerbweight, and the third the bhp of a car's

12
engine that will be needed to produce 40 bhp/tonne of train weight. Obviously a
heavier caravan affects these figures.

Power to Weight Ratio Calculations

Car Kerbweight Caravan 85% KW Minimum quoted

kg (cwt) kg (cwt) engine bhp required
900 (17.7) 765 (15.0) 64
1000 (19.7) 850 (16.7) 73
1100 (21.6) 935 (18.4) 80
1200 (23.6) 1020 (20.0) 87
1300 (25.6) 1105 (21.8) 95
1400 (27.6) 1190 (23.4) 102
1500 (29.6) 1275 (25.0) 109
1600 (31.5) 1360 (26.8) 117
1700 (33.5) 1445 (28.4) 124
1800 (35.4) 1530 (30.1) 131
1900 (37.4) 1615 (31.8) 138
2000 (39.4) 1700 (33.5) 146
2100 (41.3) 1785 (35.1) 153
2200 (43.3) 1870 (36.8) 160
2300 (45.3) 1955 (38.5) 168
2400 (47.2) 2040 (40.1) 175
2500 (49.2) 2125 (41.8) 182
2600 (51.2) 2210 (43.5) 189
2700 (53.1) 2295 (45.2) 197

Remember, you will usually be using the car in a loaded condition and you should
take this into account when working out bhp requirements. However, when
considering two or more cars for their suitability, a simplistic comparison using just
the car’s kerb weight, as shown above, is valid to help you make the best choice.

Weight Guide using Ford/Land Rover 2007 Vehicles spec as examples

Kerbweight
Kg (cwt)
Fiesta 1.4i 3 door 1102 (21.7)
Focus 1.8i 5 door 1307 (25.7)
Mondeo 2.0TDCi 5 door 1559 (30.7)
S-Max 2.0TDCi 5 door (MPV) 1724 (33.9)
Galaxy 2.0TDCi 5 door (MPV) 1799 (35.4)
Freelander2 2.2 TD4 (4x4) 1770 (34.8)
Discovery3 2.7 TDV6 (4x4) 2494 (49.1)
Range Rover 3.6 TDV8 (4x4) 2710 (53.3)

13
Definitions of Terms Used

The Caravan

Ex Works Weight The weight of the caravan as new with standard fixtures
(Unladen Weight) and fittings as stated by the caravan manufacturer.
(NB: Because of the differences in the weight of
materials supplied for construction of caravans, and
moisture retention, variations of ± 5% of the
manufacturer's figure can be expected, usually "+").

Actual Laden Weight (ALW) The total weight of the caravan and its contents
when being towed.

Maximum Authorised Weight The maximum weight for which the caravan is designed
(MAW) for normal use when being towed on a road laden
(Maximum Gross Weight) and this must never be exceeded.

Maximum Technically As stated by the vehicle manufacturer. This mass

Permissible Laden takes into account specific operating conditions
including
Mass (MTPLM) factors such as the strength of materials, loading
capacity of the tyres etc.

Mass in Running Order (MIRO) Mass of the caravan equipped to the manufacturer’s
standard specification.

User Payload The difference between the Maximum Technically

Permissible Laden Mass and the Mass in Running
Order. For most existing caravans payload includes
essential habitation equipment, personal effects and
optional equipment. It is anticipated that EHE will
soon be moved from being part of user payload to
being part of MIRO . Check the specification
details for new caravans carefully

Essential Habitation Those items and fluids required for the safe and proper
Equipment (EHE) functioning of the equipment for habitation as
defined by the manufacturer of the caravan.

Personal Effects Those items which a user can choose to carry in a

caravan and which are not included as essential
habitation equipment or optional equipment.

Optional Equipment Items made available by the manufacturer over and

above the standard specification for the caravan.

Noseweight Static vertical load. That part of the weight of the

caravan supported by the rear of the towing vehicle.

14
The Towing Vehicle

Kerb Weight There are two definitions for towing vehicle

kerbweight. These are:

1. As defined in the Road Vehicle (Construction

and Use Regulations 1986:

The weight of the towing vehicle as it leaves the

manufacturer with a full tank of fuel, adequate
fluids for normal operation (lubricants, oils, water
etc) and its standard set of tools and equipment. It
does not include the weight of the driver, occupants
or load.

2. As defined by EU Directive 95/48/EC (issued in

September 1995):

The weight of the vehicle as it leaves the

manufacturer with its fuel tank 90% full, all the
necessary fluids for normal operation (lubricants,
oils, water etc), a nominal driver weight of 68kg
and 7kg of luggage.

Vehicle manufacturers will tend to use the second

definition in official documentation, since this is the
one required by the regulations they have to meet to
sell the vehicle Europewide. In publicity material
and handbooks, however, either definition may be
found, although the first one is expected to
gradually disappear.

Towing Limit A statement by the manufacturer giving the (braked

trailer) maximum weight of braked trailer the car
will tow, when restarting on a gradient of, usually, 1
in 8.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) The weight of the vehicle laden to its maximum, as
defined by the vehicle manufacturer.

Gross Train Weight (GTW) Often the Gross Vehicle Weight plus the Towing
Limit, but check the vehicle handbook.

15
VIN Plate / MTPLM Only applicable to post-August 1998 vehicles
This calculation is based on the Gross Train Weight
of your vehicle. If the Gross Vehicle Weight plus
the MAW/MTPLM of your caravan exceeds the
Gross Train Weight shown on the VIN Plate of your
car, you could be breaking the law. The Gross
Train Weight of a vehicle should be the Gross
Vehicle Weight plus the vehicle’s maximum towing
weight. However, some manufacturers have set
their Gross Train Weights below that figure and this
will restrict the towing limit of these vehicles.

Outfit Weight Ratio The Actual Laden Weight expressed as a percentage

of the Kerb Weight, ie: ALW × 100
KW

Conversion

Kilograms divided by 50.8 = cwt

Kilograms multiplied by 2.2046 =lbs

16
 NOSEWEIGHT LIMITS MAR `09
CAR Ilbs Kgs CAR Ilbs Kgs
ALFA ROMEO CITROËN contd.
145/146/Spider/GTV 110 50 C5 Estate/Hatchback 165 75
156 / 147 / 166 132 60 C3 1.1i 84 38
164 2.0 Twin Spark 132 60 C3 1.4i/1.4Hdi 16V 104 47
164 3.0 V6 143 65 C3 1.4 auto/1.4 &1.616V 106 48
155 1.8 Twin Spark 200 90 C3 Pluriel 75 34
155 2.0 TS/2.5 V6 210 95 C4 1.4i 16V 139 63
155 Turbo 4X4 215 105 C4 1.6 Hdi 16V 110bhp/
AUDI 1.6 Hdi 16V 92bhp 146 66
100 / 200 (2WD) 110 50 C4 1.6i 16V 135 61
Quattro / Cabriolet 110 50 C4 1.6i 16V Auto 137 62
100 / 200 (4WD) 165 75 C4 2.0 Hdi 16V 138bhp 161 73
S4 / A3 / A8 165 75 C4 2.0 Hdi 138bhp Auto 154 70
A4 / Q5 175 80 C6 – all models 154 70
A6 Avant & Saloon (pre 1997) 110 50 C8 168 76
A6 Quattro (pre 1996) 165 75 XM 243 110
A6 Avant, A6 Quattro/Saloon – XM Estate/Xsara Picasso 175 80
1997 model onwards 187 85 Berlingo Multispace 1.6i (90 bhp) 110 50
ALLROAD 210 95 Berlingo Multispace 1.6i (110bhp) 121 55
Avant / V8 165 75 Berlingo Multispace 1.6HDi (75bhp) 110 50
Q7 5 Seat 309 140 Berlingo Multispace1.6HDi (90/110bhp) 121 55
Q7 6 / 7 seat 286 130 C4 Grand Picasso
1.6 16V 120hp
BMW
1.6i THP 150hp EGS
500 series Tourer– 1999 model onwards 200 90 1.6 THP 140hp Auto
530M Sport Tourer 175 80 2.0HDI 138hp Auto 132 60
X5 245 120 C4 Grand Picasso
X3 2.5i/3.0i 165 75 1.6HDi 110hp
X3 2.0d/3.0d/2.0i 175 80 1.6HDi 110hpEGS 110 50
1 Series 165 75 C4 Grand Picasso 2.0HDi 138hp EGS 154 70
Mini 165 75 C4 Picasso - all models - 132 60
330 Diesel – 2002 onwards 165 75 DAEWOO – see CHEVROLET
7 Series – all models 225 100
DAIHATSU/YRV
All other BMW versions are usually between
50-75 kgs (Consult dealer) YRV 110 50
Terios 132 60
CHEVROLET / DAEWOO
Fourtrak/Sportrak 165 75
Tacuma / Nubira / Lacetti 165 75 Fourtrak S73
Korando / Musso 309 140 range- from chassis no. 502755 225 100
Kalos 110 50 Fourtrak S78
Chevrolet/Daewoo all other models range – from chassis no. 504940 225 100
except Matiz 165 75
FIAT
Chevrolet Captiva 175 80
Coupe 176 80
CHRYSLER
Marea/Multipla 154 70
Neon (Auto 55lbs/25kgs) 110 50 Stilo/Stilo Multiwagon 132 60
PT Cruiser 110 50 Croma – pre 1995 185 84
300C 3.0 Diesel 225 100 Croma – post 2005 154 70
300C 3.5 V6 / 5.7 V8 187 85 Ulysee – pre Feb 2003 132 60
Sebring 110 50 Ulysee – post Feb 2003 168 76
Voyager/Grand Voyager/ Captiva 175 80 Stilo/Doblo/Idea 132 60
CITROËN Sedici – all models 110 50
Xantia Saloon FORD
1.6i / 1.8i / 2.0i / 1.9D / 1.9TD 165 75 Escort 110 50
Xantia Saloon Granada/Scorpio/Mondeo 165 75
1.8i 16v / 2.0i 16v/Turbo CT/ Cougar/Probe 165 75
2.1 TD/2.0i Turbo/3.0i V6/HDi 187 85 Galaxy (pre 2006) 187 85
Xantia Estate – all models 187 85 Galaxy (2006-June 2008) 175 80
Xsara/Berlingo 154 70 Sierra / Fiesta / Fusion 110 50
CX/ C-Crosser 220 100 Focus (pre Jan 01) 110 50

17
CAR Ilbs Kgs CAR Ilbs Kgs
FORD contd. HYUNDAI contd.
Focus (post Jan 01) 165 75 Coupe 1.6 143 65
Focus C-Max/Titanium/S-Max 165 75 Coupe 2.0 /XG / Trajet 165 75
Mondeo/ S-Max (2007) 175 80 ISUZU TROOPER
Mondeo/S-Max/Galaxy (from Jun ’08) 198 90 2.6 petrol/2.8 diesel 240 110
Kuga 215 105 3.2 petrol/3.1 diesel/Isuzu Rodeo Denver 265 120
Maverick/Explorer 225 100
JAGUAR
HONDA
XJ6 ’95 onwards 171 76
Civic- pre 06 110 50 X-Type/S-Type 165 75
Civic post 06 165 75 (all other Jaguar models) 110 50
CR-V (Manual) – pre 02 154 70
JEEP
CR-V (Auto) – pre 02 110 50
CR-V (all models) – 2002-2004 132 60 Ranger/Cherokee 1993 200 90
CR-V (all models) from 2005 225 100 Ranger/Cherokee ’94 onwards 225 100
FR-V (all models) 200 90 Cherokee 2.8 2005 309 140
HR-V/Stream 132 60 Wrangler’93 175 80
Jazz pre 2009 132 60 Wrangler ’94 onwards 225 100
Jazz 210 95 Grand Cherokee 2.5 ’96-‘98 245 120
Prelude/Shuttle / Integra 110 50 Grand Cherokee 4.0 ’96-‘98 309 140
Accord 2.0 4dr Saloon 1990-98 110 50 Grand Cherokee ’99 onwards 309 140
Accord 2.2 4dr saloon 1990-93 154 70 Patriot 165 75
Accord 2.2 4dr saloon 1994-98 110 50 KIA
Accord 1.8/2.0/2.2 saloon 1999-May Sportage pre ‘05 154 70
2003 132 60 Sportage post ‘05 165 75
Accord Coupe 2.0i 1992-93 110 50 Shuma / Mentor 154 70
Accord Coupe 2.0i 1994-May 2003 110 50 Rio 97 44
Accord Coupe 2.2i 1990-97 154 70 Sorento pre ‘07 247 112
Accord Coupe 3.0 1998-May 03 154 70 Sorento post ’07 2.5 CRDi manual 245 120
Accord Aerodeck 1986-88 110 50 Sorento 2.5 CRDi auto / 3.3 petrol 309 140
Accord Aerodeck 1991-93 154 70 Cerato 108 48
Accord Aerodeck 1994-97 110 50 Clarus/Magentis 165 75
Accord May 03 onwards all models 165 75 Sedona- pre 2008 175 80
Legend (pre 1991) 110 50 Sedona – post 2008 187 85
Legend (post 1991) 154 70 Pride/Carens pre ‘06 110 50
HYUNDAI Carens post ‘06 165 75
Sonata (1994 onwards) 165 75 C’eed 1.4/1.6 petrol 121 55
Lantra saloon 110 50 C’eed 1.6 diesel 165 75
Lantra Estate 143 65 LAND ROVER
Matrix 115 52 Range Rover/Discovery 165 75
Accent 110 50 Range Rover/Discovery
Santa Fe 2.0TD/2.4 175 80 (if `95 towbar fitted) 330 150
Santa Fe V6 2.7 203 92 Range Rover Discovery `95 onwards 330 150
Santa Fe 2.2CRDT(manual) 194 88 Land Rover Freelander 309 140
Santa Fe 2.2CRDT (auto) 175 80 Land Rover Freelander 2 Defender 330 150
Elantra LEXUS
1.6Si 5dr/1.6Gsi 5dr /2.0CDX 5dr 132 60 IS200/LS400 165 75
Elantra IS300/IS300 Sportcross 165 75
1.6 Gsi 4dr/ 2.0 CDX 4dr (preFeb`04) 143 65 RX300 175 80
Elantra GS300 187 85
2.0 CRTD CDX (post Feb`04) 132 60
MAZDA
Terracan 254 115
323/2 110 50
Tucson 165 75
Trajet 2.0 GSI 165 75 Premacy – pre March 2002 110 50
Trajet 2.0 CRDT GSI/2.7 V6 175 80 Premacy – post March 2002 110 50
Trajet 2.0 GSI from ‘06 159 72 MPV 187 85
Trajet 2.0 GSI CRTD (manual) 137 62 Tribute 3/5/6/ RX-8 165 75
Trajet 2.0 GSI CRTD (auto) 128 58 (all other models) 165 75
i30 1.4/1.6 (petrol) 121 55 MERCEDES
i30 1.6/2.0 CRDi 165 75 A-Class pre 2008 110 50
i800 221 100 A-Class post 2008 154 70

18
CAR Ilbs Kgs CAR Ilbs Kgs
MERCEDES contd. PEUGEOT
B-Class 165 75 1007 – all models 88 40
C-Class 165 75 206 1.4 16V/1.6 Hdi 110 79 36
CLC Class Coupe n/a n/a 206 all other models 110 50
E-Class saloon 168 76 206 SW 1.1 62 28
E-Class Estate 185 84 206 SW 1.4 16V 79 36
M-Class 298 135 206 SW all other models 97 44
R-Class 187 85 206 Coupe Cabriolet 2.0 Hdi 110 99 45
S-Class 187 85 206 Coupe Cabriolet all other models 110 50
V-Class 165 75 207 1.4 8V 75 bhp 84 38
Vaneo 165 75 207 all other models 101 46
Viano 221 100 106/306 110 50
- all other models- 165 75 806 132 60
MITSUBISHI LANCER 307 hatchback – all models 132 60
Estate 1500/1800 110 50 307 estate 1.4/1.6/1.4Hdi 132 60
Liftback 1600/1800 ’93 –‘07 165 75 307 estate 2.0/2.0 90 Hdi/2.0 110
-`08 all models -manual 132 60 Hdi 159 72
– `08 all models- auto 110 50 307 SW 2.0/1.6/2.0 90 Hdi/2.0 110
Colt 1300/1600/1800 ’92 onwards 165 75 Hdi 132 60
Galant 308 2.0 Turbo HDi 16V 136bhp 150 68
1800/2000/2000V6/2500V6 ’93onwards 165 75 308 2.0 Turbo Hdi 16V 136bhp auto 146 66
Colt 1.5 DI-D Equippe 110 50 308 1.6 Turbo 16V 90/110bhp 135 61
Space Wagon/Runner post’91 165 75 308 1.6 THP 16V 150bhp 146 66
Carisma/Space Star 165 75 308 1.6 Vti 16V 120bhp 168 76
Sigma saloon ’91 onwards 165 75 308 1.6 Vti 16V 120bhp auto 135 61
Sigma estate ’93 onwards 165 75 308 1.4 16V 95bhp 128 58
Shogun ’89 onwards 254 115 405 Saloon/Estate 143 65
Shogun Pinin 165 75 406 – all models 175 80
Outlander pre ‘07 165 75 407 1.8/2.0/2.0 auto/2.2/2.2 auto/3.0
Outlander post ‘07 225 100 V6 auto/Hdi 110/Hdi 136 132 60
Grandis 187 85 407 2.0HDI 136 bhp 110 50
L200 225 100 4007 Hdi 156 225 100
Challenger 254 115 605 manual 175 80
605 auto 165 75
NISSAN
807 168 76
Micra 110 50
607 159 72
Primera/Maxima QX/Prairie ’90 onwards 165 75
Partner Combi 154 70
200SX/300ZX/QX/ Almera/Almera Tino 165 75
Serena pre ’95 110 50 RENAULT
Serena post ‘95 165 75 Espace pre ’97 model 110 50
X-Trail 2.0 165 75 Espace 2.0 ’97-‘03 175 80
X-Trail 2.2 TD 225 100 Espace V6 /2.2DT ’97-‘03 187 85
X-Trail 2.5 SVE manual 225 100 Espace ’03 onwards 175 80
X-Trail 2.5 SVE auto 165 75 Espace 4X4 165 75
X-Trail ’08 2.0 Trek petrol 165 75 Grand Espace 175 80
X-Trail ’08 2.5 petrol 6-speed Koleos 225 100
Sport/Aventura manual 225 100 Laguna Family Estate 110 50
X-Trail`08 2.5 petrol 6-speed Sport/ Laguna- all models 165 75
Adventura CVT 165 75 Clio 123 56
X-Trail ’08 2.0 dCi 6-speed Safrane 185 84
Trek/Sport/Adventura manual 225 100 Megane 165 75
X-Trail ’08 2.0 dCi 6-speed Megane Scenic – pre ‘01 143 65
Sport/Adventura auto 165 75 Megane Scenic – post ’01 to ‘03 165 75
Pathfinder 264 120 Megane Scenic – post ‘03 165 75
Navara Outlaw/Adventura 229 104 Scenic RX4 143 65
Qashqai 165 75 Grand Scenic 165 75
Patrol manual 309 140 Vel Satis/Avantime 165 75
Patrol auto 225 100 ROVER
Terrano/Murano 225 100 25/Streetwise / 45/ MG /ZS 154 70
Nissan Note – all models 110 50 600/MG/ZR 154 70
800- pre Nov ‘91 110 50

19
CAR Ilbs Kgs CAR Ilbs Kgs
SAAB TOYOTA contd.
800 – post Nov ‘91 154 70 Corolla post 2005 165 75
75/MG ZT/MG ZT-T 225 100 Corolla Verso pre ’04 petrol 110 50
Mini 165 75 Corolla Verso pre ’04 diesel 122 55
- all models - 165 75 Corolla Verso post 2004 115 52
SEAT Previa pre July 2000 165 75
Previa post July 2000 143 65
Toledo/Altea /Leon 165 75
Auris 132 60
Alhambra 187 85
Prius n/a n/a
- all other models - 110 50
VAUXHALL
SKODA
Astra convertible n/a n/a
Octavia 1.6 Lxi pre Jun`04 110 50
Astra/Zafira 165 75
Octavia 1.6 GLXi/
1.9Tdi GLX/1.8 SLXi/ Corsa 110 50
1.9Tdi SLX pre Jun`04 132 60 Frontera Estate – pre ‘97 165 75
Octavia post Jun’04 165 75 Frontera Estate – post ‘97 247 112
Octavia 4X4 5dr 132 60 Frontera Sport – pre ‘99 165 75
Octavia 4X4 Estate 165 75 Frontera Sport – post ‘99 212 99
Fabia 110 50 Insignia – all models 187 85
Superb 165 75 Meriva pre 2008 110 50
Roomster 110 50 Meriva 1.8 (16V models) 110 50
- all other models - 90 40 Meriva (all other models) 121 55
Monterey 245 120
SSANGYONG
Omega/Vectra pre ‘07/Sintra 165 75
Rexton/Rodius 309 140 Calibra/Senator 165 75
Kyron 257 117 Signum 172 78
SUBARU Vectra (post ’07 Estate) 187 85
Legacy – pre ‘04 165 75 Vectra (post ’07 Hatch) 172 78
Legacy/Legacy Outback post ‘04 180 82 Antara – all models 175 80
Justy 110 50 VW
Forester/Impreza 165 75
Polo/Caddy/Scirocco/Vento/Lupo 110 50
B9 Tribeca (all models) 175 80
Golf 2-wheel drive pre Mk IV 110 50
SUZUKI Golf 2-wheel drive Mk IV 165 75
X90 121 55 Golf/Jetta/Syncro 165 75
Vitara V6 ‘facelift’ version pre`08 165 75 Golf Plus – all models 187 85
Vitara TD (intercooled) pre`08 165 75 Bora/Beetle/Touran 165 75
Grand Vitara pre`08 165 75 Sharan 187 85
Vitara/Grand Vitara post`08 187 85 Passat 1983-1988 165 75
Baleno Estate 165 75 Passat 1988-2001 187 85
Liana/Jimney 165 75 Passat Estate/ Syncro pre 2002 187 85
SX4 – all models 110 50 Passat Saloon ’02-’08 165 75
all other models 110 50 Passat V6 4Motion/S/SE/Sport 1.9
TATA TDI PD 130bhp Estate ’02-‘08 187 85
Safari 200 90 Passat – all models post 2008 200 90
-all other models- 112 51 Passat all other Estates post 2002 187 85
TOYOTA Phaeton/Caravelle T4/T5 221 100
Transporter Shuttle 4Motion /
Spacecruiser 110 50
Tiguan 221 100
Picnic 132 60
Touareg 309 140
Colorado pre 2003 286 130
Caddy Maxi Life – all models 175 80
Amazon post 2003 309 140
Rav4 165 75 VOLVO
Rav4 post 2006 diesel 187 85 900/S40/V40/C30 165 75
Rav4 post 2006 petrol 146 65 XC90 / XC60 200 90
Landcruiser SWB pre 2003 264 120 440/460/S70/V70/C70 165 75
Landcruiser LWB pre 2003 330 150 XC70 pre 2008 165 75
Landcruiser post 2003 225 100 XC70 post 2008 187 85
Avensis post 2002 165 75 480/S90/V90/S80/S60/V50 165 75
Avensis pre 2002 115 52 Cross Country 165 75
Avensis post ’03 VVTi & D4-D 165 75
Avensis Verso 165 75
Corolla pre 2005 122 55 Although the information is believed to be correct at the date
of publication, The Club cannot guarantee their accuracy. If in
any doubt, the figures should be confirmed with the vehicle 20
manufacturer.
TOWCAR OF THE YEAR COMPETITION RESULTS 1998-2009

YEAR OVERALL CARS UNDER £16,000 TO £20,000 £20,000 TO £25,000 £25,000 TO £32,000 OVER £32,000 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE ALL WHEEL
WINNER £16,000 UNDER 1800KG DRIVE OVER
1800KG
2009 SKODA SUPERB CITROEN BERLINGO HYUNDAI i800 SKODA SUPERB 2.0 FORD MONDEO MERCEDES- VOLKSWAGEN VOLVO V70 D5
2.0 TDI MULTISPACE XTR 1.6 STYLE TDI TITANIUM X 2.5T BENZ C320 CDI TIGUAN SE 2.0 TDI AWD SE
HDi ESTATE ESTATE SPORT 4MOTION AUTO
2008 FORD MONDEO SKODA FORD MONDEO SKODA OCTAVIA FORD MONDEO LAND ROVER SKODA OCTAVIA KIA SORENTO
TITANIUM X ROOMSTER ZETEC SCOUT TDI TITANIUM X FREELANDER 2 SCOUT TDI 2.5 CRDI XS
ESTATE SCOUT 1.9 TDI ESTATE

YEAR OVERALL CARS UNDER £13,501 TO £16,500 £16,501 TO £20,000 £20,001 TO £25,000 £2,001 TO OVER £33,000 ALL-WHEEL
WINNER £13,500 £33,000 DRIVE UNDER
1800KG
2007 VOLVO V50 D5 KIA RIO 1.5 CRDi FIAT SEDICI 1.9 MAZDA6 DIESEL SUBARU IMPREZA VOLVO V50 D5 MERCEDES-BENZ SUBARU
SPORT MULTIJET ESTATE TS2 (143ps) WRX2.5 SPORT E320 CDI ESTATE IMPREZA WRX2.5
ELEGANZA MANUAL
2007 (contd) ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE OVER
1800KG
KIA SORENTO 2.5
CRDi XE MANUAL
2006 KIA SORENTO KIA CERATO 1.5 CITROEN C4 VTR+ KIA SORENTO 2.5 SUBARU VOLVO V70 D5 VOLVO XC70 D5 SE VOLVO XC70 D5
2.5 CRDi XE CRDi GS 1.6HDi CRDi XE FORESTER 2.5XT AWD LUX SE LUX
2006 (contd) ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE OVER
1800KG
KIA SORENTO 2.5
CRDi XE MANUAL

YEAR OVERALL BUDGET CAR SMALL FAMILY FAMILY CAR ESTATE CAR MPV COMPACT 4x4 FULL SIZE 4x4
WINNER CAR
2005 MAZDA6 2.0-D CITROEN BERLINGO TOYOTA COROLLA VAUXHALL VECTRA MAZDA6 2.0 –D RENAULT GRAND SUBARU FORESTER VW TOUAREG V10
Estate TS2 (136ps) MULTISPACE DESIRE T3 2.0 D-4D* ELITE 3.0 CDTi ESTATE TS2 (136ps) ESPACE 3.0 dCi 2.0 XT* TDI*
AUTO INITIALE*
2005 EXECUTIVE & UTILITY CAR MIDI MPV
(contd) LUXURY CAR
BMW 525d SE ISUZU RODEO SEAT ALTEA 2.0 TDi
TOURING DENVER SPORT
OVERALL BUDGET CAR SMALL FAMILY FAMILY CAR ESTATE CAR MPV COMPACT 4x4 FULL SIZE 4x4
WINNER CAR
2004 SUBARU MITSUBISHI TOYOTA BMW 330d SE BMW 330d SPORT RENAULT GRAND SUBARU FORESTER VW TOUAREG V10
FORESTER 2.0 SPACE STAR 1.9 COROLLA T SALOON TOURING ESPACE 3.0 dCi V6 2.0 XT TDI
XT DID S SPIRIT 2.0 D4-D PRIVILÈGE AUTO
* Returning champion

21
YEAR OVERALL WINNER CLASS WINNER CLASS WINNER CLASS WINNER CLASS WINNER CLASS WINNER ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE
CATEGORY
2003 SKODA SUPERB 2.5 FIAT DOBLO 1.9 JTD TOYOTA COROLLA TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 SKODA SUPERB 2.5 V6 RENAULT VEL SATIS TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 D-
V6 TDI ELEGANCE ELX 2.0 D-4D T SPIRIT D-4D GX TDI ELEGANCE 3.0 V6 dCi INITIALE 4D GX (under 1800kgs)
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML500 (over 1800kgs)
2002 PEUGEOT 406 2.2 CITROEN XSARA 2.0 SKODA OCTAVIA CITROEN C5 2.0 Hdi VOLVO S60 2.0TS SUBARU LEGACY SUBARU LEGACY
GTX Hdi ESTATE Hdi LX ESTATE 4X4 LX ESTATE OUTBACK H6-3.0 OUTBACK H6-3.0

YEAR OVERALL CLASS WINNER CLASS WINNER CLASS WINNER CLASS WINNER ALTERNATIVE ALL TERRAIN MPV CLASS
WINNER FUEL CLASS
2001 VOLKSWAGEN VOLKSWAGEN VAUXHALL ASTRA VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VOLKSWAGEN MITSUBISHI SHOGUN 3.5 FIAT MULTIPLA
POLO S TDI PD COUPE 2.2i GT TDI PD GOLF V6 4MOTION GDI SWB JTD 105 ELX
GOLF V6 4MOTION
2000 SEAT TOLEDO V5 CITROEN XSARA SEAT TOLEDO V5 VOLKSWAGEN BORA VAUXHALL OMEGA CHEVROLET BLAZER RENAULT GRAND
2.0 HDi SX V5 3.0 V6 MV6 ESTATE 4.3 V6 ESPACE V6 RXE
1999 AUDI A6 AVANT VOLKSWAGEN VOLKSWAGEN RENAULT LAGUNA AUDI A6 AVANT ISUZU TROOPER 3.5 FORD GALAXY
2.5 TDi POLO CL TDi GOLF GT TDi RTi V6 2.5 TDi CITATION LWB (AUTO) GHIA
ESTATE
1998 CITROEN XANTIA SEAT IBIZA 1.9 Tdi CITROEN XANTIA CITROEN XANTIA VAUXHALL SINTRA SUBARU FORESTER VAUXHALL SINTRA
V6 EXCLUSIVE 2.1 TD SX V6 EXCLUSIVE 3.0 V6 CDX 3.0 V6 CDX

©The Caravan Club 2008

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