Volvo's Towing Aptitude, Boosted by Awards

Experience and expertise of Volvo is reflected in its lineup of vehicles. In fact, its reputation has been recognized in the recent towing competition. Volvo V50 D5 Sport was tagged as 'The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2007'. Said car from Volvo also won the '£25,001 to £33,000'. Said towcar competition was joined by 41 vehicle models including rivals from Lexus, Saab, Jeep and Mercedes.

The Caravan Club chairman, Bob Black MBE said, "The Volvo V50 D5 Sport displayed poise and elegance. Its modern good looks will turn heads and Volvo maintains its reputation for quality and safety. The Volvo V50 is a pleasure to drive and it really is a superb towcar. This vehicle is sure to be popular with our members, both as a new and used car in future years."

In said competition, experts commend V50 D5's crisp acceleration, smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission, confident brakes, easy to use handbrake and fantastic stability'. These qualities were attributed to powerful Volvo parts which include the 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel engine. The latter delivers 180PS and with the standard Geartronic transmission can achieve 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds. Its power plant can be controlled to achieve the right torque levels.

"We are delighted to win the Caravan Club Towcar of the Year award. These awards are a great recognition of Volvo's commitment to developing good towcars and carry a great deal of respect from the public and our retailers," said Hugh Reid, managing director, Volvo Car UK.

Volvo's commendable towing capabilities are well known. In fact, it performs towing tests for all its new models. These tests are done both in Sweden and Arizona. Said tests also include measurements and calculations to optimize its towing performance.

Mark Blundell, the former Formula One driver also noted, "It was an eye-opening experience to see how the cars are tested so rigorously and professionally. I am delighted to be involved with The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year competition as caravanning is hugely popular with motorsport fans and thousands of them travel to racing circuits with their caravans as they provide the perfect mobile accommodation for a race weekend."