The Volkswagen Bora 1.9 TDI with a Sterling Europa 490 with an actual weight of 1383 kg is a match just suitable for most journeys but also with some limitations.
The motor preformance of the Volkswagen is in general fairly good. But the weight of the Sterling with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is heavy. Try to move luggage from the caravan to the car and drive not too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly. But even so, a starting caravan driver is better off choosing a smaller and less heavy caravan!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
198
202
Mountains
Risk of snaking
215
99
Weight ratio: 90% (103% of kerbweight)
1383 kg
1538 kg
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Volkswagen Bora 1.9 TDI Sterling Europa 490
Actual Weights
Sterling Europa 490: 1383 kg.
Volkswagen Bora 1.9 TDI: 1538 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 90%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 198 points).
Speeds of 69 mph (111 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 202 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 21.7 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally good (score to compare 215 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 17%.
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 Volkswagen is 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 90%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 103%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving is great. 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 a lot of knowledge and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive slowly. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is definitely recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 75 kg.
Safe speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 99 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 essential!
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.