We’ll admit the Stinger doesn’t look like a typical tow car. But the Kia proves that you don’t need a practical estate or a tough SUV to go caravanning.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is lively and willing, strong enough for car and caravan to zip from 30-60mph in just 8.9 seconds.

Once up to motorway speeds the Stinger feels secure and stable.

However, we did notice some side-to-side movement when slowing down from 60mph, which was more pronounced when slowing from 70mph.

In the lane-change, the Stinger didn’t boss the caravan with the same authority as the best cars in this weight division, but nonetheless it completed the test at all three speeds.

The hill-start test was no great challenge for the Stinger. The electronic parking brake held the outfit still on the 1-in-6 slope, and the eight-speed automatic gearbox and powerful petrol engine combined for a smooth getaway.

Inside, there’s more space than you’d expect of a coupé-style four-door. There’s lots of room to get comfortable up front, and although there isn’t enough space to really stretch out in the back, adults should be happy enough on short trips.

Boot space is the real eye-opener, with room to squeeze in more bags than we found in some SUVs.

However, the Stinger is short of towing-friendly features like trailer stability control.

Overall, the Kia is one of the surprise packages of this year’s tests and a worthy winner of the ‘Best Petrol Tow Car’ award.