What to see at the NEC

The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 21 to 26 February, is a great venue to see many of the latest 2023 models in one place

With over 400 exhibitor stands across almost 20 acres, it could easily be daunting to attend this show if you’ve never been before. The show will be spread across five halls, one of which is the new Campervan Hall with exhibitors including Bilbo’s, Bodans, Danbury, Dirty Weekender, Dreamer, Ecowagon, Hillside, Jans Lifestyle, Malibu, Murvi, Rolling Homes, Swift, Vantage, Westfalia, WildAx and more, while outside there will be free campervan and motorhome manoeuvring test drives.

Look out for models boasting victory in the recent Campervan Awards and Motorhome Awards, while the models listed below should also be on your must-see list...

Adria 

Adria's new Sunroof XL feature (photo courtesy of Adria)

We were hugely impressed by the latest Adria Twin campervans, which debuted at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, with new 600 SX and 600 SBX layouts. However, the star feature of the 2023 range, the new Sunroof XL, was not seen at the October show.

We’re expecting a Twin with this class-leading feature to be on display for the first time in the UK this February. In combination with the overcab panoramic window, the Sunroof XL transforms a six-metre campervan as the interior gets flooded with light. It’s unique in its class.

Auto-Sleepers

The Cotswold company has had a long association with Mercedes-Benz but this has largely been with its coachbuilt motorhomes. That’s set to change with the arrival of Auto-Sleepers’ first ever van conversion based on the Sprinter.

Using the long-wheelbase (6.97m), rear-wheel drive panel van, the newcomer is set to become the flagship of the Auto-Sleeper campervan line-up. It will have a layout similar to the Warwick XL, featuring long sofas in its rear lounge and retaining access through both the barn doors and the back and the side sliding door. The spec will befit the model’s status as a premium model, with a separate shower, drop-down TV concealed in the furniture, on-board WiFi, Truma habitation air-conditioning and – a real USP for a campervan – Alde’s ‘wet’ central heating.

CampervanCo

CampervanCo's fully electric Revolution will make its debut (photo courtesy of CampervanCo)

If you’re looking for a fully electric campervan, this Scottish conversion will be making its debut at the show. Based on the Toyota Proace Electric, the Revolution, from CampervanCo, boasts a 205-mile range from its 75kWh battery. The conversion has a traditional side kitchen layout and a rear-hinged pop-top and is priced from £74,995.

It features the company’s patented omni-slide induction cooker (for cooking inside or outside the campervan), solid wood worktops, rock ‘n’ roll bed system, 230Ah lithium battery and up to 930W of solar power (330W on the roof and two optional side panels of 300W each that can be attached using the awning rails). Other options include a microwave, coffee maker, slow cooker and additional removable seats to create a seven-seater.

Knaus

The Knaus Tourer CUV (photo courtesy of Knaus)

If you’re in the market for a Volkswagen Transporter-based campervan, the choice is already even more bewildering than the range of Farrow & Ball paint colours. But what if you want a bit more from your vee-dub? Things like a fixed bed and a walk-in washroom, perhaps. Well, Knaus’ Tourer CUV could just be the answer to your dreams.

This will be the first time the model, which claims to blend the best attributes of an urban-class vehicle and a fully fledged motorhome, has appeared in the UK. This compact model has a full-length elevating roof to give 1.90m headroom on site, but also higher cruising speeds and superior stability on the road. Inside, there’s a clever expandable washroom, too.

Morelo

We all like to dream and, if you’re dreaming of a long-term tour in a super-luxury motorhome, not much could surpass the new Morelo Empire Liner.

Based on a 12-tonne Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis with 7.7-litre 300-horespower motor, this 9.65m motorhome has every conceivable feature, from automatic hydraulic levelling jacks to a built-in dishwasher, from triple solar panels to a BirdView camera system and two TVs. But then you’d expect something special for over half a million pounds...

Rimor

Rimor's new Horus 66 (photo courtesy of Rimor)

This Italian manufacturer’s Kilig range of Ford-based coachbuilts made its debut in October and remains one of the most affordable ways to get a brand-new 2023-season motorhome. However, making its very first appearance will be the new Horus 66 campervan.

Based on the six-metre Fiat Ducato panel van, this new two-berth model adopts the UK favourite of a rear lounge with long (1.95m) side settees. It comes with Webasto Air Top diesel heating and an oven as standard and can be ordered with a generous, 141-litre fridge. Read more about the Rimor Horus range in the March issue of MMM.

RP Motorhomes

Leading expedition vehicle manufacturer, RP Motorhomes, will be showing the latest gas-free version of its Rebellion 2, which debuted last October. Based on the revised Mercedes Sprinter with the new 4Matic all-wheel drive system, this near-£200k campervan comes with a domestic-spec electrical system, 450W solar panels, two fridges, an induction hob, a dishwasher and a composting toilet.

Also on display will be a Rebellion 4 with optional roof tent, providing an alternative extra sleeping space (safer on safari!) or a grandstand viewing platform.

Swift

The Swift Monza (photo courtesy of Swift)

Swift’s Monza finally appeared in production form at the October show and immediately snapped up the Best Pop-Top Campervan award for 2023.

Based on the Ford Transit Custom, this is a side kitchen conversion with a choice of four exterior colours and two interior décor schemes. With curved furniture and underfloor and recessed lighting, it has a stylish feel combined with top-quality components such as the Reimo sliding seat system with Isofix. Spec includes diesel heating, a solar panel, alloy wheels and a reversing camera.

Weinsberg

The Weinsberg X-Cursion Van 500 LT is sure to appeal to UK buyers (photo courtesy of Weinsberg)

Here’s a VW T6.1 like no other, except of course its sister model from Knaus. Like the Tourer Van, this is a sub-six-metre low-profile motorhome, but with the driver appeal of the popular Transporter.

The X-Cursion Van comes in a choice of two layouts, with the 500 LT version making its UK premiere. This model seems tailored to British tastes, with its spacious side settee front lounge (complete with 27in TV) and Easy Move drop-down bed. At just 5.88m long and 2.16m wide, it’s sure to appeal to those trading up from traditional T6 campervans, while Edition Pepper spec is sure to include everything you’d want.

WildAx

This company’s best-selling model, the Pulsar, has been redesigned for 2023. Following Fiat ceasing to offer the five-metre, short-wheelbase Ducato panel van, this campervan moves onto the 5.41m medium-wheelbase. This brings with it various advantages, in addition to the obvious extra space. For a start, it now benefits from a factory steel high roof, rather than an aftermarket GRP high-top.

Inside, the Pulsar will retain the popular layout with four individual travel seats, a rear nearside washroom and offside galley, but there will be a larger fridge and more storage. For the first time, the Pulsar will offer a choice of single beds (using the cab seats) or a double, while this camper’s USP of having twin sliding doors continues on the new version.

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