The Vauxhall Mokka X is a decent enough small tow car, but when there are so many strong cars on test this year it finishes close to the bottom of the pile in the ‘Up to 1400kg’ class.

In still air the car felt stable, but when driven in strong winds the Vauxhall moved around more than its best rivals.

The brakes felt responsive enough in normal towing, but the 11.7m stopping distance is so-so compared with the likes of the VW Golf.

We’re fans of the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine for regular driving duties, combining lively performance and decent fuel economy. However, the brisk 12.8-second 30-60mph time doesn’t tell the whole story.

If you work the engine and gearbox hard, the Mokka X tows at a respectable pace, but there’s not enough mid-range muscle to hold speed easily in a high gear. Hill starts can be a struggle, too, and it’s easy to overheat the clutch.

Leave the caravan behind, and you’ll find the Mokka X isn’t a very rewarding drive.

The steering gives few clues as to what the front tyres are up to, and the ride isn’t controlled enough. It feels soft at first, but sharp bumps send a thump through the cabin.

The Mokka has plenty of space in the front, although room for passengers isn’t so generous in the back. The boot is small and we really struggled to find space for our touring gear, so be ready to travel light – or invest in a roof box.

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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