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.

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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