Am finding putting my wifes mobility scooter in our boot is getting harder. This being the hatch back. So looking at estates and finding although they have more power that ours they are lighter in mass weight. This came up whilst watching  a car/caravan towing test on tv. Our caravan is 1320 klg and these people were saying caravans of 1200+ klg. For those who do not caravan it is said that 85% of car weight is the safe ratio. We I should imagine are at 95% without any problems.That has made me think a bit more about changing.

The car's permissible maximum towing weight will be stated in the handbook.

 

If I recall correctly the max towing weight for our car (for example) is 1300kg. It's an '07 Octavia II 105bhp tdi estate.

I'm assuming you are looking at Octavia III estates and not another Octavia II albeit in estate form?

 

I think the 2.0 TDI Octy II with 2WD is rated to a max of 1400kg and the octavia III 2.0 TDI DSG 2WD is rated to 1600kg. I really wouldn't worry too much if you are an experienced tower.  

 

The Octavia III has a longer wheelbase than the Octavia II which makes it a more stable platform combined with having a slightly firmer suspension setup. I'm pretty sure towing with an Octavia III would feel better than the Octavia II. If you are worried about it then go for a 4x4 which adds a fair bit of extra weight to the car.  I tow a fair bit and definitely wouldn't go back to 2WD after getting a 4x4. Next car will be a Scout TDI 184 DSG or a superb 280 4x4

 

Thanks MarkyTDI, that tv program I watched did say the mk 111 was lighter that the mk11, so I was misinformed .

The III does weigh a bit less than the II but I wouldn't say this makes it a worse tow car.

 

To put it in perspective a III with a big adult and a full tank of fuel will prob weigh the same as a II with an empty fuel tank and a person less. Skodas always seem to weigh more than the kerbweight figures suggest too.