STRICT EMBARGO TO 00.01 THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011
THE Volkswagen Passat has pulled in another claim to fame by being named Towcar of the Year for 2011.
The two-litre diesel estate 170 Bluemotion Sport version of the Passat came out on top in the Towcar Awards, recognised as Britain’s toughest towcar test run by Practical Caravan, the Camping and Caravanning Club and What Car?
Practical Caravan editor Nigel Donnelly said: “The Volkswagen Passat estate tows brilliantly. It’s a pleasure to drive and travel in, economical to run and easy to live with.
“It also provides unshakeable stability and responsive steering, which leaves drivers fresh, ready to unhitch and start enjoying their holiday.”
The £26,010 Volkswagen Passat estate offers an average economy figure of 60.1mpg and its carbon dioxide emissions of 123g/km are lower than those of many smaller cars meaning the Passat Estate will cost just £95 per year in road tax.
It won the 1,425-1,574kg weight class as well as the overall prize.
Volkswagen also scooped the Up to 1,424kg category with its Golf 2.0 TDI Match five-door for the second year in a row.
The Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi won the 1,575-1,724kg category and the BMW 520d Touring SE the 1,725-1,899kg category.
Last year’s overall winner, the Land Rover Discovery, proved it’s still a great towcar by picking up the 1900kg and above category.
Chevrolet also picked up an honour with its seven-seat Orlando 2.0 VCDi named as the Budget MPV winner.
This year’s Green Award went to Vauxhall for the Astra Sports Tourer while the Mazda CX-7 2.2D Sport Tech won the Editor’s Choice award.
Some 50 cars were tested for this year’s award to help caravanners make the right choice of vehicle for their travels.
“With over £1billion annually spent on towcars, there is a real thirst for unbiased buying advice. Consumers want to buy a great towcar that works for their holiday – when they are towing their pride and joy. It also has to work in real life, on the daily commute, weekly shop and school run, as well as making sense financially. The Volkswagen Passat does all this and more,” said Donnelly.
Top Tips for Safe Towing
- Be aware of any strange handling. Don’t ignore it. Pull over and check the tyres for damage or under/overinflation.
- Make sure you load your van correctly, put heavy things over the axle and lighter objects at the back and in the roof lockers.
- Walk around to check visually the hitch, electrics and tyres every time you stop.
- Check the car manufacturer’s recommendations for increased tyre pressure when towing a caravan and check whether the outfit is level. If the car is sagging it could indicate a high noseweight.
- Make sure you have towing mirrors fitted every time you tow and that you use them to see the length of the caravan and beyond. It will help you to spot any large, fast-moving vehicles likely to cause a bow wave.
- Ensure your towcar is capable of towing your van. Consult the handbook for its kerbweightand towing limit.