Medium Sized MPV's Comparison Test

[Lutz]

Every year, the German Auto Club, carry out a comparison test of towcars, specifically looking at how well they are tow. This year it was the turn of medium sized MPV's. I thought some readers of this forum may be interested in a summary of what the ADAC had to say. Bear in mind, however, that due to differences in market and driving conditions between the UK and Germany, some of the emphasis that the ADAC put on certain aspects of the cars' towing performance may not be in accordance with UK expectations.

The following models were tested:

Ford Galaxy Ghia 2.0 TDCi (actual kerbweight 1928kg)

Ford S-Max Titanium 2.0 TDCi (actual kerbweight 1838kg)

VW Sharan Freestyle 2.0 TDI (actual kerbweight 1740kg)

Peugeot 807 Platinum 2.0 Hdi (actual kerbweight 1915kg)

Kia Carnival (Sedona in the UK) EX 2.9CRDi (actual kerbweight 2318kg)

Mitsubishi Grandis Intense 2.0 DI-D (actual kerbweight 1852kg)

All vehicles were tested towing a single axle caravan of 1600kg and with 75kg noseweight.

Comments from the report:

None of the six cars were particularly convincing, although the two Fords came out on top. Their only weak point was starting on an 18% gradient.

Stability when towing was no more than adequate with any of the six cars, with the Mitsubishi being just about acceptable.

None of the cars came with fully equipped wiring harnesses to allow battery to be charged in the caravan or to run the fridge, although in all cases the towbars were factory-fitted (or fitted by the importer). Also, none of the cars are available with TSP (Trailer Stability Program), which the testers said should be standard on any towcar today.

The clutch of the Sharan was challenged way beyond its capability on a 12% gradient. Engine noise was judged too loud.

The fuel consumption of the Kia was much too high. Also, its handbrake was too weak with the caravan behind.

Driving comfort of the Peugeot left a lot to be desired when towing. However, it was a good hill starter but was relatively heavy on fuel.

The Mitsubishi had the best hill-climbing ability but fell back badly on driving comfort when towing and stability.

 

[Val & Frank]

Thank's for that Lutz, very interesting reading

Val & Frank

 

[Lutz]

It is perhaps worthy of note that despite a kerbweight range of almost 600kg and a 92% to 69% weight ratio range between the lightest and the heaviest of the cars tested, neither was the lightest appreciably worse nor the heaviest appreciably better than average. That does show that the 85% recommendation shouldn't be taken too seriously. Even though the same caravan was used is all cases, there are too many other variables.

 

[Garfield]

If these are mid sized MPV's what do they class as large mpv's!!?

 

[Lutz]

I suppose they'd be referring to the big van-based models, like the Merc Vito, VW Caravelle, etc.