It’s not the biggest, roomiest or most practical car in this class, but judged purely as a tow car, the Mazda 3 is one of the best.

The motor certainly plays its part. The 2.2-litre engine churns out a healthy 280lb ft of torque – enough to pull car and caravan from 30-60mph in 13.1 seconds. What’s more, the 3 is stable as well as quick, towing at 70mph without any nervous moments.

In the lane-change test the Mazda wasn’t quite so polished, with the back of the car being pulled around at high speeds, although it always settled down and towed the caravan straight again.

A firm pull on the handbrake was needed to stop the outfit rolling backwards on a 1-in-6 slope, but with such a strong engine, the Mazda pulled to the top with ease. One or two drivers noted some smell from the clutch after reversing up a slope, however.

Our practicality team found space for all but one item of holiday luggage in the boot, but were disappointed by Mazda’s warning against using either the tyre repair kit (standard) or compact spare (optional) in the event of a puncture while towing. Unlike some rivals, there’s no Trailer Stability Programme fitted.

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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