£29,000-£32,000

Mazda CX-5 2.2D 175 AWD Sport Nav Mitsubishi Outlander GX4 2.2DI-D Nissan Navara 1.9 dci Tekna Double Cab Skoda Octavia Estate Scout 2.0 TDI 184 4x4 DSG Subaru Forester 2.0D XC Premium CVT Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack 2.0 TDI 4MOTION 150 Volkswagen Touran SE Family 2.0 TDI 150 DSG THE gloves were off as we took to the road in seven big-hitters costing around £30,000, and once again there wasn’t much between our contenders by the end of the test. But there could only be one winner, and it’s hats off to the Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack 2.0 TDI 4MOTION 150.

Like Skoda, Volkswagen is no stranger to The Caravan Club’s Towcar podium, as it consistently produces cars that have deep seams of talent. And to prove it the Golf was coupled to a four-berth Bailey Pursuit 550-4.

The car scored highly in the driving tests and impressed the judges with its ability to haul the large van round both the hill route and the high-speed bowl with relish. It has a comfortable ride, although it tends to pitch very slightly at lower speeds. But squeeze the accelerator and you’re rewarded with eager response and a very stable and safe driving experience.

On the twisty roads it maintained its composure, and once again the capable 148bhp 2.0 TDI engine showed no sign of faltering when faced with the challenging 14 and 17 per cent inclines.

Plus, the Golf Alltrack gets an extra 20mm in height over the standard Golf Estate, and the extra grip from the fourwheel-drive system will be very useful on damp campsites or in the winter months.