Campervans dominate new van launches

Estimates suggest that sales of new campervans and van conversions now make up as much as 45% of the British leisure vehicle market and, with more models coming, that percentage could continue to rise.

Following other recent debuts, such as the new Summit, which is sold exclusively by Lowdhams and the new Citroën-based Campster, imported by SMC in Newark, there is another Citroën campervan on the market.

Wellhouse Leisure has just revealed its all-new Martello, which is based on the long-wheelbase Citroën Dispatch and is similar to the company’s Toyota Proace Matino. However, the Martello offers 35cm more interior living space than its Toyota sister model. It is 5.31m long.

The Martello’s interior has a side kitchen and sliding bench seat, which folds out to make a double bed. There is a second double bed in the UK-made elevating roof. LED mood lighting is standard, as is a 25-litre compressor fridge, Eberspächer diesel heating and built-in water tanks. The cab also comes with a high level of kit, including air-conditioning, an alarm, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, a rear camera and metallic paint. Prices start at £38,000.

Meanwhile, Campers Scotland has revealed its 4x4 campervan – the D:5 Terrain, which is based on a pre-owned Mitsubishi Delica imported from Japan and costs £27,995.

The four-berth D:5 Terrain rising-roof campervan is front-wheel drive in normal conditions but will switch to four-wheel drive automatically when needed. It also has a traditional side kitchen layout with a rear two-person bench seat that converts into a double bed. There is a second bed in the canvas-sided pop-top.

The kitchen is equipped with a two-ring induction hob (powered by a lithium battery, aided by solar panels) and there is an option to cook inside or out, thanks to the manufacturer’s patented Omnislide cooker.

The new 4x4 camper joins Campers Scotland’s other models: the Hybrid and Tribrid line and the Eco Camper. As part of new expansion plans, the converter is rebranding and will become known as The Campervan Company, specialising in four areas: low-emissions petrol and diesel campervans; hybrid and tribrid eco-campervans; campervan hire and campervan care (providing servicing and maintenance packages plus other repairs).

Another addition to the campervan market comes from Derbyshire dealer, Glossop Caravans, which has launched special editions of Elddis’ Autoquest van conversions. The new Chatsworth CV20 and CV40 both have rear lounge layouts. As is typical of dealer specials, the new models have loads of extra equipment, such as automatic lights and wipers, alloy wheels, a bike rack, rear view camera, awning, external 230V socket, solar panel, cab blinds, the 130bhp engine upgrade, passenger airbag – equating to £7,500 worth of options as standard. Prices start from £45,702.

Adding to the list is WildAx’s all-new luxury high-top van conversion, the Elara, which is based on the latest Mercedes Sprinter.

This new 7m-long camper is packed with extras such as alloy wheels, metallic paint, air-con, sat-nav, parking sensors and rear view cameras. On board you’ll find a rear lengthways double bed with the option to have two single beds instead, with an infill mattress at the head of the bed.

The kitchen and washroom are located in the centre of the Elara.  The former has a gas/induction hob, low-set oven/grill, tall fridge/freezer and microwave, while the latter offers a combined shower and toilet compartment. The front lounge combines a small sofa and the twin swivel cab seats. Prices start from £68,995.

Finally, another dealer special range has just been revealed by Yorkshire based Richard Baldwin. Joining its Masters Collection, the two new campervans are based on the VW T6 and offer a classic side kitchen layout with a choice of rising roof or high-top. Called the Caravaggio (Lo or Hi, depending on the roof choice), these models come as standard with the dealer’s DPS 360 camera system. The Caravaggio Lo costs £48,888 while the Hi is priced at £49,488.