Mid size estate / SUV tow car picks
Discussion
My folks are after a new tow car, so throwing it open to some suggestions.
Caravan in 1370kg MTPLM (I doubt they will ever tow this heavy), so kerbweight needs to be 1600kg+, preferably a bit more than that.
Only the two of them, so no requirement much past that really. Open to petrol or diesel, probably a 3 year old or newer.
What car/practical caravanning like the 4x4 Superb (190ps) and Passat (240ps). In the case of the superb it needs to be the 4x4 version for the weight, I'm still chasing details on FWD Passats with regard to weight. The Skoda is available in a 280ps petrol which might be worth considering.
I can't find much on Volvo V60 estates, which I thought surprising. Not really up to speed on Volvos, I think the V60 is still a Ford platform ?
An SUV may be an option too, BMW X3 seems to be a bit over the top for what they need as its 200kg over the weight and no doubt full of expense bits when it goes wrong. the mazda CX-5 got a reasonable write up.
Other thoughts: Mazda 6 tourer a bit light but same engine as the CX-5. BMW 335d would walk it power and weight wise. maybe a 33x petrol too ?
Any experience of any of these cars or rivals ?
Thanks
Caravan in 1370kg MTPLM (I doubt they will ever tow this heavy), so kerbweight needs to be 1600kg+, preferably a bit more than that.
Only the two of them, so no requirement much past that really. Open to petrol or diesel, probably a 3 year old or newer.
What car/practical caravanning like the 4x4 Superb (190ps) and Passat (240ps). In the case of the superb it needs to be the 4x4 version for the weight, I'm still chasing details on FWD Passats with regard to weight. The Skoda is available in a 280ps petrol which might be worth considering.
I can't find much on Volvo V60 estates, which I thought surprising. Not really up to speed on Volvos, I think the V60 is still a Ford platform ?
An SUV may be an option too, BMW X3 seems to be a bit over the top for what they need as its 200kg over the weight and no doubt full of expense bits when it goes wrong. the mazda CX-5 got a reasonable write up.
Other thoughts: Mazda 6 tourer a bit light but same engine as the CX-5. BMW 335d would walk it power and weight wise. maybe a 33x petrol too ?
Any experience of any of these cars or rivals ?
Thanks
We can highly recommend a Mercedes C Class Estate. We have a 2014 C250 AMG and tow a Bailey caravan with 1458kgs MTPLM.
We tow all over France and have found it to be a delightful and very efficient combination. The AMG version has firmer suspension so the rear end doesn't drop down much when coupled and makes for a very level combination.
With 204BHP on tap, there is also plenty of torque for towing together with a surprising 28-30mpg fuel consumption overall. The C220 version is also a good option with around 160BHP.
We tow all over France and have found it to be a delightful and very efficient combination. The AMG version has firmer suspension so the rear end doesn't drop down much when coupled and makes for a very level combination.
With 204BHP on tap, there is also plenty of torque for towing together with a surprising 28-30mpg fuel consumption overall. The C220 version is also a good option with around 160BHP.
Crafty_ said:
I can't find much on Volvo V60 estates, which I thought surprising. Not really up to speed on Volvos, I think the V60 is still a Ford platform ?
I tow a 1350kg Coachman with a V60 D5 and I can't fault it. I used to have an XC60 and much prefer the V60. The XC suffered from excessive pitching whilst towing which the V60 never has.
An XC70 might be worth a look...
Maybe look at Hyundai Tucson as well.
Not sure how many people are aware of the Hyundai affinity scheme, available to caravan club members, if you have been a member for 6 months, or for National trust members. Gets you a large discount on new. Not really advertised any where. Even some dealer salesmen do not seem to know about it.
We are getting new santa fe, discount on new, was around £6000.
Not sure how many people are aware of the Hyundai affinity scheme, available to caravan club members, if you have been a member for 6 months, or for National trust members. Gets you a large discount on new. Not really advertised any where. Even some dealer salesmen do not seem to know about it.
We are getting new santa fe, discount on new, was around £6000.
Stevemr said:
Maybe look at Hyundai Tucson as well.
Not sure how many people are aware of the Hyundai affinity scheme, available to caravan club members, if you have been a member for 6 months, or for National trust members. Gets you a large discount on new. Not really advertised any where. Even some dealer salesmen do not seem to know about it.
We are getting new santa fe, discount on new, was around £6000.
Wonder what the discount would be like without the scheme? Know my wife qualifies for the scheme through her emploer (NHS) and I think I might as well. Mind you cant afford a new car at present!Not sure how many people are aware of the Hyundai affinity scheme, available to caravan club members, if you have been a member for 6 months, or for National trust members. Gets you a large discount on new. Not really advertised any where. Even some dealer salesmen do not seem to know about it.
We are getting new santa fe, discount on new, was around £6000.
I am tempted by the Ssang Yongs for replacing my Sante Fe next year. The Sante Fe has gone up incredibly in price since I got mine 12 years ago, although current version is bigger. Just suspect Ssang Yong might be the next Hyundai.
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