The Peugeot 2008 tows reasonably well, but it struggled in the lane-change test and the towing limit is deceptive.

On paper, the eHDi 115 has a legal towing limit of 1300kg, but if loaded to its maximum (the Gross Vehicle Weight) the effective towing limit drops to just 980kg, ruling out most caravans.

Loaded to 85% of its kerbweight, the 2008 was reasonably stable at a steady 60mph, but it took a while to recover after sharp steering inputs. However, in the lane-change test the Peugeot was all at sea, sliding at the rear and then gripping again suddenly, putting the van onto one wheel on high-speed runs.

A very firm pull on the handbrake was needed to stop car and caravan creeping backwards on a 1-in-6 slope, but otherwise the 2008 pulled over the hill without much difficulty.

The practicality score would have been higher had the boot coped with our typical luggage load. As it was, a couple of items wouldn’t fit. Awkward-to-access towing electrics also cost the Peugeot some marks.

On the plus side, the 2008 has a well-made, attractive cabin, and is affordable to buy and run.