The diesel is a fantastic tow car, stability wise with a van that was less than the 1275kg you mention the car would please you, i cn not comment on the performance, though I have no doubt that with judicious use of the gears it would be adequate.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013
I had the 2L petrol, It towed fine 23 to 26mpg when towing though.
But you need to keep the revs up. 4000rpm is where the peak power is. My preference when on the motorway approaching a hill was to change down to 4th to maintain speed rather than let it slow on the hill and have to change down.
Watch out for excessive oil consumption with the 1.8 petrol. They seem to suffer from worn or sticky oil control rings on the pistons. I nearly bought one and it nearly caught me out on that.
Tested several times no smoke but suddenly it started after about 5 engine restarts. And as the engine warmed.
The 2L will be similar running costs and a better buy.
I have a diesel now and i have to admit it tows so much better. A lot less gear changes and mid to high 30's when towing.