Hello

I have been registered for some time, have enjoyed the site and read the posts with interest. But this is my first post.

Currently I tow a caravan with a 53 plated Superb 1.9 TDI/130bhp which is fine but am now considering exchanging the Superb for a New Octavia 2.0 TDI/140bhp. Does anyone have an opinion or view as to whether this would be a good move, bearing in mind the caravan.

Welcome Superbaker, it may be a bit early for Owners on New Octavia's to have got there vans out to try - but judging by another post re new Octavia towbars New Octavia towbar I am sure it wont be too long until someone has some advice.

Looking at the spec sheets, your Superb has a kerbside weight of between 1465 and 1567kg (probably closer to the latter), develops 285Nm at 1750rpm, and can tow 1600kg braked - the latter the same as the 2.5 V6. The New Octavia 2.0TDI/140bhp has a kerbside weight of 1545kg, develops 320Nm at 1750-2500rpm, and can tow 1400kg braked. I used to tow a 1200kg caravan then a 1350kg one with a Peugeot 505 Family Estate. Looking at the weight and torque figures quoted, I would have expected the New Octavia to be able to tow a similar weight to the Superb. But the towing figure also takes into account the strength of the drivetrain, cooling, chassis and the brakes, and it would seem that New Octavia isn't quite as tough as the comparable Superb.

How about a Octavia 4x4 with the 1.9 TDI, get it remapped at Jabba/Revo/APR etc that should make a good towcar

I'm in the same dilema to be honest, still not sure what we'll change the vRS for, SWMBO wants to look at an X Trail at the weekend :(

Darren

LesPaul

Please please please , talk SWMBO out of the X Trail , there are better cars just for towing.

The Passat and Superb have been voted top towing cars in the past - better alternative, they can sensibly be used day to day

I am one of those people who dislike the brick driving, 4x4, school run, town brigade. These are not designed for the purpose that the majority of buyers are using them for.

Steve