Which SUV for towing a 1410kg caravan?

After six years of comfortable and reliable motoring it is time to replace our 2003 Passat 1.9 TDI Estate. Our average mileage is 10,000 per year, of which 1000 is towing a 1410kg caravan. We do not want another long, low estate or a four-wheel drive and, as we only run one car, good mpg is essential. A Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCI with cruise control, costing about £10,000, seems to tick the boxes. Any comments or alternative recommendations would be much appreciated.

Asked on 2 February 2013 by AE, via email

Answered by Honest John
I ran a C-Max 2.0TDCI for a year and, while an excellent vehicle for front seat comfort, entry and egress, its engine was not the most flexible and required fifth rather than sixth for motorway 50mph contra-flows. Being forced to use fifth a lot on the flat would not be good for towing a heavy caravan. You'll probably be better off with a Honda CR-V 2.2iCTDI. I see a lot of them in front of caravans. In my experience, mpg is about the same as the C-Max at about 42mpg solo average.
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