Author: Jack Evans

Over the years, Britain has created some wonderfully good-looking cars. Yes, some haven’t quite hit the mark, but many have worked their way into the motoring hall of fame.

We know that this list could go on forever, but we’ve hand-picked a small selection that stand out from the crowd. See if you agree with them.

Aston Martin DB10

The Aston Martin DB10 was designed for one of the coolest film characters ever – James Bond. Sleek and elegant in design, it’s given way to the current Vantage – with many design cues on the production car lifted directly from the DB10.

There isn’t a single angle that the DB10 looks bad from. It’s got some hallmark Aston design features – the large, upside-down wing grille, for one – but it’s definitely a modern car. We’d argue it’s one of the most beautiful, too.

Range Rover

The Range Rover is one of very few totally classless cars – and we don’t mean that in a bad way. In fact, what it’s capable of is appearing totally at home wherever it is – whether that’s outside a fashionable Chelsea member’s club, up to its sills in thick mud, on a country estate or cruising round some of the less reputable suburbs in the country.

It helps that it’s an incredibly capable car – class-leading off-road, pretty decent on it, and equipped with one of the most luxurious interiors on the market. The imposing styling and sky-high driving position also ensure that whenever you’re behind the wheel, you feel like the king of the road – and there’s not much higher praise than that.

Triumph Stag

James May once described the Stag as ‘the blokeiest bloke’s car ever’. That’s not to say it was objectively fantastic, as it was slow, poorly built and heinously unreliable.

However, the Stag’s long, lean lines are undeniably equal parts gorgeous and striking, with testosterone flooding out of every panel gap. Make no mistake, if the Stag was a person, it would have a hairy chest with a medallion on.

Caterham Seven

The Caterham has been around for some time now and, across the years, has changed very little in terms of design. It’s another car which has been created with lightness in mind, and in that sense, it’s very stylish indeed.

Even the widened SV chassis introduced relatively recently has the same styling as the traditional Caterham – and keeping things light is the name of the game. Its looks are created through a need to make it as sharp and agile as possible, and that certainly makes it distinctive.

Ariel Nomad

Okay, so it may not have actual styling, but the Nomad is an impressive thing to look at, simply because its looks are dictated by its function. Yes, it doesn’t have any doors and yes, the likelihood is that in the rain you will get wet, but the way the Nomad moves down the road – or any surface, for that matter – is nothing short of incredible.

It may not be one of the most ‘stylish’ cars on this list, but its looks are impressive because of its dedication to going fast.

Jaguar E-Type

We couldn’t in all good faith leave the Jaguar E-Type out of this list. It’s been voted one of the most beautiful cars ever made more times than we could count, is always one of the first mentioned whenever you’re asked for a British icon, and quite frankly it’s just stunning.

It was also surprisingly accessible, providing British drivers with one of the cheapest routes to 100mph+ motoring. Effortlessly cool, timeless, sleek, and stylish – that’s the E-Type.

Aston Martin DB9

When Aston Martin revealed the DB9 back in 2003, it kicked off a whole new generation of vehicles for the British manufacturer. Even now, the V12-powered grand tourer looks effortlessly stylish, with its raked roofline and long, swooping bonnet echoing design touches of past Astons while also moving forwards.

It became immediately desirable, and set the precedent for future Aston vehicles. Even now, with a new wave of cars coming into the market, the visual influence of the DB9 is easy to see – and that’s no bad thing at all.

Morgan Plus 8

To some, the Morgan Plus 8 may be a little olde-worlde, but its long, flowing hand-beaten bodywork laid over an aluminium and ash wood frame is an exquisite blend of old building techniques and up-to-date technology.

In a world of sharp, angular car designs dictated by modern design methods, the Plus 8 is a breath of fresh air. The interior’s styling is equally as good, with large dials and hand-stitched leather combining to create a cabin which is more of a transport to yesteryear than a conventional cockpit.

Rolls-Royce Dawn

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is all very well if you want to be whisked around in total luxury. But what if your primary goal is to see and be seen? Then you’ll need the Dawn, which is Rolls-Royce’s flagship convertible.

It’s the size of a small country but remarkably sleek, and exquisitely detailed throughout – as you’d hope for a car that costs well above the average house price in the UK. It’s also eerily silent, but put your foot down and the 563bhp V12 engine will hustle you to scary speeds in no time at all. In many ways, it’s quite magical – and definitely a car for the exhibitionist.

Mini

The Mini is easily one of the most iconic car designs of all time. Created through the need to produce a compact car with decent interior space, it’s overall architecture is all about creating room where there really shouldn’t be any. A Mini is recognisable on any road, in any country – and it’s all down to way it looks.

The ‘new’ Mini has attempted to capture some of the magic of the original, and has done well in some respects. In others, it will never be able to match the iconic first-generation car in the way it looks.

DeLorean DMC-12

The DeLorean DMC-12 was but a fleeting entry into the ever-changing world of motoring, but it certainly made an impact. Built in Northern Ireland, the DMC-12’s body was designed by Giorgetto Giugario of Ital Design, and crafted from brushed stainless steel.

Then there were the doors. The DMC-12 featured gullwing doors, giving it an even bigger visual impact when parked. Yes, the DeLorean DMC-12 was short-lived, but it’ll go down as one of the most iconic cars of all time – and easily one of the most impressive to look at.

Buying a used car can be a daunting experience. Without prior knowledge, selecting a vehicle from a list of thousands can prove to be a little overwhelming – and can prove costly if done incorrectly.

Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the things you need to check when buying a used vehicle.

Check its history

Once you’ve picked out a car you like from the classifieds, it’s imperative that you check the car’s history. Many companies provide this service for a small fee and require just the car’s registration. You can also find out a vehicle’s MOT history via the government’s website, and this gives you an idea as to any faults the vehicle may have had, or still suffers from.

Ask questions

Before you even go anywhere near the car, give the seller a ring and ask them about it. This could save you hundreds of pounds by eliminating the need to travel and see the car if it isn’t quite right for you.

Get up close and personal

Once you get to the car, it’s time to give a thorough going over. Check that the engine isn’t warm – this could be a sign that the owner is trying to hide some mechanical faults.

Look out for rust spots on the arches – these are prone to corrosion – and check underneath the car’s sills, too.

Look under the bonnet

Of course, checking out the engine is a crucial part of the inspection process. Check the dipstick – is the oil fresh?

Also look around the oil filler cap – any white residue could potentially mean a blown head gasket, and could lead to thousands of pounds in repair bills. Make sure that you see receipts for any work that has been undertaken on the car too – this will give you a better idea about the state of its mechanicals.

Check the interior

Does the interior of the car match the mileage? If the car has a beaten-up interior but has low miles, it could mean that the vehicle has been ‘clocked’, where the car’s odometer is wound back. This is less prevalent in newer cars, but it’s worth bearing in mind.

Do the deal

If you’ve checked the car over, reviewed its history and feel happy with the overall package, then it’s time to make an offer. Don’t be afraid of pitching low – there’s a good chance that the seller could take it, saving you thousands.

Remember to keep things amicable and, above anything, don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not happy.

The covers are off, the pictures have been taken and the mysteries have been revealed – the 2018 New York International Auto Show press days have come to a close. Of course, the vast majority of the cars featuring at the show in the Big Apple are destined to only arrive in the U.S., but there are certain vehicles that will be heading to the U.K, too.

Here, we look at some of the standout, U.K-bound models to be featured at this year’s New York motor show.

Mercedes-AMG C63

AMG’s ballistic version of the popular executive C-Class has long been a hit with car enthusiasts, and in New York the German firm revealed a mildly refreshed version. The latest C63 has been given some subtle exterior design changes, but the really interesting stuff is in its dynamics. The suspension, adaptive damping system and dynamic engine mounts have been ‘elaborately retuned’ and a limited-slip differential is now standard.

There are still two versions available – the standard C63 gets a 469bhp version of the 4.0-litre V8 engine, while the C63 S gets 503bhp. Prices for the standard model start at £64,000 and increase to £73,000 for the S.

Mini Classic Electric

Mini is working on an all-electric version of its popular three-door model, and to get buyers excited at the prospect of a zero-emission Mini it has built a one-off version of its classic model.

Details of what’s underneath are thin on the ground, but the iconic exterior has been fully restored with bright red paint, and a white roof and bonnet stripes. It’s likely this unique model is powered by the electric powertrain from a BMW i3, as that is what is expected to go under the bonnet of the new production Mini when it goes on sale next year.

Maserati Levante Trofeo

If you’re in the market for a high-performance Italian SUV, then this is your latest option — the Maserati Levante Trofeo. With a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 under the bonnet, this is one fast 4×4 – and Maserati claims that it’ll hit 60mph in under four seconds thanks to an advanced all-wheel-drive system that is able to accurately get the power onto the road.

Maserati claims that the V8 features the highest specific output of any engine it has created, and with 750Nm of torque on tap it should certainly feel brisk enough to live up to this.

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations division is tasked with creating high-performance and limited-run version of the British firm’s cars, and now it’s turned its hand to the F-Pace SUV. Under the sculpted bonnet sits a 5.0-litre V8 making a healthy 542bhp and 680Nm of torque.

With all-wheel-drive aiding grip that makes it good for 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds, while the top speed is 176mph. It also gets an aggressive body kit with large air intakes to improve cooling, and costs from £74,835.

Toyota RAV4

The new Toyota RAV4 made its first appearance at this year’s show, marking the return of a popular name in the compact SUV segment. Available with two powertrains – a 2.5-litre hybrid unit as well as a 2.0-litre petrol – it’s been designed to be more dynamic and better to drive than the outgoing model.

In addition, 30mm has been added to the wheelbase, increasing the levels of interior space. Despite this, the front and rear overhangs have been shortened, giving the RAV4 a more dynamic look out on the road.

Audi RS5 Sportback

We’ve already seen the regular RS5 Coupe, but this is the first time that the Sportback version has broken cover. It’s there for people who want the performance of the two-door, but with the added practicality only afforded by a five-door.

Under the bonnet sits a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system. The German manufacturer claims that the sprint to 60mph can be dispatched in just 3.9 seconds.

Wheel arches extended by 15mm help give the RS5 Sportback a commanding appearance on the road, while a lower ride height thanks to sports suspension should mean that it corners well too.

The MOT test – which annually checks a car’s roadworthiness – is changing on May 20 with diesel cars coming under closer scrutiny.

If your diesel emits any smoke whatsoever it’ll immediately fail and testers will put the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) under inspection to ensure it hasn’t been removed or tampered with.

Some diesel car owners remove the filters to boost performance and increase fuel efficiency, but as it regulates the gases produced by the engine it is damaging to the environment if it’s taken out.

Now, if a car was fitted with a DPF as standard, its removal would mean an instant MOT fail. While testers will thoroughly check the housing to ensure the internals haven’t been removed.

The biggest update to the test, though, is the way faults are classified – they’ll now either be dangerous, major or minor.

Minor issues will be recorded and the owner advised to get them fixed – but the car will still pass. These faults will also be added to the MOT certificate and online recording system.

Anything resulting in a dangerous or major classification will mean an immediate fail.

For example, a minor issue would be a problem such as oil leaking from the steering. However, this would escalate to a major if the leak was so bad as to be dripping.

AdBlue systems will be inspected as part of new checks for emissions control equipment while any leaks that pose a risk to the environment will be frowned upon.

Cars first used after March 2018 will also have their daytime running lights and front fog lights inspected.

New checks on prop shafts, rear drive shafts, the security and condition of bumpers, reversing lights, and closer inspection of the brakes than previously, will also come in.

The RAC has voiced concerns that the new system could lead to problems, though.

A spokesman said: “The new system creates the potential for confusion as testers will have to make a judgement as to whether faults are dangerous, major or minor.

“This will surely be open to interpretation which may lead to greater inconsistency from one test centre to another.

“Motorists may also struggle to understand the difference between dangerous and major failures. The current system ensures that any vehicle with a fault that doesn’t meet the MOT requirements is repaired appropriately before being allowed back on the road.”

Suzuki has cancelled its advertising deal with comedy duo Ant and Dec in the wake of Ant McPartlin’s drink-driving charge.

In a statement released today, the Japanese manufacturer, whose sponsorship deal was understood to be worth in the region of £20m, said: “Suzuki are withdrawing their advertising campaign with Ant & Dec. No further material featuring the duo will be aired and Suzuki’s endorsement deal with the pair has come to an end.

“We agree with ITV and Ant & Dec that it was the correct decision not to broadcast Saturday Night Takeaway this weekend. As a car brand we recognise the seriousness of Ant’s charge. We completely support Ant’s decision to seek treatment.”

It comes following McPartlin’s alleged drink-driving incident in Lower Richmond Road, south-west London, on Sunday, which saw him reportedly collide with two other vehicles.

McPartlin, 42, was arrested and released pending further investigation, and was charged on Wednesday. It has since come to light that the presenter will be stepping down from television roles for the “foreseeable future”, as well as returning to rehab for treatment.

The show is due to return on March 31 and April 7 for the last two episodes of the series, with Dec Donnelly presenting it solo, and the manufacturer’s statement added: “Suzuki will however continue to sponsor the last two episodes of this series of Saturday Night Takeaway with our current idents.

‘Suzuki very much supports Dec and ITV’s decision to broadcast the shows, and as headline sponsors we also want to support the competition winners who have won places on the Plane to Florida for the series finale.”

Top Gear’s famous helmeted test driver – The Stig – has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest tractor.

The modified farm machine – known as ‘Track-tor’ – managed to hit 87.2mph on the show’s famous test circuit, thanks to its 5.7-litre Chevrolet-sourced V8, which churns out 500bhp.

It also features adjustable air suspension that can raise or lower the tractor’s body, as well as four-wheel brakes – normal tractors traditionally only have brakes on the rear axle.

Large 20-inch split rim wheels are shod in 54-inch ‘Super Swamper Bogger’ tyres, and the front and rear lights come from the Ariel Atom lightweight sports car.

It even features a twin hydraulic handbrake, which can independently brake each rear wheel, giving the tractor better cornering characteristics. Practicality was still kept in mind, however, as the tractor was fitted with a rack for wellingtons, as well as one for a garden spade.

Jack Brockbank, official Guinness World Records adjudicator, said: “To see The Stig hurtle past me in a tractor at 87mph was surreal, but hugely impressive.

“Equally as impressive is the engineering expertise of the Top Gear team that made this possible – the combination of their skills makes for brilliant record-breaking fun.”

The Stig’s attempt managed to beat a previous record-breaking run, which saw a tractor hit 80.87mph in Vuojarvi, Finland, in February 2015.

Track-tor’s epic run will be shown on Top Gear on BBC Two this coming Sunday at 8pm as well as on BBC iPlayer.

What are they?

In a world continually pushing efficiency and downsizing, there’s still – thankfully – a place for supercars. Powerful, exuberant and over-the-top, they aren’t an everyday sight but their very existence showcases the ability of car makers to create the very best machines possible.

We’ve got three big hitters here, and all come with a folding roof. Though convertibles may not be the most practical of cars, they’re hugely popular here in the UK – despite the weather. Up first is the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster, a V8-powered old-school muscle car with as much charisma as you could possibly get from something with four wheels.

Next comes the all-conquering Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus. With a sonorous V10 engine mounted in the middle and quattro all-wheel-drive keeping the whole thing in check, it’s a soft-top version of what is usually claimed to be one of the best everyday supercars money can buy.

Finally, representing the old-school is the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante. With classic looks and a powerful V12 engine under the bonnet, it’s the least technology-laden car here – though that’s no reason to write it off just yet.

What’s new?

All three cars stand at the very top of the automotive food chain, bringing with them the very latest mechanical developments.

The Mercedes features a real example of engine downsizing without forsaking performance. Its V8, though only four litres in capacity, produces 550bhp driving the rear wheels only through a seven-speed gearbox. It’s a masterclass in how brutal power figures can be produced even when losing engine capacity. It also incorporates all-wheel-steering, a feature we’re seeing applied more and more to supercars in order to afford them with better low-speed maneuverability and improved high-speed stability.

The Aston Martin, meanwhile, isn’t as forward-thinking as the Merc when it comes to engines. A naturally-aspirated V12 gets things going, but despite being far larger than the GT C’s V8, produces just over 40bhp more. That said, carbon-fibre has been used for every external panel, keeping weight low but rigidity high.

The Audi R8 V10 Plus completes the trio. Despite having its roof lopped off, it remains impressively rigid, while this Plus model benefits from added performance-related trinkets such as ceramic brakes, extra carbon-fibre trim and more power over the regular R8 Spyder – an extra 69bhp in fact.

What’s under the bonnet?

The engine is the key to the character of a supercar. Flat engine, flat personality – it’s as simple as that. Thankfully, our three here all feature hugely characterful powertrains.

The V12 in the Aston Martin may lack the turbocharging or downsizing of ‘modern’ supercar engines, but what it offers in response is the most amount of drama you could possibly get from a set of cylinders. It shrieks on start-up, and continues howling throughout the rev range while deploying its 580 horses. The sprint to 60mph takes just over five seconds, and it’ll carry on accelerating all the way to top speed of 201mph.

The Mercedes, incidentally, uses the same engine that features in the next-generation of Aston Martins – a turbocharged 4.0-litre unit with those turbochargers nestled inside the ‘V’ of the engine for better response. It produces 550bhp and 680Nm, driving power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed DCT gearbox. However, whereas the Aston’s V12 is all about top-end performance, the Merc’s V8 relies on low-down grunt and, thanks to that considerable torque figure, there’s plenty of it.

The R8 Spyder’s V10 has a similar character to the Aston’s V12 – it loves to be revved out, rather than relying on low-down torque like the Mercedes.

What are they like to drive?

Of course, all three here offer up an exceptionally good driving experiences. But it’s subtle differences between them which create completely different characteristics. The AMG’s steering, for instance, is far quicker than you’d expect to accompany a car of this size. It takes a little getting used to, but it means that it feels agile and eager to change direction. The Audi’s, in contrast, feels solid and predictable – as you’d expect from an Ingolstadt product – and this makes it exceptionally confidence-inspiring. It does, however, make it feel perilously close to a regular Audi – though one with a huge amount of punch.

The Vanquish steers in a predictably old-school way. The wheel has plenty of weight to it, and the car’s changes in direction are undertaken with minimal fuss – though being rear-driven, it’ll still happily let you know when you’re starting to take liberties. It feels heavier to drive than the other two, and there’s good reason for this – at 1,919kg it trumps the Audi and Mercedes’ 1,695kg and 1,735kg respective kerb weights by some margin. Blame that on older building techniques and that V12 sat up front – though powerful, it’s extremely heavy.

Up and running, the Mercedes feels the most frenetic of the three. It’s a little wilder than the other two, and, when coupled with its powerful V8, feels every bit the modern day muscle car. Treat it without the proper respect and you’ll very quickly find yourself spinning out like an ice skater with their shoes on the wrong feet. However, drive neatly and carefully and it is a car you can quickly find a rhythm in. Funnily enough, it has the same characteristics as the more track-focussed AMG GT R, with which it shares many parts.

The Audi is almost too easy to drive, even in cold weather such as that we found on our shoot day. Though tyres struggle to find temperature and therefore grip, the Audi manages to be capable and confidence inspiring at all times. The Spyder is just as easy to drive as the coupe, and the shifts offered by its seven-speed S-Tronic are crisp on both up and downshifts.

How do they look?

All car enthusiasts can appreciate a supercar – but it’s the way that this trio is appreciated by the general public which shows you how people feel about them. The Mercedes, for instance, was met with a variety of knowing nods.

The Aston was the clear public favourite, with any passer-by quickly admitting that it was the one they’d take home if they could. The Audi, meanwhile, was somewhat of a mixed bag; some loved the bright yellow paintwork and over-the-top exhaust note, while others thought it was just too ostentatious. But then cars like these aren’t mean to please everyone, after all.

What are they like inside?

The cabin quality in the Vanquish isn’t quite what you’d expect from a car of this prestige and price – the plastics are quite hard and the infotainment system is woefully poor – but it still feels like a proper Aston, which is probably why most people are drawn to the marque.

The cabin quality in the Audi, meanwhile, is solid and, well, German. It’s also the source of our main criticisms about the R8 Spyder – the seating position. Most likely owing to the conversion from hard-top to soft-top the cabin has become shorter, which makes it incredibly cramped. It leaves you driving with your knees up high, and this can be quite tiring over longer periods – not what you want from an everyday two-seater. You can get the steering wheel where you want it, but an inability to sit in the proper position does spoil the overall driving experience.

In contrast the Mercedes is a comfortable place to be. There’s no denying that the high dashboard and monstrously large central tunnel can make it feel slightly intimidating, but once you’re up and running it’s a quick process to get acquainted.

The main controls are, however, laid out without any rhyme or reason and there are a variety of buttons that feel straight from the parts bin; the window switches, for instance, feel fresh from a mid-2000s E-Class.

What’s the spec like?

All three supercars benefit from plenty of standard kit – though you’d expect that from halo cars. The Audi’s infotainment system, using the brand’s Virtual Cockpit, is easily the most user-friendly here. It’s clear and easy to read, and is just the same as you’ll see on other, more down-to-earth cars in the range. That’s no bad thing – it works, and works well.

The Mercedes gets the firm’s latest infotainment system, but its rotary controller lacks the ease of use the Audi offers. It’s clear and simple, though even pairing your phone to the car’s system isn’t as simple as in the R8.

Lastly, there’s the Aston. Unfortunately, its on-board system lags someway behind the other two here. It’s slow to respond and difficult to navigate – something you’d not expect from a car in the price range. The stereo offers a decent sound, but the overall infotainment does let the side down.

Verdict

All three cars here would be an admirable choice if you were after a new supercar. The Aston Martin is a last bastion of old-age V12 mechanicals, offering audible thrills that are unlikely to be with us for much longer. For that, it’s worthy of a huge amount of praise indeed.

The Audi is a masterclass in how to create a fast, flamboyant and well-made supercar that you can genuinely drive each and every day. However, its shortened cabin is a genuine fault here and one which is hard to look past – particularly if you’re anything over five foot seven.

Finally, there’s the Mercedes. It’s one of the spikier cars to drive on this list, but that’s what makes it exciting to get behind the wheel. There are niggles – interior build quality for one – that bring it down a touch, but it’s a genuinely special place to be.

I think you can probably see which way we’re leaning here. The AMG GT C Roadster, with its knuckleduster attitude and frankly rude performance is the one we’d go for. It’s comfortable, relatively practical but, more than anything, it’s exciting. In this segment, excitement is key – which is why the Mercedes is our deserved winner.

Bentley is introducing fingerprint sensor technology for secure storage in its Bentayga SUV.

Created by the Crewe-based manufacturer’s commissioning division Mulliner, the £1,950 system offers protected access to a hidden die-cast aluminium unit in the centre of the cabin.

This lets the owner safely store valuable items and lock the unit with their fingerprint.

Introducing #Bentayga #Hybrid, the first step on Bentley’s electrification journey. Discover the first luxury Hybrid: https://t.co/tRFQWBNSQK pic.twitter.com/DToIAejqM6

— Bentley Motors (@BentleyMotors) March 5, 2018

In addition, more than one fingerprint can be stored in the system’s memory, allowing a variety of people access to the unit.

Uday Senapati, Mulliner’s head of technical operations, said: “The Mulliner biometric secure stowage unit is hidden from view. We are incorporating the familiar fingerprint sensor technology from smartphones that can store multiple fingerprints, allowing the user to control who accesses their valuables.”

Created in partnership with @TheJockeyClub, Bentley’s personal commissioning division #Mulliner has crafted a one-off #Bentayga, taking inspiration from the world of equestrian sport. Configure your own Bentayga: https://t.co/MH4nHh3hXb pic.twitter.com/JafmwKk9kb

— Bentley Motors (@BentleyMotors) March 19, 2018

The Bentayga is Bentley’s first SUV and currently holds the title for the fastest SUV in the world, thanks to its powerful W12 engine. It’s also available with a smaller V8 and will soon feature a V6-based hybrid powertrain. Prices start at £135,800, although this can easily be pushed skywards, thanks to a range of luxurious – but expensive – optional extras.

Caravanning is one of the most popular leisure activities in the UK, with thousands of people hitching up and heading out on to the open road each year.

However, towing a caravan requires a tow car which is fit for the job – and that’s why we’ve picked out 10 of the best that are on sale right now.

Land Rover Discovery

This one’s a bit of a no-brainer. The Discovery makes for one of the best tow cars on sale today, and that’s down to a few crucial factors. It’s got space for seven, which means you can bring the whole family along for the ride, and it’s available with a variety of torquey engines that are ideal for pulling a caravan.

In addition, the Discovery is available with towing-specific assistance systems, and it can even be fitted with technology that will autonomously reverse and park the car and caravan together.

Skoda Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq follows a similar format to the Discovery. It’s available with seven seats, can be equipped with four-wheel-drive and has a range of strong diesel and petrol engines well-suited to towing life. However, it does this for a considerably lower price.

It’s also very spacious inside, and has a solid feel to it – though lacks the more expensive materials used in premium rivals.

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento has recently been updated, with an aim to bring it more into line with premium rivals. This sees better in-car technology, as well as better interior plastics and materials. It’s also grown over the older model, meaning more space in the cabin.

However, there are some features here which makes the Sorento an ideal tow car choice. It’s rated to be able to tow 2.5 tonnes on a braked trailer, while a self-levelling rear-end has been fitted as standard, too.

Ssangyong Rexton

The Ssanyong Rexton may be at the more budget end of the tow car spectrum, but that makes it no less able to do the job than other cars on this list. Its utilitarian design will appeal to those who prefer their four-wheel-drives a little more rough-and-ready, while plenty of standard equipment will please eager button-pushers.

A Mercedes-sourced 2.2-litre diesel engine provides more than enough grunt for towing duties, though the ladder-frame chassis does mean it falls behind rivals in terms of overall ride comfort.

Jaguar I-Pace

This may not be the most conventional of choices – but hear us out. The new I-Pace is available with a tow bar, and thanks to 395bhp and a healthy 696Nm of instantly available torque, it could prove to be an exceptionally good tow car. Power is sent to all four wheels too, meaning plenty of traction.

Jaguar claims that the I-Pace will do up to 298 miles on a single charge and, while we’re unsure how much this would be affected by the added weight of a caravan, this could prove to be useful for low-cost holidaying.

Volvo XC90

The big Volvo XC90 is an ideal choice for those who want a reliable and stylish tow car option. Its interior is sleek and well-specified, while its exterior exhibits plenty of Scandinavian-inspired style. However, there’s more to the XC90 than looks alone.

It’s available with a hybrid powertrain, which is ideal for caravan owners thanks to its impressively brisk performance and low running costs. That said, with prices reaching more than £50,000, it’s certainly not one of the cheapest options on this list.

Skoda Octavia Scout

The award for the first estate car on this list goes to the Skoda Octavia Scout. Thanks to a powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine coupled to a full four-wheel-drive system, the Scout makes for an ideal tow car.

In addition, when you come to unhitch the trailer, you’re left with an estate car that will happily and comfortably eat up the motorway miles, too.

Volkswagen Amarok

Any pick-up makes for a decent tow car, but the Amarok is certainly one of the best. It’s rated to tow up to 3.1 tonnes – so there’s little that this Volkswagen won’t be able to pull along. Its large size also means it remains impressively stable during poor conditions and high winds, too.

The large load bed at the rear is ideal for bigger items, and there’s an optional cover for this should need to store them overnight.

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

The little Suzuki SX4 certainly punches well above its weight, particularly considering the competitors it has on this list. A 1.6-litre diesel engine is the go-to choice for caravanners, as this offers the performance required while towing.

In addition, you can get the SX4 with Suzuki’s clever AllGrip all-wheel-drive technology, affording it with much better traction and stability than you’d expect for a car of this size.

Ford S-Max

Though MPVs are falling out of fashion somewhat with the increase in popularity of crossovers, there’s still a space for a quality people mover. That’s where the Ford S-Max comes in. With seven dedicated seats, it’s a comfortable people carrier, while optional all-wheel-drive makes it a solid choice from this list.

The S-Max makes sense if you’re looking to take the family away in comfort, while also being able to tow safely and effectively at the same time.

There’s snow heading our way – and in some areas it’s already hit. Travelling in snowy conditions can be treacherous, but there are some things you can do to make things a little easier. Here are our five tips for driving in the snow.

Clear all snow from windows and mirrors before setting off

This is a bit of a no-brainer really. It’s imperative that all windows and mirrors are clear from snow to ensure that you’ve got the best visibility possible. It also means making sure that the windscreen is ice-free – though it may appear clear, ice can quickly build up if it hasn’t been de-iced properly.

Choose a higher gear to avoid wheelspin

When temperatures drop and roads get icy, even proper four-wheel-drives can struggle for traction. Keeping your car in a higher gear won’t help the situation, as it increases engine revs and causes the vehicle’s wheels to spin more quickly.

Selecting a higer gear helps keep wheelspin to a minimum, allowing the car to more effectively navigate slippery surfaces.

Drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions

This takes little explanation. Making sure that you’re not travelling too quickly for the conditions should really take priority when driving in poor conditions. Drive too quickly, and there’s a good chance that you could have an accident.

If snow is falling, it’s a better option to take things slowly. It means that should the car begin to slide, it’ll do so slowly – minimising any potential damage.

Put a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front

When snow is on the ground, stopping distances go up. Due to lower traction levels, a car takes a lot longer to come to a halt than when the roads are clear. Should a car brake heavily in front of you and you’re too close to the back of it, the likelihood is that you’ll slide and come into contact with it.

Keep your distance, and it’ll make driving on snow a much safer experience.

Have supplies at the ready in case you get stranded

This is a good idea in case the worst happens. Being stuck by the side of the road – or even on the road in some cases – is a possibility, particularly in northern parts of the country where snowfall is at its heaviest.

Making sure that food supplies, as well as extra clothing and blankets, are well worth keeping in the car should you be heading out on the roads when snow is forecast.