Over the years, the Tow Car Awards event always throws up surprises. There are some superb tow cars out there, and equally there are also some dire ones. When we do the testing, it's under ideal circumstances (weather aside!) in that the cars and caravans are ballasted to give a decent weight together with a maximum noseweight, and it's done on test tracks. Generally speaking the scientific data retrieved from the performance testing backs up the other judges' "seat of the pants" feelings.
There are certain large 4X4's that are absolutely brilliant, but others that at times verge on being dangerous. As a previous post suggests, suspension set up, tyres, and rear overhang play a large part. For example, the previous Kia Sorento (2009-2013?) which we tested (without self-levelling suspension) was in my personal opinion (and I stress that it is my opinion, and not necessarily that of PC) one of the worst vehicles that we'd had. Many owners of the same vehicle have reported instability when SLS is not fitted. Owners with vehicles with SLS seem to be a much happier bunch.
With regards to saloon cars, the Jaguar XF was a huge surprise last year as it was truly excellent. The same applies to the BMW 520 which was a previous class winner. Yes, they're both expensive vehicles, and probably have more sophisticated suspension and lower profile tyres. Most of the winners (both class and overall) over the years have been of European manufacture. Could it be that they understand the towing requirements better than others?
I know that there are cynics out there who believe that the event is sponsored by certain Companies. The ONLY Companies to do the sponsoring are Swift, Al-Ko, Milenco, Witter, Camping and Caravanning Club, and Haymarket (What Car? and PC) - sorry if I've forgotten anyone! It is my aim to maintain my own integrity and I will say things how they are, not what any Manufacturer would want me to say, as I have absolutely nothing to gain by not doing so. When David Motton writes the article for publication, it is always a true reflection of the results (albeit at times some of the judges comments are tempered somewhat as they couldn't be published!). In doing the testing, we also have the wonderful benefit of back to back testing. At times, and driven in isolation, a vehicle may seem pretty good. Back to back either proves that it is good, or quite possibly the opposite.