Last year’s overall champion takes class honours again. The Passat does so much well that it is almost irritating. It makes a superbly stable towcar, whether travelling at speed in gusty winds, or changing direction fast in an emergency.

Al-Ko ATC data shows very little movement from the caravan when slowing from high speeds. The large boot swallowed all our luggage, and the practicality judge was pleased with the Passat’s comprehensive handbook and full-size spare wheel. If we’re being picky, the location of the electric socket is rather fiddly.

There’s not much else to complain about. As a solo drive, the Passat is comfortable, quiet and refined. The 2.0-litre diesel engine has plenty of power to pull any suitably matched caravan and makes this car impressively swift in regular driving.

It’s also exceptionally economical, returning 60.1mpg on the combined cycle. Emissions of 123g/km keep VED costs low. That earns the Passat this year’s Green Award.