THE Skoda Superb Estate has been voted Towcar of the Year by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

In a virtual contest the Superb Estate SE L Executive 2.0 TDI 150ps DSG came out on top from a field of 40 cars.

The judges said of the Superb Estate: "You can't go wrong with one of these. If you want a large estate, the Superb has to be on your shortlist."

The Czech-made car has become a regular in the competition's top three models and its victory this year marked a double for the brand with the Octavia Estate carrying off the honours in the 1,200-1,300kg caravan weight category.

The cars were evaluated and assessed by an independent panel of expert and knowledgeable judges who carried out full technical specification and vehicle towing capability reviews.

"Caravanability" was carried out on each vehicle by evaluating boot load spaces with the rear seats up and down, roof load limits, along with nose weight limits.

The judges carefully researched the towing information presented in the vehicle handbooks and on manufacturers' websites to check whether the vehicle is equipped with a full sized spare wheel as standard or if a space saver or puncture repair tin was provided instead.

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: "Caravan holidays have never been more popular and it's important to the Club to make sure we provide relevant information to our members - and all those interested in touring and towing - on the vehicles that are available to them.

"The Club, with it's 110-plus years of experience, has worked with respected industry colleagues and journalists, all of whom are themselves caravanners, to bring together this invaluable set of data and information. The Club also offers a free technical advice helpline and training courses for those interested in starting out with the pastime."

The winners in this year's awards were:

Caravan Weight Under 1100kg: Renault Captur Caravan Weight 1100-1200kg: SEAT Leon Estate FR 1.5 TSI manual 150 Caravan Weight 1200-1300kg: Skoda Octavia Estate SE L First Edition 2.0 TDI 150ps DSG Overall Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year 2021 and Caravan Weight 1300-1400kg: Skoda Superb Estate SE L Executive 2.0 TDI 150ps DSG Caravan Weight 1400-1500kg: Vauxhall Insignia SRi VX-Line Nav Caravan Weight 1500-1700kg and Alternatively Fuelled vehicle: Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T5 FWD R-Design Caravan Weight Over 1700kg and Family Towcar: Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 AWD R-Design Large Family Towcar: Volkswagen Caravelle 6.1 SE Long Wheelbase 2.0 TDI 199ps 7spd DSG Pick-Up : Nissan Navara dCi190 Double Cab N-Guard Automatic