The Seat Altea XL 1.6 TDI aut. with a Bailey Discovery Mercury with an actual weight of 1110 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Seat is in general fairly good. And also the weight of the Bailey with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is very good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
200
197
Mountains
Risk of snaking
213
215
Weight ratio: 64% (74% of kerbweight)
1110 kg
1730 kg
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The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 200 points).
Speeds of 70 mph (113 km/h) to 76 mph (123 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is sufficient power at low engine speeds (score to compare 197 points).
Slightly higher revs (1700 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 23 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally good (score to compare 213 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 16%.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 60 mph (96 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Seat is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, a B driving license is enough.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 64%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 74%.
The chance of snaking is small even at higher speeds.
Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
Stability and safety score to compare is 215 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is fairly good.
Safe driving is possible.
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.