There’s no shortage of fine tow cars in our fourth weight division, but the Jaguar XF Sportbrake topped the score sheets of all five test drivers. It’s an outstanding tow car.

Stability at speed is as good as it gets. Pushing the Jag well beyond the legal limit felt like a gentle afternoon drive, and we had to keep checking our mirrors to make sure we hadn’t driven on to the track without a caravan by mistake.

In the lane-change test there was a small slide from the car on the fastest run, but car and caravan quickly pulled straight again.

The 3.0-litre diesel engine has power to spare, with a 30-60mph time of just 8.7 seconds. It’s this combination of unshakeable stability and effortless performance that makes the XF Sportbrake such a relaxing car to tow with.

Starting on a 1-in-6 slope was easy. The electronic parking brake held car and caravan still, then released smoothly; the low pull of the 3.0-litre engine did the rest.

The Jaguar also excels in everyday driving. At motorway speeds it’s quiet and comfortable, but turn on to a twisting road and precise steering and expertly judged suspension really come into their own. It’s hugely enjoyable to drive.

It’s not perfect, however. The stout transmission tunnel means two will be more comfortable in the back than three, and the boot is shallow compared with that of some rivals. We found space for all but one of the bags from our typical load of holiday luggage.

Even so, the fitment of a Trailer Stability Programme, self-levelling suspension and a reversing camera all boosted the Jaguar’s practicality score.

The price tag is the wrong side of £50,000, but What Car?’s Target Price team has found that big discounts are available. If you’re going to spend that kind of money, it’s reassuring to note that the XF finished third out of 116 models in the 2013 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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