Hi all. I'm in the market for a new towcar. My budget is around £16k and Im looking for an SUV. Diesel is not an option now because it's going to be doing constant short journeys. I'm towing a bailey ranger 2008, which is 1244kg.
So far I have been considering
Ford Kuga 1.5 ecoboost
Mazda Cx5 2.0
Skoda koraq 1.5 TSI
Honda CRV 1.5 VTEC turbo
I've just been to test drive a Mazda Cx5 and really liked it. It's by far the best looking imo and the kit is impressive. It seems different from the rest, in that it doesn't have a turbo engine, which is a bit of a concern. In my price range it seems the Skoda is going to be quite basic spec and you do pay for those extra 2 seats, which I don't really need. I don't really like the look of Skoda's either. I dont know much about the Kuga or CR-V
I will probably be touring 6-7 times and year and probably not long distance. I don't need the worlds best towcar. It's probably going to be more important that it's a decent family car but when I want to tow it needs to be up to the task.
Has anyone tried any of these, or similar SUVs as towcars?
Tough choice, personal favourite would be the Mazda, think all of them will be very thirsty whilst towing, best I can advise is to go for the car with the highest torque (possibly the Skoda)
The figure specified in n/m is the torque delivery to the vehicle's drive wheels. In terms of 250 n/m is what I would expect more from a diesel engine which has some serious pulling power especially on motorway inclines and standing hill starts. Petrol vehicles will consume more fuel regarding towing but that's related to the engine's reduced torque output which means constantly changing gears so as a matter of choice in this instance the Skoda seems to be far the better option in my opinion.
as you said yourself. this car is going to be used a lot more for day to day stuff and only likely to tow shortish distances? with this being the case would it not be better to buy the car you like that can still tow your caravan safely? who cares if it won't set the world on fire when towing? so as long as it has a tow limit that will tow your van go your the one you like.
Quote: Originally posted by Mart321 on 15/1/2024
I think that's why I'm leaning towards the Cx5. The Skoda is just ugly compared, even if it tows better. The cx-5 on paper is easily capable.
If I was in your position, I would be going for the CX5.
Capable of towing up to 1800kg (depending on model), so no worries there.
Good looking car and would suit your needs IMO.
------------- I came into this world with nothing and I've still got most of it left.
CX5 purely because it doesn't have a turbo, one expensive component removed from the equation.
Also add Subaru Forester, but they hold value so it will be older and may not have all the current bells and whistles. I had one for 5 years and 50k. If you have a local dealer they are some of the best out there, generally family owned and if like mine look after customers very well.
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Topic: Petrol towcar recommendation
via mobile 14/1/2024 at 2:35pm
