The towing limit is exceeded by 31 kg!
It is not allowed to drive with this Swift. Make sure the towing limit is correct.
We now give advice based on the assumption that the legal maximum towing weight is higher for your car and that the car should be allowed to tow this caravan!
The Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI with a Swift Challenger 500 with an actual weight of 1431 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Skoda is in general fairly good. But the weight of the Swift with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is quite heavy. Proper and careful loading is essential and don't drive too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
221
216
Mountains
Risk of snaking
251
110
Weight ratio: 88% (100% of kerbweight)
1431 kg
1630 kg
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Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI Swift Challenger 500
Actual Weights
Swift Challenger 500: 1431 kg.
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI: 1630 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 88%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 221 points).
Speeds of 73 mph (117 km/h) to 78 mph (126 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 216 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 18.6 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 251 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 17%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2700 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 64 mph (103 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit is exceeded by 31 kg (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 88%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 100%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving exist. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has knowledge of and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 80 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 110 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.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
It's a fairly good match, only for experienced (caravan) drivers and with some limitations.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.