Last year the regular Ford Mondeo was our favourite petrol tow car. This year it’s the turn of the upmarket Mondeo Vignale to pick up that award.

It helps that the 240PS (237bhp) 2.0-litre EcoBoost is one of the most powerful petrol engines we’ve ever tested. Accelerating from 30-60mph took just 9.2 seconds. That’s seriously quick.

With more mid-range pull than most petrols, the Vignale easily passed the hill-start test, too.

The Vignale is stable as well as quick. At 60mph it felt very secure, although there was some movement from the caravan at closer to 70mph, especially if the wind picked up.

Leave the caravan or trailer behind, and the Vignale is a very swift car indeed. On long motorway drives there’s little wind or road noise to contend with. It handles well, too, although the steering’s self-centring action is rather strong.

Inside, the Mondeo Vignale is roomy with plenty of space for tall adults in the back. Despite the saloon body style (the Mondeo Vignale is sold as a saloon or estate, not a hatchback), there’s lots of boot space. All our typical load of holiday luggage went in with room to spare.

Our only significant reservation is that What Car?‘s used car experts expect the Vignale to lose value quickly, so be sure to haggle a healthy discount.