Surprise result for best caravan towcar

The best cars to use for towing a caravan have been announced, with the overall winner taking some by surprise, telegraph.co.uk reports.

Winner of the 1,725-1,899kg class award was the Jaguar XF, which also picked up the overall winner tag as well. The 1,745kg Jaguar XF 2.2D can take a maximum towing weight of 1,850kg, as well as a towball limit of 75kg.

It will come at a cost, however, with the vehicle's list price close to £40,000.

At the less expensive end of the spectrum, the Volkswagen Golf was crowned winner of the smallest category, being voted the best towcar for up to 1,424kg. Tourists at campsites around Britain may soon see many more VWs on their travels, as the manufacturer also went on to win awards with its Passat and Tiguan models - including the 'green' award.

For hefty loads of over 1,900kg, the Land Rover Discovery was given as the vehicle of choice. Highest praise was reserved for the Jaguar, however, which took the crown from last year's winner - the BMW 520d Touring SE.

Noting that over £1 billion is spent every year on towcars, Practical Caravan's Nigel Donnelly told thisisderbyshire.co.uk how good towers are highly prized, with the Jaguar being no exception.

"It was felt unanimously that the Jaguar XF is just that bit more special," he explained. "The Jaguar is an outstanding car, whether hooked up for towing or solo. When towing, its stability is unshakable and at times it's as if the caravan isn't there. It's performance during the testing process was exemplary."