TOWCAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS - Ford takes the title of best petrol powered tow car at this years awards.

Ford's Mondeo Vignale has pulled in the honour of best petrol-powered tow car by experts at this year’s Tow Car Awards. Last year the Ford Mondeo topped the table in the same category.

Experts from the Camping and Caravanning Club worked with Practical Caravan and What Car? magazines to assess this year’s field of 41 tow vehicles. Along with testing the cars’ ride and handling in all conditions, the judges also reviewed the vehicles’ practicality, and the buying and owning experience.

The Ford Mondeo Vignale, the first of Ford’s upscale Vignale range, triumphed with the top-end EcoBoost 2.0-litre 240PS model.

David Motton, Practical Caravan’s Tow Car editor, said:  “Last year the Ford Mondeo was our favourite petrol tow car. This year it’s the turn of the upmarket Mondeo Vignale to collect that award. The 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost is one of the most powerful petrol engines we’ve ever tested – 30-60mph in just 9.2 seconds is seriously quick. With more mid-range pull than most petrol engines, the Vignale easily passed the hill-start test, too."

Paul Baynes, Ford of Britain product marketing manager, said:  “Ford Vignale is the highest expression of the Ford brand in Europe, and paired with our award-winning EcoBoost engine, the Mondeo Vignale is a truly unique ownership experience - we’re delighted with this accolade from the towing experts.”

Priced from £29,395, the Ford Mondeo Vignale range includes petrol and diesel in four-door and estate bodystyles, plus front- and all-wheel drive.  An optional electric retractable tow bar with Trailer Sway Control can be specified on all series.

Petrol tow car of the year-winning spec

Ford Mondeo Vignale 2.0-litre EcoBoost 240PS Powershift

Bodystyle	4dr
Price	£30,855
Kerbweight	1,564kg
85% match	1329kg
Max towing weight	2,000kg
Towball limit	90kg