The 2.0 TFSI engine in the Audi A4 Allroad proves how a really good petrol engine can make a genuine alternative to diesel power.

Even allowing a little leeway for the difference between laboratory and real-world fuel economy, the official combined figure of 44.1mpg is impressive for a 249bhp four-wheel-drive car.

And in terms of performance with a caravan in tow, the A4 Allroad is exceptionally quick, with a 30-60mph time of just 6.8 seconds. That’s much, much quicker than either the Jaguar XF or Seat Ateca.

That kind of speed is nice to have, but it’s certainly not essential on a typical caravanning journey. What matters more is that the A4 Allroad is extremely stable at speed, certainly in still air.

One or two of our drivers found some movement in windy conditions, but data from the Al-Ko ATC system showed the caravan stayed still when slowing from motorway speeds.

If you really need to stop in a hurry, the A4 Allroad is on your side, with a short stopping distance from 30mph of just 10.6m.

In solo driving the A4 Allroad is comfortable, refined and quick. The Quattro four-wheel-drive system helps make the most of the Audi’s performance even in damp and slippery conditions.

The Allroad isn’t the roomiest estate, and couldn’t quite manage every item from our test load of holiday luggage.

However, there’s no warning in the handbook against using the collapsible spare when towing if you have to, and the towing gear is very neatly installed with easy-to-access electrics.

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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