The Caravan and Motorhome Club Tow Car of the Year 2018 Competition has announced their overall winner and it is the ŠKODA’s Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 4x4 DSG. In what is the 35th year of the industry’s premier tow car competition, ŠKODA’s car won against 44 other entrants.

Each tow car was thoroughly tested – being judged not only on its towing performance over the testing circuit at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, but also for ‘caravanability’ – that is how well it caters for caravaners’ needs. Also added to the marking equation was the tow car’s value for money.

Seven driving judges evaluated each car for its dynamic abilities and ergonomic qualities – the test route included tight and twisty ‘country lanes’, 17% hill stops and starts, as well as circuits of a high-speed bowl. The vehicles were also put through reversing examinations.

The four days of arduous and rigorous evaluation highlighted that every vehicle could be considered a respectable tow car, so long as it was properly matched to its caravan.

Of the Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 4x4 DSG that took the overall victory, one of the judges commented, “ŠKODA has once again built a fantastic, no nonsense, utterly awesome tow car.” They liked the relaxing, stable, dependable and comfortable way it gave touring at its best.

Other Class Winners The class awards in the competition went to: SsangYong Korando SE 4x4 MY17; Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport SRi NAV 1.6 136PS Turbo D ecoTEC; ŠKODA Octavia Estate Scout 2.0 TDI 150PS 4x4; Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack 2.0TDI 4MOTION 184PS DSG; ŠKODA Kodiaq SE L 2.0 TDI 4x4 DSG 190PS; Volvo XC60 D4 Inscription and Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Momentum.

Grenville Chamberlain, Caravan and Motorhome Club Chairman, said: “As Europe’s premier touring Club, it always gives a sense of pride to see this leading competition be so well supported by the car manufacturing industry. The 44 entrants gave the judges a challenging time in selecting the winners – the winning manufacturers should take great satisfaction from their achievements.”