FOR the growing number of caravanners, Subaru's Forester is the best vehicle they can choose as a towing vehicle, according to the experts.
A class winner in two previous Caravan Club Towcar of the Year competitions, the Forester 2.0 XT has now clinched the ultimate accolade. The car displayed great all-round performance with turbocharging pushing up the power and torque to produce an excellent towing car, say the judges.
This year's event saw changes being made to the way the categories were named in order to reflect changes in the consumer market. Instead of price classes, cars were evaluated in groups according to body style. Also, winning cars from last year were invited to return to defend their crown as it was felt that just because a car is new does not necessarily mean it is better than last year's winner.
There were 53 cars in the competition, which were put through their paces at the Millbrook Proving Ground. Six driving judges assessed towing performance, with points awarded for traction, stability, braking, acceleration and hill-starts. Cars were also tested by two separate pairs of judges for their user-friendliness and ability to accommodate passengers comfortably, along with typical caravanning holiday luggage and equipment.
At the end of the three-day testing period, the judges' scores were counted resulting in the emergence of seven category winners and the overall Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2004.
Special guest at the Millbrook track and the awards ceremony was sportswoman and television personality, Sharron Davies.
In the case of the winning Forester, turbocharging pushes up the power and torque to provide fast pulling-power and Subaru's combination of a flat-four petrol engine and four-wheel drive aid stability and sure-footednesss. Another feature unique to Subaru is the 'hill holder' clutch, which can be a real boon for caravanners. The Forester body shape has a short rear overhang and the latest version has an improved cabin, with better-quality controls.
Introduced last October, the Subaru costs £20,995.
CLASS WINNERS AND CLOSE RUNNERS-UP
Budget Car Under £13,500:
Won by the Mitsubishi Space Star 1.9 DID S, closely followed by the Citroen Berlingo Multispace Forte and the Fiat Doblo 1.9 JTD ELX.
Small Family Car:
Won by the Toyota Corolla T Spirit 2.0 D4-D, runner-up was the Peugeot 307 SW SE HDi 110 and in third place the Seat Leon 1.9 TDi SE 130 PS.
Family Car:
Won by the BMW 330d SE Saloon, second place went to the Renault Vel Satis 3.0 Initiale Auto, and third place was awarded to the Volvo S80 2.5T SE.
Estate Car:
Won by the BMW 330d Sport Touring, closely followed by the Citroen C5 2.2 HDi VTR Estate with the VW Passat Estate Sport TDI 4MOTION coming in third.
MPV:
Won by the Renault Grand Espace 3.0 dCi V6 Privilege Auto, Peugeot taking second place with its 807 Executive SE 2.2 HDI and the VW Touran SE 2.0 TDI taking third place.
Compact 4x4:
Won by the Subaru Forester 2.0 XT which also went on to take the overall title. In second place was the Toyota RAV4 2.0 D4-D VX with the Nissan X-Trail 2.5 SVE in third place.
Full Size 4x4:
Won by the VW Touareg V10 TDI, in second place was the Toyota Land Cruiser LC5 3.0 D4-D Auto and third the Kia Sorento CRDi 2.5 XE.