Skoda’s medium-sized Karoq SUV has been named ‘Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2023’.
The Karoq isn’t Skoda’s biggest SUV - that honour goes to the seven-seat Kodiaq.
But the ‘Sportline 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG 4x4 SCR’ version of the Karoq is best in Britain when it comes to caravanning, according to the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s judging panel.
The Club said of the Karoq:
“When hitched, the Karoq is composed and well-mannered, the engine gives useful mid-range punch to maintain swift progress and the four-wheel drive system means there’s plenty of traction at all times.
“Arguably just as importantly, with its big boot, quality cabin and roomy rear space, this car makes for an excellent unhitched daily driver.”
The cars and caravans were well and truly put through their paces with a series of challenges at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, which included acceleration and braking tests, as well as having to negotiate a steep ‘Alpine route’.
While the Karoq took home the overall gong, it also scooped the trophy in the ‘Caravan Weight 1400kg - 1500kg’ class.
Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said,
“This year’s Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Competition was notable for the number of electric vehicles competing, and the EVs performed well against established petrol and diesel offerings.
“Meanwhile, SUVs lined up against estates and pick-ups, and even a traditional MPV was fielded. Leisure vehicle holidays are more popular than ever, it’s important that the Club continues to provide qualified and unbiased information to help all those who plan to tow to find the right towcar for their needs.”
Here’s the full list of winners:
Caravan Weight under 1200kg: Volkswagen ID.5 Style 77kWh Pro Performance 204PS
“The brand-new ID.5, the coupe version of Volkswagen’s ID.4 SUV, impressed with its super-smooth power delivery, effortless torque, composed road manners and good stability on slow and fast roads.”
Caravan Weight 1200kg - 1300kg: ŠKODA Enyaq iV 80X Sportline
“The Enyaq iV offers a masterclass in current EV technology, exhibiting a smooth and ultra-refined character when towing. An additional electric motor on the front axle makes the 80x four-wheel drive, and the extra traction while hitched helped both on twistier roads and the hill start.”
Caravan Weight 1300kg - 1400kg: Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack 2.0-litre TDI 4MOTION 200PS 7spd DSG
“The vehicle impressed with its practical boot, great rear visibility and competent driving manners. The 2.0 TDI is a great engine for towing with bundles of torque and the DSG automatic box shifts smoothly.”
Caravan Weight 1400kg - 1500kg / Family Towcars / Overall Winner: ŠKODA Karoq Sportline 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4x4 SCR
“The Skoda Karoq wowed the judges. When hitched, the Karoq is composed and well-mannered, the engine gives useful mid-range punch to maintain swift progress and the four-wheel drive system means there’s plenty of traction at all times. Arguably just as importantly, with its big boot, quality cabin and roomy rear space, this car makes for an excellent unhitched daily driver.”
Caravan Weight 1500kg - 1700kg: Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin
“The XC40 immediately scores well for being an EV with a high towing weight capability. Sparkling acceleration, tidy driving dynamics, a roomy and well-laid out interior and a spacious boot, this is a worthy class winner.”
Caravan Weight over 1700kg: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 8-Speed Tiptronic S
“The Porsche Cayenne scored high marks in virtually every area - including interior comfort, technology, practicality and boot space. In the driving department, the E-Hybrid uses a 335bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 mated to a 100kW (134bhp) electric motor to give stunning performance.”
Electric Vehicles: Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor
“Polestar impressed during its first ever appearance at this competition. Its interior is a delight to sit in, while the Google-based information system is simple to use. The Polestar 2 is astonishingly quick even when hitched, it’s composed, quiet and razor sharp to drive.”
Plug-in Hybrids Vehicles: Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6
“A supremely comfortable towcar and primed for long journeys. Performance is impressive and the interior is a masterpiece in style, comfort and intuition.”
Large Family Towcars: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Multivan Style 2.0-litre TSI 204PS 7spd DSG
“On the road and hitched-up, the front-wheel drive Multivan was impressively well-mannered. It offers van-like space with a car-like driving experience.”
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