We have no hesitation in making the Ford Mondeo 1.5T EcoBoost our ‘Best Petrol Tow Car’ of 2015.

The engine really is a star. It may not have as much pulling power as the diesel equivalent, but with 177lb ft torque it’s noticeably stronger in the middle of the rev range than most petrols. But at the same time it’s also a lot easier on the ears than most diesels. It’s not quite the best of both worlds and we’d still prefer the diesel version for regular towing. However, if you don’t drive enough miles to justify the extra expense of the diesel, this engine is a peach.

Accelerating from 30-60mph took just 13.1 seconds. Once up to speed the Mondeo was stable and in control, and recovered quickly from any short, sharp steering inputs.

The lane-change test held no fear for this Ford. On the third and quickest attempt the caravan was sliding around behind the car, but the Mondeo stayed on course and pulled the caravan straight again.

If we missed the extra muscle of diesel power, it was in the hill-start test. Although the electronic parking brake held first time and released smoothly, plenty of revs and clutch slip was required to pull to the top of the 1-in-6 hill.

Our practicality judges found space for all their holiday bits and pieces in the Mondeo’s generous boot, and were pleased to note the fitment of a trailer stability system.

What Car?’s experts predict modest resale values – all the more reason to push for a big discount on the list price.

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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