jaguar XF Sportbrake names best in class for third year running at annual Tow car awards.

• Jaguar XF Sportbrake named best-in-class (1700-1899kg) at 2014 Tow Car Awards
• XF Sportbrake tops score sheets of all test drivers, with particular praise for stability at speed, performance, Trailer Stability Programme, self-levelling suspension and reversing camera
• Tow Car Awards judged and presented by Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club with a record 56 cars tested this year

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake 3.0 V6 Diesel S has been named best-in-class for the third consecutive year at the Tow Car Awards 2014.

A record 56 cars were tested for this year’s awards, with the XF Sportbrake crowned best in the hotly-contested class of cars weighing from 1700-1899kg, with more than ten entries from the premium touring and SUV segments. 

The judging panel is led by David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan and UK Car of the Year juror, and includes What Car? road tester Rory White and The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical manager Ian Hewlett.  The cars are tested on four key attributes – towing, solo, practicality and buying & owning – only when all four score counts are taken into account are winners selected.

Judges’ comments on the Jaguar XF include:

“Stability at speed is as good as it gets.”

“The 3.0-litre diesel engine has power to spare.  This combination of unshakeable stability and effortless performance makes the XF Sportbrake such a relaxing car to tow with.”

“Starting on a 1-in-6 slope was easy.  The electronic parking brake held car and caravan still, then released smoothly; the low pull of the 3.0-litre engine did the rest.”

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar UK Managing Director, said: “With the XF Sportbrake we feel we’ve built a car that boasts a class-leading combination of luxury, performance, practicality and versatility, and we’re delighted that the Tow Car Awards judging panel agrees. To be named best in class of this hugely competitive category for the third consecutive year is a great honour, and highlights the exacting standards that we at Jaguar demand from every aspect of every car we produce – from design, engineering and technology to customer service and after care.”

Tow Car Awards 6) Skoda wins with the NEW Octavia

• First award for brand new compact hatchback
• Scooped ‘up to 1,424kg’ weight category as well as overall title
• Judges praise towing performance, practicality, driving dynamics and value for money

The ŠKODA Octavia was available to be considered for the top prize after it secured number one spot in the ‘up to 1,424kg’ weight category. Judges included the Editor and Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan magazine, the Deputy Road Test Editor of What Car?, and the technical department at The Camping and Caravanning Club. The ŠKODA Octavia they used for the test was the 2.0-litre TDI 150 Elegance.

Speaking on behalf of the panel, David Motton, Tow Car Editor, Practical Caravan, commented: “With three out of five weight classes awarded to new models this year, the strength in depth has never been greater. That makes the ŠKODA Octavia’s win all the more remarkable. The Octavia has been given the nod over brilliant cars like the BMW 330d Touring and Jaguar XF Sportbrake.”

The ŠKODA Octavia’s 1,330kg kerbweight makes it the lightest overall winner in the seven-year history of the Tow Car Awards. That means it’s best suited to pulling relatively light tourers, but with caravan manufacturers building increasingly desirable lightweight models, the Octavia has solid appeal for the towing community.

“Owning a car that treads lightly on the scales needn’t be a barrier to enjoying your caravanning,” added Motton. “The ŠKODA tows brilliantly, is extremely practical, good to drive and costs less than you’d think. Most importantly, it proves that a great tow car doesn’t need to be heavy, thirsty or expensive.”

In its weight category, the Octavia impressed the judges because even when driven hard in a lane-change test, it stuck to its course no matter how much the caravan behind slid around.

The ŠKODA claimed the overall prize, thanks to its huge cabin and impressive value. “No other small family hatchback packs in so much space for passengers or luggage,” explained Motton. “In fact, the new generation is not really a ‘small’ family hatchback at all, with enough head and legroom to rival larger cars, especially for those travelling in the rear seats.”

The car’s generous 590 litres of luggage space also found fans among the judges, who said it was easily able to copy with a typical touring load.

Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK, commented: "The all-new Octavia is an exceptionally practical family car, so for it to win its first award for towing − a practical family activity − is very appropriate. We hope it will be the first of many honours."

The Tow Car Awards is a joint venture between Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club, with caravans and technical support supplied by the Swift Group. Each car goes through a series of towing tests on a closed test track, including 30-60mph acceleration, 30-0mph braking, a hill start and an emergency lane-change test. The aim is to find cars which are great to tow with, but which are also good value and easy to live with in everyday driving.

Tow car Awards 5) Mazda wins with new '6', best petrol two car

• Sixth award this year for all-new Mazda6
• All-new Mazda6 praised for being spacious and affordable
• Range of accessories available from Mazda to make holiday travel easier

The all-new Mazda6 claimed its sixth award this year after it was named as the ‘Best Petrol Tow Car’ at the Tow Car Awards 2013, held at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire last night (13 June).  The Mazda6 2.0-litre 165ps Sport Saloon petrol model won the title after rigorous testing against rivals from Ford, Peugeot and Vauxhall and was praised for its proven capability as a tow car in terms of its practicality, power and value for money.

Each of the shortlisted candidates were put through a series of towing tests at the MIRA proving ground in the Midlands, including 30-60mph acceleration, 30-0mph braking, a hill start and an emergency lane-change test.

Recognising the all-new Mazda6 as the winner, David Motton, Tow Car Editor at Practical Caravan and award judge, said: “If you need proof that diesel power isn’t a must for a tow car, the Mazda6 2.0-litre provides it.  In the lane-change test the Mazda6 felt firmly in charge, even on faster runs.  Inside, there’s plenty of space for those in the front and lots of legroom in the back.  Our favourite petrol tow car is stable and good value.”

The panel of judges also included Deputy Road Test Editor of What Car? and the technical department at the Camping and Caravanning Club.  The Tow Car Awards is a joint venture between both outlets as well as Practical Caravan magazine.

To assess the shortlisted cars, each model is put through the same tests to identify their towing abilities as well as to evaluate value for money and ease to live with for everyday driving.  Cars are also judged on how easily extension mirrors can be fitted, whether the spare wheel provision is suitable for towing, as well as safety and boot space.

According to Motton, practicality judges found that the all-new Mazda6: “swallowed a typical family’s holiday luggage with space to spare.”

Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK, commented: “This latest accolade is a fantastic addition to the Mazda6’s expanding haul of awards and just goes to show the different areas where this car excels.  The award also highlights the affordability which the Mazda6 presents, particularly for families considering a car which has the appeal of everyday driving combined with the capability and practicality of towing a caravan during the holiday season.”

There are a number of accessories available from Mazda to make holiday travel easy and stress-free.  Additional features include a bicycle carrier and attachment, roof box, roof rack, snow board/ ski attachment and tow bar including tow accessories.  

The all-new Mazda6 is available with a choice of 36 models across the two bodystyles, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and six trim levels (SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav).  Priced from £19,595 to £28,045 (on the road).  The 150ps 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D Saloon diesel has class-leading CO2 emissions of just 108g/km and combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg. Benefit in Kind tax for a 40 percent tax payer is £133 a month (Sport trim).

- Ends -

Tow Car Awards 4) Dacia takes title of best budget 4x4

Smart buy brand Dacia continues to pull in fans after striking gold at the Towcar Awards last night. Its flagship Duster was named Best Budget 4x4 at the ceremony at The Sculpture Gallery in Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire.

Judges, including the editor of Practical Caravan magazine, described the shockingly affordable multi-award winner as “a lot of tow car for very little money”.

The champion model, the Duster dCi 110 Ambiance 4x4, costs just £13,495 and is the perfect match for happy campers and caravanners who like to keep a close eye on their spending.

Judges added: “That price isn’t a misprint. For less than you’d pay for the tiny Kia Rio three-door, Dacia will sell you a five-seat 4x4…the Duster is undeniably a bargain.

“It makes a decent tow car, too…In fact, we’d be happy to tow on long motorway journeys with the Duster.”

The Towcar Awards is a joint venture between Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club, with caravans and technical support supplied by the Swift Group. Each car goes through a series of towing tests at the MIRA proving ground in the Midlands, including 30-60mph acceleration, 30-0mph braking, a hill start and an emergency lane-change test.

Cars, however, are not just rated for their towing ability. What Car?’s expert road test team score each for regular driving, safety, running costs and value for money. The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team check practical details such as boot space, how easily extension mirrors can be fitted, and whether the spare wheel provision is suitable for towing. Judges also included the deputy road test editor of What Car? and the technical department at The Camping and Caravanning Club. 

Romanian smart buy brand Dacia, a subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault, has made an enemy of the unnecessary and makes a simple range of cleverly designed, high quality vehicles which unashamedly favouring function over frivolity. Its jaw-dropping prices are clear and straightforward, whether you buy online at the Dacia Store on www.dacia.co.uk or through its nationwide retailer network

Dacia only launched officially in the UK in January 2013, but has already cleaned up nine major awards, including a hat-trick of trophies at the carbuyer.co.uk 2013 awards, including Car of Year and 4x4 of the Year, plus Scottish Car of the Year for Duster, and Best Supermini under £12,000 for Sandero with What Car?.

Tow Car Awards 3) Jaguar wins again with the XF

• The Jaguar XF Sportbrake named best-in-class in the Tow Car Awards 2013.
• The stability and security of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake during strong crosswinds and abrupt lane changes earned particular praise, as did its performance, refinement, cabin execution and overall practicality.
• Tow Car Awards judged and presented by Practical Caravan magazine; What Car? magazine and The Camping and Caravanning Club.
• 2013 marks a second consecutive category win for the Jaguar XF, following its overall Tow Car of the Year title in 2012.

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake has taken class honours in the Tow Car Awards 2013.

Competing against several premium and SUV competitors in the highly competitive 1725-1899kg category, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake 3.0 V6 Diesel Premium Luxury was named best-in-class, taking up the mantle of the Jaguar XF 2.2D saloon which won the same category last year and which was also named overall winner of the Tow Car Awards 2012.

Now in its seventh year, the 2013 Tow Car Awards saw a total of 46 vehicles assessed at the MIRA Proving Ground by an expert panel of judges including the editor of Practical Caravan magazine; the tow car editor of Practical Caravan; the deputy road test editor of What Car? and the technical department at The Camping and Caravanning Club.

David Motton, tow car editor, Practical Caravan, commented: “This makes it the second year in a row for the Jaguar XF, but this time it’s the turn of the Sportbrake to take the honours. An exceptional tow car and a refined executive express.”

Noting how stable and secure it remained during strong crosswinds and abrupt lane changes, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake was also praised for its performance, refinement, cabin execution and overall practicality.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director, Jaguar UK, commented: "Winning this award demonstrates just how successfully the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake combines luxury and performance with real-world practicality and versatility, while also highlighting the class-leading engineering that goes into every new Jaguar. Winning in this highly competitive category is an achievement Jaguar is very proud of."

Two Car Awards 2) Land Rover Discovery 4, makes it 4, thats four times a winner.

• Discovery 4 named winner of 2013 Tow Car Awards’ 1,900kg+ category
• Fourth successive win seals Discovery 4’s class-leading reputation
• Judges praise “one of the most practical tow cars you can buy at any price”

The Land Rover Discovery 4 has secured an exceptional fourth successive victory in the annual Tow Car Awards. Every year since its launch, the model has proved itself the class of the field in the 1,900kg+ category in the UK’s most prestigious towing honours.

Announcing the success for the Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 XS, David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravanmagazine praised Discovery 4’s all-round qualities and enduring status as the best in its class.

Motton said: “As an all-rounder, the Discovery remains the best big tow car you can buy. No car this big and tall should handle the lane-change test with such confidence, but the Discovery stays firmly in control, however lively the caravan gets behind it.

“The Discovery is one of the most practical tow cars you can buy at any price, thanks to plentiful luggage space, load adaptive suspension, trailer stability control and a well-installed tow bar.”

He added that towing ability was just one aspect of the Land Rover’s all-round capability and appeal: “It’s a fine car to drive without a caravan too, thanks to effortless performance, a commanding driving position and a supremely smooth ride.”

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “We are delighted that yet again Discovery 4 has excelled in the Tow Car Awards. This fourth successive win reinforces its enduring leadership as a vehicle that’s not only immensely practical and capable, but also stylish, comfortable and desirable to own, thanks to its combination of Land Rover engineering, design and quality.”

The Tow Car Awards are a joint venture between Practical Caravan and What Car? magazines and the Camping and Caravanning Club. Cars are put through a series of towing tests and are further assessed on regular driving quality, safety, running costs and value for money. The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team check practical details, such as boot space and the ease with which towing accessories can be fitted.

The Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 XS has at its heart Land Rover’s twin-turbocharged, direct injection 24-valve V6 diesel engine, matched to a smooth and efficient eight speed automatic transmission. With 256 PS and an impressive 600Nm of torque available from just 2,000rpm, it is perfectly equipped to excel as a tow car.

Powertrain performance is supported by the added benefit of features such as the standard-fit Trailer Stability Assist, which monitors trailer behaviour and applies selective wheel braking to correct any potential problem, and Tow Assist, a reversing aid that is included in the optional Surround Camera System.

Tow Car Awards 1) VW Passat wins its class again.

Volkswagen’s Passat Estate has once again affirmed its place at the top of the towing tree, having retained its class title at the Tow Car Awards for the third year running.

The Tow Car Awards are a joint venture between Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club, with caravans and technical support supplied by the Swift Group. The awards were judged this year by a team which included the editor of Practical Caravan magazine, the tow car editor ofPractical Caravan, the deputy road test editor of What Car? and the technical department at The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Each car goes through a series of towing tests at the MIRA proving ground, including 30-60 mph acceleration, 30-0 mph braking, a hill start and an emergency lane-change test.  Cars aren’t just rated for their towing ability; What Car?’s expert road test team score each car for regular driving, safety, running costs and value for money.  The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team check practical details such as boot space, how easily extension mirrors can be fitted, and whether the spare wheel provision is suitable for towing.

The aim is to find cars which are great to tow with, but which are also good value and easy to live with in everyday driving. A total of 46 cars were tested this year at the MIRA testing ground in Warwickshire.

Following judging, the Passat Estate Sport 2.0-litre 177 PS TDI BlueMotion Technology, won the ‘1425-1579 kg’ class, beating stiff competition from Mazda, Hyundai and Volvo.  Commenting on the vehicle’s performance, David Motton, tow car editor at Practical Caravan said: ‘This is the third year in a row the Passat Estate has topped the second weight category.  As a tow car, a daily commuter, or the family taxi, the Volkswagen quietly and efficiently gets on with the job.

‘The Passat’s towing credentials are what we’ll concentrate on here, and after two years at the top of the class, they were never in doubt.  Stability at speed is excellent. In everyday driving the Volkswagen continues to unobtrusively make your life easy, thanks to a comfortable ride and excellent refinement.  It’s very quiet at speed, and a sound driving position means long journeys are no chore.  A very capable all-rounder with no major flaws.’

Remarking on the wins, Robert Hazelwood, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: ‘I’m delighted that the Passat Estate has once again been awarded this important accolade. For the third year running this car has proved itself not only as a highly capable tow car but also a top all-rounder.  The towing market is a significant one for us and we’re grateful for the recognition we’ve received from the judges.’