XC60 takes Towcar of the Year

Volvo has demonstrated the strength in depth of its SUV range with the XC40 and XC60 together winning four honours in the UK’S 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Competition. The Volvos were among 35 vehicles tested by expert judges at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire. Each car was checked by the club’s technical team before being put through their paces by a specialist driving team. Performance was tested and each vehicle’s ‘caravanability’ was assessed, taking into account factors such as the boot space available to carry kit, accessories for a caravan trip and the towball height. Assessing the XC60, the judges declared they were impressed by the car’s “outstanding performance” in terms of acceleration, braking and stability when towing a caravan, showing perfect poise and minimal body roll when towing both at high speeds and on twisty routes. “It also gave one of the most comfortable rides of the entire competition – all in all an ideal car for caravanners,” they added. The heart of the XC60’S towing capability is the D5 2.0-litre Powerpulse diesel engine, which musters 235hp and an impressive 480Nm of torque, available from 1,750 to 2,200rpm to give smooth and surefooted towing performance towing trailers of up to 2.4 tonnes. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard add to the easy and reassuringly secure driving experience. Both the XC40 and XC60 are generously equipped as standard, including Volvo’s technically advanced and intuitive Sensus touchscreen control system, and the City Safety range of active and preventative safety features. The cars’ exterior designs and cabin appointments reflect Volvo’s contemporary luxury and craftsmanship, while the spacious interiors are adaptable for accommodating both passengers and cargo. Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “The Caravan and Motorhome Club has tailored its awards programme to reflect the realworld priorities of people who need a towcar they can trust to do the job, that is safe, well equipped and cost effective to run. It’s hugely rewarding that both our XC40 and XC60 have performed so strongly, emphasising how they provide such a strong combination of practicality, versatility and genuine customer appeal.”