Bigger isn’t always better. As a rule, small cars and vans are more affordable than larger models. Smaller combinations take up less space on narrow roads, and lightweight cars
are usually cheaper to fuel.
Large and heavy tow cars are overkill if you own a lightweight tourer. Why go to the expense of a heavier, thirstier car if the best small tow cars are surprisingly stable and combine practicality with fuel efficiency?
A lightweight tow car won’t suit all caravanners – light cars and heavy caravans don’t mix. However, for those who own small caravans, they can make good sense.
If you are looking for a lightweight car, keenly priced and cheap to run, yet stable and capable when pulling a caravan (always the traits of the best tow cars), don’t be afraid to downsize to one of these five.
Please note: Vehicles pictured may not be exact model or year
The best lightweight cars:
Škoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L Edition
Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DiG-T 158PS N-Connecta
Seat Ateca 1.5 TSI Evo SE Technology
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 150PS r-line
Ford Focus Estate 1.0 155PS mHEV ST-Line
Škoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L Edition
- Price: £29,295
- Kerbweight: 1290kg
- 85% match: 1097kg
- Towing limit: 1250kg
The lightest of the five cars we’re recommending, the Kamiq is the smallest of Škoda’s SUV family. With its low kerbweight, it’s only suitable for micro-caravans and the very lightest of conventional tourers, but it will tow these very well.
Most importantly, it punches above its weight in terms of stability. It feels like a heavier car at motorway speeds, towing securely at a steady 60mph, the speed limit when towing a caravan.
The 150hp 1.5-litre engine is used in much bigger VW Group cars, and it’s comfortably up to the job of pulling a tourer, so long as you’re sensible with the car/caravan matching. In fact, the smaller 115hp 1.0-litre shouldn’t be ruled out if you own a trailer tent or pop-up camper.
Inside, the Kamiq is roomier than most rivals. There’s plenty of space to stretch out in the front and the rear seats are surprisingly accommodating. Boot space is also reasonable,
at 400 litres, and can be extended by folding the back seats.
If you prefer to buy used, we’ve seen a 71-plate car with 17,000 miles for £18,290. Just be aware that it may not be possible to add towing gear to a model that wasn’t equipped with a towbar or towbar preparation at the factory.
Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DiG-T 158PS N-Connecta
- Price: £33,025
- Kerbweight: 1450kg
- 85% match: 1233kg
- Towing limit: 1650kg
If the Škoda is too light for you, consider the Nissan Qashqai instead. Today’s Qashqai is available with an innovative hybrid system that uses the engine as a generator for the electric motor. But it’s pricey and heavy in that specification.
The mild hybrid petrol is lighter and more affordable.
For such a light vehicle, the Qashqai has a reassuringly high towing limit. Matching by the 85% guide allows the Nissan to tow a variety of small tourers, such as the Bailey Discovery D4-4 or Swift Basecamp 4.
At speed, the Qashqai is stable for a car this light. If you’re towing long distances, you can do so safe in the knowledge that you should have no nervous moments.
It’s a shame that the engine doesn’t pull more strongly from low revs, though. It needs lots of revs and the power seems to arrive rather suddenly, once beyond the initial lethargy.
Inside, the Qashqai is well made and comfortable. There’s ample room for adults to travel in the back, and plenty of space for the children, too.
Boot capacity is good rather than great, at 436 litres.
If you’re looking for a used car for towing, there’s a pretty wide choice of Nissans on the pre-owned market. A 2021 car on a 71-plate with 38,000 miles on the clock will cost around £17,679.
Seat Ateca 1.5 TSI Evo SE Technology
- Price: £31,780
- Kerbweight: 1341kg
- 85% match: 1140kg
- Towing limit: 1850kg
The Ateca is a very stable tow car, and has won its class in the What Car? Tow Car Awards several times now.
It has won silverware with both petrol and diesel engines. You can no longer buy an Ateca with diesel power as a new car, but the 1.5-litre TSI Evo is an admirable substitute. It has impressive mid-range pull for a petrol and delivers good fuel economy, even while towing.
Seat is the sporty arm of the Volkswagen Group, and that’s reflected in a suspension set-up that’s noticeably firmer than a Škoda Kamiq’s. But the taut suspension isn’t at all uncomfortable and it helps to make the Ateca one of the most stable cars of its size.
Inside, the Ateca has enough space to keep most families of four happy. The infotainment is a little dated in appearance, but the system is actually easier to use than Seat’s more recent touchscreens and there are physical buttons and knobs for the air conditioning.
The boot is large, especially if you go for a two-wheel drive, such as the 150PS SE Technology.
You are probably going to be rather spoilt for choice on the used market. For example, we spotted a 21-plate car with just under 37,000 miles on the clock advertised for £14,479.
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 150PS r-line
- Price: £34,500
- Kerbweight: 1441kg
- 85% match: 1225kg
- Towing limit: 1600kg
For years, the Volkswagen Golf has been one of our favourite lightweight tow cars. Whether you can truly describe it as ‘small’ is a moot point. It has grown over the generations, and from behind the wheel, has the solidity of a larger, heavier car.
That makes for excellent stability while towing. Match it with a suitable caravan, and the Golf will handle it with ease.
Although some manufacturers have stopped selling diesels, especially smaller diesels, you can still choose this type of engine for your Golf. Here, we’ve selected the 150hp version, but you could save money by opting for the 115hp engine.
The diesel will confidently pull any well-matched caravan up to 60mph while delivering excellent fuel economy.
Inside, the latest Golf Mk8.5 has improved the Mk8’s glitchy infotainment, although touch-sensitive pads remain to control the air-con. There’s good space in both front and back. If the hatchback’s 381-litre boot is too small, try the estate instead.
If you’re thinking of buying a used car, a 72-reg car with 18,000 miles on the clock will cost you around £21,890.
Ford Focus Estate 1.0 155PS mHEV ST-Line
- Price: £32,340
- Kerbweight: 1451kg
- 85% match: 1233kg
- Towing limit: 1500kg
Like the Golf, the Ford Focus is an old favourite. Successive generations have always been among the standout small tow vehicles.
Today’s Focus makes a very fine tug for a lightweight van. It’s a practical choice, too, especially if you go for the estate. The 575-litre capacity is excellent for a relatively small and light car.
While the arch-rival Golf can still be bought with diesel power, that’s no longer an option for Focus buyers.
The 1.0-litre petrol engine performs reasonably well, though, despite its small capacity. You won’t be going anywhere in a hurry while towing, but it’s up to the job.
Inside, the standard of finish is a bit cheap and cheerful when compared with the Golf’s, but there’s enough space for four adults to travel comfortably.
To drive, the Focus remains the benchmark for cars of this size. It’s a sporty, rewarding car, and without the burden of a caravan to handle, the engine is lively.
The ride is quite firm, which will suit keen drivers. However, if you prefer a smoother ride, you might consider a Škoda Octavia instead.
On a tight budget? A 21-plate car with 46,000 miles will cost around £15,000, less than half the price of buying new.
If you would like to see the heavier options on the market, don’t miss our guide to the best tow cars for a 2000kg caravan, featuring brands such as Kia, BMW and more.
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