The towing limit is exceeded by 84 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 Ford Focus C-Max 1.8 16v with a Swift Challenger 460 with an actual weight of 1284 kg is in general a good match and suitable for journeys on most kinds of roads, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
The motor preformance of the Ford is in general more than sufficient. And also 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 not too heavy, if the caravan is well loaded.
Flat roads
Towing Performance
196
101
Mountains
Risk of snaking
184
152
Weight ratio: 79% (90% of kerbweight)
1284 kg
1634 kg
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Ford Focus C-Max 1.8 16v Swift Challenger 460
Actual Weights
Swift Challenger 460: 1284 kg.
Ford Focus C-Max 1.8 16v: 1634 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 79%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally fairly good on flat roads (performance score to compare 196 points).
Speeds of 69 mph (112 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 101 points).
Slightly higher revs (2800 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 23.5 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally fairly good (score to compare 184 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads but the performance is not that great. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 11%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines higher revs (5000 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 58 mph (94 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit is exceeded by 84 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 79%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 90%.
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 75 kg.
Safe speed up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 152 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 good match, sometimes with some limitations in the mountains.
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.