IT'S unusual to have the rear brakes wearing out before the front, which do most of the stopping work, so I'd first be making sure the brake system is functioning correctly. If it is, there is good reason to pressure VW to replace the worn components under warranty, and you're correct that all manufacturers, carmakers and others, have a duty to provide a product that is fit for the purpose it's being sold for.

THE consumption works out to be 23.9 litres/100km, or 11.9 miles a gallon in the old money, which is pretty high. That said you have to expect higher fuel consumption when towing, how high depends heavily on the weight of the caravan, the front it presents to the wind, and the sort of road you're towing over. A recent trip to the Northern Territory in a Subaru Outback towing various sized camper trailers saw the Outback's normally good fuel consumption climb 30 per cent with an 800kg camper trailer on the back, and more than 60 per cent when towing a 1200kg poptop caravan.