Wheelhome launches new petrol-engined compact campervan

Wheelhome, the Essex-based company which has specialised in compact campervans for over 30 years, has released details of its latest model.

Called the Vikenze +4, the new camper has a similar interior layout to the existing (Fiat Qubo-based) Vikenze, with the ‘+4’ referring to its four travel seats. It will be based on the Vauxhall Combo Life MPV (a member of the PSA Group’s range of small vans/MPVs that also includes the latest Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo).

Wheelhome will use the Vauxhall in its car derivative with a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and either six-speed manual gearbox and 110bhp or an eight-speed automatic transmission and 130bhp. It was this ultra-rare combination of petrol power and an auto’ gearbox that Wheelhome’s customers have been seeking, resulting in the Combo Life being chosen for the new conversion.

Standard spec on the base vehicle, which is just 4.40m long, includes air-conditioning, cruise control, an 8in touchscreen with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Bluetooth, as well as Forward Collision Alert and multiple airbags.

Although Wheelhome adds its own electric elevating roof, overall height has been kept down to just 1.88m, so the Vikenze +4 will fit in many domestic garages. The conversion will be offered as a one or two-berth, with the second bed in the roof.

Unusually, this small campervan uses no gas – cooking is all electric, via an induction hob, electric oven and a microwave, while the fridge is a Waeco compressor model. Power is supplied by an on-board inverter, large battery bank and 300W solar panel. Up to three days’ off-grid camping without a mains hook-up is claimed.

Conversions will be available on late pre-owned Vauxhall cars sourced by Wheelhome or brand-new models. Prices will be confirmed shortly.