In what may be a first for a BusinessCar long-termer, our Suzuki Vitara has been towing a caravan. No, really.

Dragging around a tonne of aluminium, white goods and soft furnishings is quite a long way from the day-to-day driving of most business drivers, but it does turn an uncompromising spotlight on the Vitara’s 1.6-litre petrol engine.

We’re running the petrol rather than the diesel to see if it stacks up as a sensible alternative for a low-mileage user. With a P11D value some £1500 lower than the diesel and an identical BIK band of 19%, the petrol saves a higher-rate taxpayer £114 a year in tax.

When towing, though, I really missed the extra torque of the diesel. There’s not a lot going on at low revs or in the mid range, so frequent gearchanges and a leaden right foot are needed to build speed.

Obviously, towing demands a lot from an engine, but even with four people on board and some luggage in the boot the Vitara’s performance is rather steady.

On the plus side, the petrol is more refined than the diesel. So given that I’m not planning any more caravanning trips just yet, I’m happy enough to be driving the petrol..