The Honda HR-V returned to the Tow Car Awards as last year’s class champion.

In 2017 it’s been beaten by the rejuvenated Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf, but it still ranks as one of the best small tow cars.

Stability was the cornerstone of the HR-V’s success last time around, and it’s still a very reassuring car to tow with.

In the lane-change test the Honda stayed on course even with the caravan moving around behind it. However, the 11.7m stopping distance was longer than either the Octavia or Golf needed.

Accelerating from 30-60mph took 14.8 seconds. That’s reasonably dogged performance, but again, the Honda is slower than its more powerful rivals.

Without a caravan in tow the 1.6-litre’s relatively modest performance is less noticeable, but whether towing or not the engine is gruff when accelerating hard, and the suspension makes for a firm but controlled ride.

There are some clever touches in the HR-V’s cabin, like the rear seat bases which fold upwards to create a second luggage area if there are no passengers travelling in the back.

It’s a practical tow car, too, with its handy reversing camera and a usefully large boot that swallowed all but one item of our typical luggage load.

The Honda isn’t cheap to buy – certainly not in EX spec. But if you do choose this high-end trim the car is very well equipped. Opting for SE spec instead would make for a healthy saving without sacrificing too many creature comforts.