Passat 2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion Estate
List price - £22,757
Target price - £21,256
Kerbweight - 1609kg
Max Tow weight - 2000kg
Towball limit - 85kg
The Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion Estate is a really special towcar. Confidence-inspiring four-wheel drive, excellent electric handbrake and well-judged suspension all ensure a reasonable score, but the acreage of storage in the boot and impressive diesel engine helped close the deal. Factor in resale values and five-star crash safety ratings, the £22,000 price tag looks great value, if not exactly cheap. Four-wheel drive does put a dent in the fuel economy but for impressive all-round ability the Passat was a worthy winner of the Towcar Award of 2007. Of the class winners, it's the best combination of weight, price and capability. Stable, spacious and practical, with the assurance of four-wheel drive.
 • Full write-up and pictures in the Awards issue 2007.

UP TO 1425kg

VOLKSWAGEN

Golf 1.9 TDI Match

The phrase 'good all-rounder' could have been invented for the Golf. It drives well, holds its value, is spacious and economical to run. Under hard acceleration it's noisy but it's happier at higher speeds. Gruff engine aside, the Golf 1.9 TDI Match makes a fine, lightweight towcar.

1425-1574kg

VOLVO

V70 D5 SE

All new, the V70 was tested in the November issue, but the outgoing model was already excellent. Performance and stability were superb, and there's plenty of luggage space.The D5 diesel is our pick of the engines. Stable, powerful and practical. An oldie but a goodie.

1725-1900kg

AUDI

A6 Allroad 3.0 TDI Quattro Tiptronic

The Audi A6 Allroad does everything you could ask of it, and does it well. Although it lacks the boot space of the Mercedes E-Class, it has stronger performance, better brakes and four-wheel drive. Superb performance and the reassurance of four-wheel drive make this a worthy class winner.

OVER 1900kg

LAND ROVER

Discovery TDV6 HSEauto

Discovery drives as well as most executive saloons, with a smooth ride. It will happily tow at 60mph all day. Our test car came in plush HSE trim, but prices start from under £30k. Great to drive and comfortable to travel in. A superb, go-anywhere towcar.