Tow Car Awards: overall winner 2012
The Tow Car Awards is Britain's biggest and best tow car test programme, with a history stretching back to 2007...
Kerb weight 1745kg Max towing weight 1850kg Towball limit 75kg
In 2012, the 2.2-litre diesel version of the original Jaguar XF was named Tow Car of the Year. Here's what we said about it at the time:
An executive saloon isn’t the most obvious choice as a tow car; in the past, it's always been an estate or SUV that's won the top prize at these awards. However, the Jaguar XF challenged our preconceptions.
With its superbly judged suspension, low centre of gravity and inch-perfect steering, it made the emergency lane change test seem easy. Yet when driven more gently, it managed to be effortless and relaxing, smoothing out rough roads better than most of its rivals.
Stroll up to 70mph and there’s no sign that car or caravan is beginning to wander. And data from the Al-Ko ATC system shows how composed the Jag is when slowing from high speeds. As a result, you could tow all day with this car and never experience a nervous moment.
The hill start is usually best suited to 4x4s, but even here the XF matched its SUV rivals. Its 2.2-litre engine might not have as much muscle as the XF 3.0-litre, but it’s more than strong enough to manage a 1-in-6 slope.
The XF even managed to cope with every item but one from our typical holiday luggage load, which is very impressive for a saloon. And the inclusion of a trailer stability program earned it further marks from our practicality judges.
Our ratings
Towing 5/5 Solo driving 5/5 Practicality 3/5 Buying and owning 4/5 Overall 5/5
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