Best Buy: Under £16,000

Superminis aren’t the most obvious tow cars, but the latest generation of small models features torquey diesels – and these models make easy work of hauling lightweight caravans and trailer tents.

The Skoda Fabia was the clear winner this year – in 1.6 TDI 105hp Elegance trim, it proved to be the class of the field. Coupled to a four-berth Bailey Ranger 460/4, the model scored well in all the disciplines.

Acceleration is never going to take your breath away when towing in a car such as this, but the capable new TDI engine will happily cruise at the 60mph motorway limit in comfort. Around town the ride is a little unsettled, yet quicken the pace and it smooths out, and stability is more composed as a result. 

Along our twisty hill route the Skoda performed well, and with the accurate and nicely weighted steering the car-and-van combo felt agile, with surprisingly little body roll through corners.

A hill-start on a 17-degree incline is a challenge for anycar, even without a caravan attached. Yet the Fabia took it all in its stride and pulled away cleanly without the need to rev the engine or cook the clutch – a performance aided by the conventional manual handbrake.

Criticisms are few and far between, but while the engine pulls strongly it would benefit from better noise insulation. Still, the Fabia is a more than worthy champion in the sub-£16,000 category.

Neat styling, a logical interior design and classy trim mix with spacious back seats and a decent boot to make it yet another award-winning Skoda. The brand’s famed reputation for reliability and customer service only adds to the Fabia’s appeal.

Under £16k: Our finalists -

• Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDI CR Eleganc
• Kia Venga 1.4 CRDi 3 EcoDynamics