If you are looking for a tow car with lots of space for people and luggage, a strong engine and very good stability, the Skoda Superb Estate fits the bill. It takes second place in this class, but only by a whisker.

At high speeds, it doesn’t quite have the cast-iron, am-I-really-towing stability of the Jaguar XF, but it’s not far off. Perhaps it took slightly longer than the Jag to pull the caravan straight after a sharp steering input, but we’re talking about fine differences between two excellent tow cars.

The lane-change test didn’t pose a problem, and the 190PS (187bhp) engine easily pulled car and caravan up to 70mph.

Other than a tendency to spin its wheels slightly in the damp, the Superb coped easily with the hill start. The electronic parking brake stopped car and caravan still, and released smoothly. With the DSG automatic there are only two pedals, so no need to juggle the clutch and throttle.

As you’d expect of a large estate car, our practicality testers were impressed with the Skoda’s luggage space, finding room to spare for a typical load of holiday bags and gear. Rear-seat space is remarkable, with limo-like levels of legroom.

It may have a list price of over £30,000, but that’s very reasonable for a car as spacious and well equipped as this one. Fuel bills should be low, too, with an official combined figure of 61.4mpg.