Confirming Kia’s outstanding performance in the workhorse-world of caravan and trailer towing, the latest Towcar Awards – jointly hosted by Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club – have added another prize to the company’s display-case.

This time it was the flexible and versatile Sportage that captured the honours – named best Budget 4x4 in a competition that focuses on weight categories not price. In particular, it was Sportage’s range-topping 2.0 CRDi Titan model that walked away with the ringing endorsement from What Car? editor Steve Fowler, who commented that the vehicle showed it wasn’t necessary to spend enormous sums to get a capable, comfortable and enjoyable towing vehicle with all-wheel-drive.

With a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing a massive 305lb/ft of torque –essential for towing — larger diameter disc brakes that provide added security with a van ortrailer behind and an extensive standard equipment list including air-conditioning; all for £19,195. 

Put through five days of exhaustive testing by towing experts, road-testers and members of thegeneral towing public, Sportage was able to see off all-comers to snatch the sought-after valuetitle.