Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro takes the 2020 Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year crown
12/09/2019
Swede Success…
Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro takes the 2020 Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year crown
London, 20 September 2019: The Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro has won this year’s overall trophy and also triumphed in the Caravan Weight 1400kg-1500kg category in the 37th Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Competition.
The industry’s premier towcar awards saw Volvo win back-to-back titles for the first time, while an all-electric Jaguar made a significant competition breakthrough. The compact and stylish SUV impressed the judges around Millbrook Proving Ground’s tight and twisting ‘country lanes’ with consummate ease, and also proved rock-solid when pushed faster around the high-speed bowl.
The 36 entrants were put into caravan weight categories – rather than being listed by price – to make it easier for buyers to know which cars could tow their caravans. Cars were entered into classes using their 85% kerbweight figure or by their towing limit, whichever was the lower. The competition had six weight classes, two Family Towcar categories as well as Pick-Up and Alternatively Fuelled categories.
The complete winners’ line-up is as follows:
- Caravan Weight under 1150kg & Alternatively Fuelled : Jaguar I-Pace 400PS Electric HSE
- Caravan Weight 1150kg – 1300kg : ŠKODA Octavia Estate Sportline 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG
- Caravan Weight 1300kg – 1400kg & Best Family Towcar : Ford Focus Vignale Estate 2.0 EcoBlue 8-Speed Auto
- Caravan Weight 1400kg – 1500kg & Overall Winner : Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro
- Caravan Weight 1500kg – 1700kg : Volvo V60 D4 AWD Cross Country Plus
- Caravan Weight over 1700kg : Volkswagen Touareg R-Line Tech 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 286PS auto tiptronic
- Best Large Family Towcar : ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS 2.0 TDI 239 PS 4x4 DSG
- Pick-Up : Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok Trendline 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 204PS auto
Each car was put through its paces at the Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, which provides a variety of testing driving environments. Manufacturers were invited to submit for testing any vehicle that was capable of towing a trailer over 750kg and on sale on 1 October 2019.
The Club’s technical team thoroughly checked each vehicle before handing it over to the ‘caravanability’ and driving judges.
Caravanability judges tested whether a car’s boot could swallow the bulky accessories normally needed on a caravan trip. They also measured the towball height, both solo and hitched up, and checked the towing information provided in the manufacturer’s handbook.
The cars were then hitched up to caravans ballasted to 85% of their kerbweight, or towing limit if lower. Using specialised apparatus the technical judges then measured the cars’ acceleration and braking capabilities. The car/caravan combinations were then passed over to the driving judges who set off around the Millbrook circuit to put the vehicles through their paces.
The cars were tested at speeds of up to 55mph on the ‘Alpine route’, which featured various gradients culminating in a 17% hill start and a 26% downhill brake test. The ability to join fast traffic from a standstill was also assessed.
Judges then took the vehicles to the high-speed bowl to further assess their capabilities at speeds in excess of UK legal limits. In the safety of a controlled environment, the judges could induce some instability at 60mph to see how the cars reacted. The vehicles were also put through reversing examinations. All-important issues of driver and passenger comfort and visibility were also assessed.
The results of the competition were announced at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the Royal Automobile Club in London on 20 September. The awards were presented by British racing driver Mark Blundell. Blundell competed in Formula One for four seasons, won the 1992 24 Hours of Le Mans, was an ITV F1 presenter and this year he made his return to the race track on the grid for the British Touring Car Championship. He also spent time at Millbrook to see how the judging process was carried out.
Grenville Chamberlain OBE, Caravan and Motorhome Club Chairman, said: “Here at the Caravan and Motorhome Club we are proud of our 37-year heritage with this competition and the wealth of data and information we are able to offer people on their choice of towcar. Our sincere congratulations go to all the worthy winners in the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2020.”
Mark Blundell commented, “It was great to be back with the Caravan and Motorhome Club for this competition. The level of testing and assessment they put the vehicles through really is second-to-none. This was my second time at Millbrook Proving Ground for the competition, and while hybrid cars have regularly competed this year saw the first all-electric vehicle take an award.”
For more information about the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year competition please visit https://www.camc.com/towcar/
For further information and details about the Caravan and Motorhome Club visit www.camc.com
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Media enquiries
Nikki Nichol, External Communications and Sponsorship Manager at the Caravan and Motorhome Club on 01342 336797 / 07771 834443 or email nikki.nichol@camc.com
Notes to editors
Champion of the great outdoors, the Caravan and Motorhome Club represents the interests of over one million caravan, motorhome and trailer tent owners across the UK. Founded in 1907, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has 112 years’ experience and prides itself on offering great value and high-quality sites for caravanners and motorhomers.
For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club please visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318813.
Driving Judges: Deborah Black, Club Events Committee member; Lesley Harris, motoring journalist; Andrew Ditton, specialist press journalist and blogger; John Harris, Club Events Committee member; Dan Cartwright, Caravan Times; Mark Sutcliffe, specialist press journalist and Claire Kelly, Warners Group Publications.
Caravanability Judges: Caroline and Keith Rogers – Caravan and Motorhome Club expert course instructors.
Thanks: The Caravan and Motorhome Club would like to thank Bailey of Bristol for supplying all the caravans used in the competition, and for providing staff on-site throughout the event. The Bailey team ensured the caravans were correctly ballasted, that their noseweights were kept in trim and that they were in general good working order. Thanks to AL-KO who ensured brakes were adjusted, wheels were kept tight and all undergear was properly fettled. Thanks also to Wheelhome for providing the lightweight Dashaway which was towed by vehicles with lower towing limits.
Caravan and Motorhome ClubTowcar of the Year 2020
More about the winning vehicles…
Caravan Weight under 1150kg & Alternatively Fuelled: Jaguar I-Pace 400PS Electric HSE
The judges were impressed not only by the Jaguar’s acceleration but also by its refinements. During straight-line tests, it accelerated from 0 to 60mph in a staggering seven seconds – while towing.
Caravan Weight 1150kg – 1300kg: ŠKODA Octavia Estate Sportline 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG
Comfortable and stable at cruising speeds with an attractive interior and great visibility. The judges praised the Octavia for its large boot as well as excellent information data in the handbook.
Caravan Weight 1300kg – 1400kg & Best Family Towcar: Ford Focus Vignale Estate 2.0 EcoBlue 8-Speed Auto
All the driving judges were effusive in their praise of its superb handling when towing, the engine and gearbox working in perfect harmony. It has plenty of punch when you need it most – the Ford Focus is a class act.
Caravan Weight 1400kg – 1500kg & Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2020 overall winner: Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro
The judges agreed that it’s a great-looking, sporty SUV that has good all-round towing credentials. The minimalistic interior is classy and a comfortable place to spend some time. The engine is punchy when needed.
Caravan Weight 1500kg – 1700kg: Volvo V60 D4 AWD Cross Country Plus
This sporty, compact estate car certainly looks the part and is a safe, solid towcar. The interior is stylish with functions running through the floating, tablet-inspired infotainment system. Judges were impressed with the luggage space and an electrically – retractable towbar.
Caravan Weight over 1700kg: Volkswagen Touareg R-Line Tech 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 286PS auto tiptronic
The powerful V6 3.0-litre engine was nothing short of outstanding, coping admirably with a large twin-axle caravan. Ride, handling and steering were all praised and the stability at all speeds was excellent.
Best Large Family Towcar: ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS 2.0 TDI 239 PS 4x4 DSG
Everything you need for happy towing – pace, refinement, looks, space, the list goes on – the Kodiaq is a seriously impressive, sure-footed towcar with brilliant handling and an excellent ride at all speeds.
Pick-Up: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok Trendline 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 204PS auto
The 3.0-litre V6 engine makes light work of hauling a caravan. The Amarok put in yet another sterling performance, so it was no great surprise when it retained its ‘Pick-Up’ category title.
Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2020
Entrants
Caravan Weight under 1150kg (4)
Jaguar I-Pace 400PS Electric HSE
ŠKODA Scala SE 1.6 TDI 115 PS Manual
Volkswagen Polo SEL 1.0 TSI 115PS DSG
Volkswagen T-Cross SE 1.0 TSI 115PS DSG
Caravan Weight 1150kg – 1300kg (4)
Dacia Duster Comfort Blue DCI 115 4x4
SEAT Ateca XCELLENCE 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG
ŠKODA Octavia Estate Sportline 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG
Subaru XV 2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic
Caravan Weight 1300kg – 1400kg (5)
Ford Focus Vignale Estate 2.0 EcoBlue 8-Speed Auto
Mazda6 2.5 194ps GT Sport Nav+ Tourer Auto
Peugeot 508 SW GT Line 2.0l BlueHDi 160 EAT8 S&S
Subaru Forester 2.0i XE Premium Lineartronic
Volkswagen Arteon Elegance 2.0-litre TDI SCR 150PS manual
Caravan Weight 1400kg – 1500kg (3)
Mazda CX-5 2.2 184PS AWD GT Sport Nav+
Subaru Outback 2.5i SE Premium Lineartronic
Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro
Caravan Weight 1500kg – 1700kg (8)
Citroën Space Tourer Flair M BlueHDi 180 EAT8
Jaguar E-Pace 240PS R-Dynamic SE
Jaguar XF Sportbrake R-Sport 2.0l 300ps AWD
Kia Sorento 2.2CRDI KX-3 Auto (7 seats)
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque D240 HSE R-Dynamic
Mitsubishi Outlander 19MY PHEV. 4hs 2.4 Auto
Nissan X-TRAIL 1.7L dCi 150 AWD Manual 7 seater
Volvo V60 D4 AWD Cross Country Plus
Caravan Weight over 1700kg (12)
Isuzu D-Max Utah Double Cab manual
Land Rover Discovery SD6 306ps HSE Luxury
Land Rover Range Rover Sport P400e HSE Dynamic
Mercedes-Benz E400D 4MATIC All Terrain
Mercedes-Benz GLE 300D AMG Line 7 Seater
Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 4 Auto
Nissan Navara 2.3 Doublecab dCi 190 Tekna
ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS 2.0 TDI 239 PS 4x4 DSG
SsangYong Musso Rebel auto
SsangYong Rexton ICE auto
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok Trendline 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 204PS auto
Volkswagen Touareg R-Line Tech 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 286PS auto tiptronic
Alternatively Fuelled (3)
Jaguar I-Pace 400PS Electric HSE
Land Rover Range Rover Sport P400e HSE Dynamic
Mitsubishi Outlander 19MY PHEV. 4hs 2.4 Auto
Best Family Towcar (8)
Ford Focus Vignale Estate 2.0 EcoBlue 8-Speed Auto
Mazda CX-5 2.2 184PS AWD GT Sport Nav+
Mazda6 2.5 194ps GT Sport Nav+ Tourer Auto
Peugeot 508 SW GT Line 2.0l BlueHDi 160 EAT8 S&S
Subaru Forester 2.0i XE Premium Lineartronic
Subaru Outback 2.5i SE Premium Lineartronic
Volkswagen Arteon Elegance 2.0-litre TDI SCR 150PS manual
Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro
Best Large Family Towcar (9)
Citroën Space Tourer Flair M BlueHDi 180 EAT8
Kia Sorento 2.2CRDI KX-3 Auto (7 seats)
Land Rover Discovery SD6 306ps HSE Luxury
Land Rover Range Rover Sport P400e HSE Dynamic
Mercedes-Benz GLE 300D AMG Line 7 Seater
Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 4 Auto
Nissan X-TRAIL 1.7L dCi 150 AWD Manual 7 seater
ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS 2.0 TDI 239 PS 4x4 DSG
SsangYong Rexton ICE auto
Pick-Up (4)
Isuzu D-Max Utah Double Cab manual
Nissan Navara 2.3 Doublecab dCi 190 Tekna
SsangYong Musso Rebel auto
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok Trendline 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 204PS auto
Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2020
Winners
Caravan Weight under 1150kg - Jaguar I-Pace 400PS Electric HSE
Caravan Weight 1150kg – 1300kg - ŠKODA Octavia Estate Sportline 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG
Caravan Weight 1300kg – 1400kg - Ford Focus Vignale Estate 2.0 EcoBlue 8-Speed Auto
Caravan Weight 1400kg – 1500kg - Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro
Caravan Weight 1500kg – 1700kg - Volvo V60 D4 AWD Cross Country Plus
Caravan Weight over 1700kg - Volkswagen Touareg R-Line Tech 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 286PS auto tiptronic
Alternatively Fuelled - Jaguar I-Pace 400PS Electric HSE
Family Car - Ford Focus Vignale Estate 2.0 EcoBlue 8-Speed Auto
Large Family Car - ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS 2.0 TDI 239 PS 4x4 DSG
Pick-Up - Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok Trendline 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION 204PS auto
Overall Winner, The Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2020 - Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design Pro
