Just came across the VAG group 1.5Tsi petrol hybrid, that uses 48v batteries for energy recuperation. While the power output is similar to the trusty 2.0Tdi diesel, the peak power is at higher revs, and the torque is lower by some measure.
I’m towing a 1300kg van with the 150hp diesel. Just wondering if anyone has experience of this new technology.
Someone on here tow with a 1.5 Tiguan, i think they said it was ok.
I test drove a Audi A6 that was a mild hybrid, are the batteries designed to just run all the cars electrics freeing up the engine to just run the car ?
Thanks Bessie, hopefully Tiguan owner will report in. And Davey, thanks also - wasn’t aware of the Tsi lag issue. As far as I understand it, the batteries and motor act as a supplemental power unit; picking up charge under braking, and powering the car while under light load. The engine does clever stuff, turning off some cylinders while cruising.
Volvo do a mild hybrid diesel apparently, but I don’t have £45000 to spare at the moment.
We test drove a Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid. It has a 1.6 turbo petrol engine and electric motor. It was a lovely car and extremely powerful so I suspect would tow well.
Its limit is 1.5 tonne so our caravan is just OK.
The salesman checked for us that a towbar was available.
Downside,high price hence high road tax for first few years. No spare wheel.
We have decided to stick with our diesel one for the time being as its low mileage and immaculate.
The salesman offered us a very good trade in saying he could sell good diesels like ours quickly.
A lot of the hybrids have lower towing limits so people with bigger vans may have to keep their existing cars or look at pickups or similar.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
I was looking at the Kia niro self charging hybrid specs , looks promising for towing my small caravan ,what is the real life mpg solo and towing like .Does it have room for a full size spare wheel ?
------------- Its like driving with with the hand brake on and a hole in the fuel tank
We towed with the 150hp petrol Tiguan, it towed 1500kg with no issues. A really excellent tow car. Certainly dispelled the myth around modern petrol cars for towing.
When you say “mild” hybrid Tiguan, are you talking about the new plug in one that can be used on electric on it own ? That has something like 240 hp when the motor & engine work together.On paper it’s got the best of both worlds. It wasn’t yet available when we changed cars or we would have probably had one.
We changed the Tiguan for a new Volvo XC60 mild hybrid diesel back in the summer & it is excellent. Towing the 1500kg van is effortless but it’s got something like 200hp.
It’s not as stable as the Tiguan though, it’s a more bouncy ride.
Quote: Originally posted by retiredjohn on 27/9/2021
I was looking at the Kia niro self charging hybrid specs , looks promising for towing my small caravan ,what is the real life mpg solo and towing like .Does it have room for a full size spare wheel ?
General motoring I am easily managing upper 60's, towing low to mid 30's.
Yes you can have a full size spare.
The Santa Fe self charging hybrid has no spare as the extra battery is there, plus it saves weight and cost. Just the inflation kit.
Our Mini has no spare either.
If we bought new Santa Fe I would source a spare wheel and jack for towing use.
We carry a 4 tonne bottle jack for emergencies although our caravan has the spare and Al Ko jack.Car has full size alloy spare.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!