VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG

Our favourite 3.0 TDI 286PS 4Motion SEL Tech Price £52,260 Kerbweight 2070kg 85% match figure 1760kg Legal towing limit 3500kg Noseweight 140kg

The Touareg doesn’t have the cachet of an Audi or Mercedes-benz badge, but luxury car buyers would be unwise to ignore it. Under the skin, it’s closely related to the Audi Q7 and the Bentley Bentayga, so it has the DNA of a premium car.

Stability has to be the most important quality a tow car can possess, and the Touareg is about as stable as they come. We tested it in the teeth of an autumn storm – the sort of day when you’d consider delaying your journey – and there was hardly a twitch or shimmy from the VW.

Optional rear-wheel steering gives this big 4x4 the turning circle of a family hatchback, and VW’S Trailer Assist will steer for you when reversing onto a pitch.

Diesel, petrol or hybrid

Power comes from one of two diesel engines, or a very powerful petrol. A super-quick hybrid version is on the way soon. However, our pick would be the more powerful of the two diesels, with 282bhp. It makes pretty short work of towing a heavy caravan.

Inside, the finish doesn’t quite live up to that of the Audi Q7 or the BMW X5, particularly the plastics on the lower dash or doors. But this is still a well-made car, packed with gadgets. The twin-screen cockpit, standard on high-spec models, has all the wow-factor you could ask for with its 15-inch touchscreen and 12-inch instrument panel.

The Touareg doesn’t have the option of seven seats, but it’s roomy for five, and there’s an 810-litre boot. What’s more, it is comfortably more affordable than the other cars in our top six. Our favourite is the 3.0 TDI 286PS 4Motion SEL Tech, at £52,260.