Which economical SUV or saloon for towing and seating comfort?

Next summer I intend to trade in my three-year-old SEAT Altea XL Sport for a new or nearly new car. The car needs to able to tow a 1100kg caravan, be economical, and capable of 45 miles per gallon solo. Above all, it must have comfortable seats. I have a long shortlist that includes three SUVs like the Audi Q3, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 and three family saloons that include the new Mazda 6, the Hyundai i40 and Ford Mondeo. Taking account of the need for economy, comfort and towing ability, which would best meet my needs and are there any others priced up to £26,000 which should be considered?

Asked on 12 January 2013 by HR, Tynygongl, Anglesey

Answered by Honest John

The new Mazda 6 promises much (tested here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mazda/mazda-6-2013.../). The CX-5 shares the same engines and gearboxes. Mondeos are good but there's a new one on the way (albeit put back to autumn 2014). Hyundai’s i40 and Kia’s Optima 'Tech' spec are very good indeed, possible Mondeo beaters. ix35 and Sportages share the same 1.7-litre diesel engine. But missing from your list is the BMW F30 320d. I'm currently getting 65mpg from a 320dED and that has more power and torque (380Nm) than anything else on your list.

Tags: fuel economy towing suvs comfort

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