The Renault Captur has picked up the title of Best Towcar of the Year (£17,500 to £22,000 category) at the 2016 Caravan Club Awards. And with an estimated 500,000+ touring caravans on the roads in the UK, this innovative SUV has ample opportunity to make its mark.
Beating five competitors to secure the award, the Captur’s ‘caravanability’ was suitably tested with judges commenting: “It was great to see such a diverse variety of vehicles entered into the competition this year. There is a vehicle choice for everyone’s needs, whether you tow a small trailer tent or a large twin-axle caravan. On behalf of The Caravan Club, our congratulations go to all the winners and a special mention must go to the Renault Captur, which showed that light weight, economical cars can make great towcars!”
Judging criteria including: value for money, load capacity and suitability for accommodating caravan paraphernalia, how easily it could be hooked up to a caravan and the quality of towing information contained in its handbook.
Evaluated by seven expert driving judges, the Captur was put through its paces and its dynamic abilities and ergonomic qualities thoroughly tested. The route included hairpin bends on ‘country lanes’, a number of hill stops and starts, circuits of a high-speed bowl and reversing tests over a four day period.
Sophie Richard, Product Manager, Renault UK, said: “Captur comes as standard with a number of practical storage and convenience features and with the optional Touring Pack fitted, the compact crossover is an accomplished and affordable caravanning vehicle. We’re delighted with this award and that the judges at The Caravan Club have recognised Captur for its towing and touring abilities.”
The optional Touring Pack Sophie refers to, includes a number of useful features including a quick release tow-bar, luggage boot net and front centre armrest. Priced at £550, it transforms this crossover into a convenient and comfortable towing and touring vehicle.
Since its launch in 2013 the Captur has sold well in excess of 400,000 units worldwide and is presently Europes best-selling compact crossover.
Versatility comes as standard with four exciting trim levels available and a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. CO2 emissions are as low as 95g/km and with a combined cycle fuel economy of up to 78.5mpg this makes for rewarding motoring. The award-winning Dynamique Nav dCi 110 version can tow up to 900kg (braked) and its 110hp 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine has CO2 emissions of 98g/km, placing it in VED Band A, and combined cycle fuel economy of 76.4mpg.
Enjoying the freedom of the open road has never been so appealing – or stylish!
