Towcar of the Year 2007 - 1425-1574kg

Our second weight division brings a wide choice of MPVs and estates able to tow a range of trailers.

Volvo V70 D5 SE
List price    £28,815
Target Price    £25,931
Kerbweight    1561kg
Maximum towing limit    1800kg
Towball limit    75kg

The V70 will be replaced by an all-new model by the autumn. That new car will have a lot to live up to, because the V70 is justly popular for its towing ability.

The D5 version is the pick of the bunch. Given its 182bhp and 295lb ft of pull, you wonder why anyone bothers with a thirsty petrol model. The D5 should return 41.5mpg in solo driving, and pulled an 85% match from 30-60mph in just 10.3 seconds: quicker than any other car in this weight class.

What's more, when towing the V70 never felt anything less than rock solid, even through our lane-change manoeuvre. Braking performance was excellent, too.

There's plenty of luggage room - 1641 litres when the rear seats are folded.

We wouldn't normally recommend buying a car which is about to be replaced, as that can put a dent in future resale values. However, there are some big discounts on offer. Used examples make great buys, too.

Buyer's file
Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   

Other contenders
Seat Altea XL 1.9 TDI PD Stylance
List price    £15,000
Target Price    £13,961
Kerbweight    1444kg
Maximum towing limit    1400kg
Towball limit    75kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Roomy, but the engine struggles to haul the car and a heavy trailer.

Volvo V50 D5 Sport Geartronic
List price    £23,795
Target Price    £22,659
Kerbweight    1461kg
Maximum towing limit    1500kg
Towball limit    75kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary A swift and stable towcar, but pricey and small for an estate.

Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDI VTR+
List price    £17,700
Target Price    £16,851
Kerbweight    1489kg
Maximum towing limit    1300kg
Towball limit    60kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary A cracking MPV, but too slow and soft to make a good towcar.

Skoda Octavia Estate 1.9 TDI PD 105 Ambiente
List price    £15,465
Target Price    £14,420
Kerbweight    1515kg
Maximum towing limit    1400kg
Towball limit    75kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Good value and exceptionally economical. Rather slow, though.

Toyota Avensis Tourer 2.2 D-4D T180
List price    £22,595
Target Price    £20,790
Kerbweight    1535kg
Maximum towing limit    1300kg
Towball limit    75kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary A great towcar in every respect, apart from the towing limit.

Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D T3
List price    £18,195
Target Price    £16,974
Kerbweight    1560kg
Maximum towing limit    1100kg
Towball limit    75kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary Excellent MPV, but the towing limit rules it out for most caravanners.

Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi (150) Design
List price    £20,325
Target Price    £17,979
Kerbweight    1569kg
Maximum towing limit    1500kg
Towball limit    75kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary A strong performer with a flexible cabin. Just be sure to haggle.

Volkswagen Golf Plus 1.9 TDI 105 SE
List price    £16,877
Target Price    £15,944
Kerbweight    1572kg
Maximum towing limit    1400kg
Towball limit    75kg

Towing   
Solo   
Practicality   
Buying & owning   
Verdict   
Summary A spacious and comfortable family car, but underpowered for towing.

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