Best Buy Over L32k – VW Touareg

V6 diesel-engined SUV offers enormous pulling power

Last year’s winner, the Mercedes E350CDI Estate, is one of the best tow cars in the world. But our judges think VW’s Touareg is better. In 3.0 TDI form it takes the L32,ooo-plus honours.

The armchair-like seats and raised driving position provide relaxing cruising. And once it’s hitched to one of Bailey’s largest caravans – the Unicorn Barcelona – the SUV comes into its own.

VW Touareg

The gutsy 3.0-litre V6 pulls the caravan easily, while the Touareg offers rock-solid stability and a comfortable ride whatever your speed. The seamless eight-speed Tiptronic box makes it simple to keep the engine on the boil, while the Touareg ‘s agile considering its size. And :he huge proportions mean great practicality, with a 580-litre boot and rear seats that slide and recline.

VW Touareg Interior

Permanent 4 WD, hill descent control and differential locks take the sting out of muddy campsites, while cruise control, sat-nav, stopstart and heated seats alsa feature. Our car had the L1,335 Area View option, including TrailerHitch Assist; this relays a bird’seye view of the area behind the caron to the central display, for easy hitching.

Volkswagen Touareg

OVER L32k FINALISTS
l. VW Touareg Escape 3.0 V6 TDI 8-spd Tiptronic
2. Mercedes E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde Estate
3. Volvo V60 D5 AWD Volvo Ocean Race
4. Volvo XC70 D3 AWD Volvo Ocean Race
5. SEAT Alhambra 2.0 TDI CR DSG SE Lux
6. Mercedes C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Sport
7. Nissan Navara 3.0 dCi V6 Outlaw DoubleCab
8. Infiniti FX30dS
9. Mercedes G350 BlueTEC LWB