Subaru pulls tow prizes

The Impreza WRX is a caravan favourite. Picture / Bay of Plenty Times

Subaru's rally-winning Impreza WRX has captured two awards in Britain - in the caravan-towing class.

The Impreza beat all challengers in two categories of the annual Caravan Club awards.

Judges said the Impreza was the best tow-car in the $60,000 to $75,000 price bracket and the best all-wheel-drive car in the under-1800kg class.

It was the 24th year of the competition, which attracted 42 entries.

The 2.5-litre turbocharged motor in the WRX produces 169kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

In New Zealand, the Impreza starts in price at $41,990. It shares the same engine as the Forester 2.5 XT, a long-time favourite of caravan clubs.

The previous 2-litre turbocharged Forester was the overall tow-car winner for 2004.

Last year's winner was the Compact 4x4.

In May the 2.5-litre engine won its class in the International Engine of the Year Awards in Germany.

The panel of judges was made up of 61 motoring and technical journalists from 29 countries who appraised the boxer engines for performance, drivability, economy and refinement.