Best buy 4x4 under 1,800kg
4WD estate has potent diesel, great comfort
Thirty vehicles contested the Tow Car of the Year award, but only 10 were four-wheel drive. These were split into two groups; the four models weighing under 1,800kg and six weighing over that. And our judges were in no doubt about the identity of the winner in the sub-1,800kg class.
The Volvo V60 deservedly takes the honours, on account of its impressively punchy 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 diesel engine. The light steering lacks feel, but the car’s direct responses make up for that, while the comfortable seats and generous 692-litre luggage bay should ensure the rest of the family will be relaxed on the way to your holiday destination. Volvo’s reputation for building practical family cars remains intact.
Under 1,800kg finalists
1. Volvo V60 D5 AWD Volvo Ocean Race
2. Mazda CX-7 2.2 D Sport Tech Model
3. Nissan X-Trail 2.0 dCi Tekna
4. Suzuki Grand Vitara SZ5
