Skoda Octavia Hatch 1.2 TSI SE - £16,000-£20,000

Skoda has performed well in our tow car contests over the years, and it maintains its excellent record this time round. Despite stiff competition, the new Octavia 1.2 TSI took a comfortable victory in this price band.

Even though it’s powered by a small 1.2-litre engine, the Skoda performed valiantly when hitched to the Bailey Orion 400-2. The low capacity does mean the hatchback runs out of puff a little on the steeper inclines, as you’d expect, but elsewhere it put on a refined and eager display.

A smooth and supple ride helps deliver a stress-free drive, while the slick six-speed gearbox is a delight. On top of that, the Octavia breezes round corners and the naturally weighted and precise steering inspires plenty of confidence.

Better still, the Skoda’s combination of standard hill hold control and powerful handbrake meant that hill starts were a doddle – even the 17 per cent incline. Yet the Octavia sealed its place at the top of the sub-£20,000 table with its ‘caravanability’.

The enormous 590-litre boot will accommodate anything a family camping trip can throwat it, while rear seat passengers are treated to executive car-rivalling head and legroom. Skoda has also upped its game in terms of quality with the latest Octavia, and our SE test car’s interior was swathed in high-grade soft-touch materials that added a dose of luxury. Lots of equipment, official 57.6mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 114g/km are the icing on the cake for this fine car.