The towing limit is exceeded by 37 kg!
It is not allowed to drive with this Sprite. 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 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi with a Sprite Alpine 4 with an actual weight of 1237 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Ford is in general more than sufficient. And also the weight of the Sprite with a User Payload (190 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is not too heavy, if the caravan is well loaded.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
188
174
Mountains
Risk of snaking
194
145
Weight ratio: 80% (92% of kerbweight)
1237 kg
1544 kg
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Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Sprite Alpine 4
Actual Weights
Sprite Alpine 4: 1237 kg.
Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi: 1544 kg.
Noseweight: 70 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 80%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 188 points).
Speeds of 67 mph (108 km/h) to 73 mph (118 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is sufficient power at low engine speeds (score to compare 174 points).
Slightly higher revs (1800 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 fairly good (score to compare 194 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 15%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines higher revs (3100 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 58 mph (93 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit is exceeded by 37 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 80%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 92%.
There is a small chance of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are great at high speed. For drivers with knowledge of, and experience in driving a caravan it is safe to drive, but proper and careful loading is still important! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is worth considering.
Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 145 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 more than sufficient.
If the caravan is well loaded 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.