Before too much longer we’ll test a hybrid that tows as well as the best diesels, but the Infiniti M35h is not that car.

Before a wheel is turned, the Infiniti is at a disadvantage because of its modest 1500kg towing limit. If your van weighs less than this, then fine, but that’s well below the 85% match figure and much less than any other car in the heavyweight class can comfortably tow.

Even pulling a relatively light tourer, the Infiniti struggled in the lane-change test, with the stability control intervening early and hard. Drivers who took the Infiniti out in a crosswind complained that high-speed stability was also poor, although those who drove the car in lighter winds found it reasonably stable.

The M35h makes up some lost ground, thanks to the responsive and powerful combination of V6 petrol and electric power. The 30-60mph sprint took just 6.6 seconds, so it’s easy to make the most of any overtaking opportunity.

Because of the need to find room for the electric motor and battery, hybrids often have poor boot space. Unfortunately that’s the case here, and our practicality judges couldn’t find space for anything like a typical load of holiday luggage. However, the Infiniti did pick up some points for having a reversing camera – handy if you ever hitch up on your own.

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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