Towcar of the Year – Derry Motoring with Jim McCauley
The 2027 Towcar of the Year awards has seen the VAG group and Volvo perform well.
The SKODA Superb Estate SE L 2.0 TDI 193PS DSG 4x4 has taken top honours and been crowned Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2027, along with scooping wins in two other categories, Caravan weight 1600kg - 1700kg and Family Towcars.
The vehicles were split into categories according to caravan weight, and testing took place over a full week at the motor industry’s test facility at Millbrook in Bedfordshire.
Category winners:
Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2027 and Family Towcar and Caravan weight 1600kg - 1700kg SKODA Superb Estate SE L 2.0 TDI 193PS DSG 4x4
The model is a multiple class winner in the past and previous overall winner. The judges described it as hugely accomplished towcar.
Caravan weight under 1100kg - MINI Countryman John Cooper Works
The MINI Countryman John Cooper Works was seen as a very sure-footed machine once hitched, remaining planted and confidence inspiring.
Caravan Weight 1100 – 1400kg - Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7spd DSG
This compact SUV has long impressed caravanners and the car tested used Volkswagen’s perennial 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine providing more than enough power for hill starts with good refinement.
Caravan Weight 1400 – 1500kg - Volvo XC40 B4 Mild Hybrid FWD Plus Pro
A previous overall champion, the XC40 again impressed in the 2027 competition, this time around taking a class win described as a hugely talented all-rounder.
Caravan weight 1500kg - 1600kg - Toyota bZ4X Touring AWD
The all-electric model completed the 0-60mph test in just 7.55 seconds when hitched, offering performance comparable with far more expensive cars.
Caravan weight 1700kg - 1800kg - SKODA Kodiaq IV Sportline 1.5 TSI 204PS DSG
Tested in plug-in hybrid form, the Kodiaq had decent acceleration – particularly in the 40-60mph acceleration test – while braking outperformed many other entrants. During the most arduous tests, it remained stable and controlled and its excellent visibility and large door mirrors were also noted.
Caravan Weight 1800kg - 2000kg - Volkswagen Touareg Final Edition 3.0 TDI 4MOTION 286PS Tiptronic
This SUV has always impressed, but especially so this year as it had an unbeatable combination of power, refinement, comfort and driving dynamics. It excelled in this class, delivering effortless acceleration and smooth six-cylinder refinement.
Caravan weight over 2000kg and Electric Towcars - BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro
The BMW iX3 is a new era for the German brand and as a towcar showed phenomenal acceleration, both from rest and particularly from 40-60mph.
Plug-In Hybrid Towcars - Volvo XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus
A previous overall Towcar of the Year winner, Volvo's best-seller again impressed this year. Its engine and electric motor combo are a good match for towing, providing grunt and refinement in equal measure.
Large Family Towcars - Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD Plus Pro
The XC90 is still a class act. The T8’s electric motor and petrol engine work seamlessly together, delivering seriously strong acceleration while keeping everything impressively relaxed.
The INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster took the Pick-Up honours while the Bentley Bentayga EWB Atelier Edition took the Luxury category and was praised for its opulence as well as its acceleration