awardsIf you’re looking for a great tow car that will also be enjoyable to drive solo, you need one of our 2023 Tow Car Awards winners. Here we look at the best buy up to 1400kg...
WINNER: Up to 1400kg
Skoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo
Kerb weight 1280kg 85% match 1088kg Max towing weight 1250kg Towball limit 75kg
Skoda has been a regular winner at the Tow Car Awards, and this year the Skoda Kamiq has topped its class to add to the brand’s trophy haul.
This small SUV punches above its weight as a tow car, easily coping with a caravan weighted to 85% of the car’s kerb weight. At the 60mph towing limit the Kamiq pulled straight and true, and we could go 10mph faster at the test track without any sign of the caravan wandering.
In addition, a 30-60mph acceleration time of 10.7sec shows you’ll be able to get up to speed by the end of a motorway slip road, although there isn’t a lot of punch in reserve for overtaking.
The Kamiq handles itself well in an emergency lane-change, completing our test at all three speeds without any sense of the caravan dragging the car off course.What’s more, this small SUV is a fine all-rounder in everyday driving; it handles well on a twisty country road, yet the taut control doesn’t come at the expense of a comfortable ride.
The interior is another of the Kamiq’s strengths. It’s well made, and there’s plenty of space whether you’re sitting in the front or the back. Boot space is also good for a car of this size, although for family caravanning you’ll need to pack carefully or fit a roof box.
The Monte Carlo spec of our test car is at the top of the range, so comes with lots of goodies and gadgets. You can enjoy the same towing ability if you choose one of the cheaper models, though, without losing too many creature comforts.
Either way, running costs should be low. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is economical for a non-hybrid, with an official average of up to 47.2mpg with our car’s manual gearbox. Alternatively, there’s a DSG automatic model for £1300 more if you’d rather give your left leg a rest.
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