The Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI [5MT] with a Knaus Sport 450 FU with an actual weight of 1170 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Volkswagen is in general more than sufficient. And also the weight of the Knaus with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is good.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
192
155
Mountains
Risk of snaking
197
174
Weight ratio: 75% (87% of kerbweight)
1170 kg
1551 kg
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Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI [5MT] Knaus Sport 450 FU
Actual Weights
Knaus Sport 450 FU: 1170 kg.
Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI [5MT]: 1551 kg.
Noseweight: 70 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 75%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 192 points).
Speeds of 68 mph (109 km/h) to 74 mph (119 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is sufficient power at low engine speeds (score to compare 155 points).
Slightly higher revs (1900 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 22.2 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 197 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 14%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines the speed drops despite high revs.
A speed of 58 mph (94 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Volkswagen 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 75%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 87%.
The chance of snaking is relatively small at normal speed, if the caravan is well loaded.
Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
Safe speed up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 174 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.
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.