Full review

Words & photos: Iain Duff

The Escape Campers Breeze+

The campervan market is crowded and, if you’re a new converter, you need a method to push your way to the front and grab the attention of the campervan-buying public.

That’s certainly what Escape Campers has done with the lilac colour of this T6.1 VW. To say it’s eye-catching is something of an understatement. As we inspected the campervan for this review, we were regularly joined by passers-by keen to have a look. 

Obviously, lilac is not everyone’s cup of tea, but, for the most part, the feedback was positive. ‘Nice to see something a bit different’, was the prevailing view but if lilac is not to your taste, Escape has plenty of other  options available.

Of course, most people don’t buy a campervan purely because they like the colour – or at least, we hope not!  The practicalities of the interior are much more likely to inform your decision-making than how pretty it looks, even if that’s what first turns your head.

So, with that in mind, what does Escape Campers have to offer? 

The spec

The Breeze+ is the company’s top-of-the-range model, based on a brand-new T6.1, which goes some way to explaining the near-£70k price tag. 

It has a dual-clutch (DSG) automatic gearbox and the base vehicle features the Highline spec, including cab air-conditioning, cruise control and electric/heated mirrors. 

There are front fog lights with cornering function and front and rear parking sensors, while 16in alloy wheels and colour-coded bumpers add to the aesthetic appeal. 

A huge range of optional extras is available, including a solar panel, heated seats, LED lights, a reversing  camera, bike racks and roof bars.

The interior

Escape’s focus is on family camping. The Breeze+ sleeps up to four, with a double bed in the Skyline elevating roof that would be ideal for two small children. In warm weather, they’ll be grateful for the three large ventilation panels.

Downstairs, there’s the so-often-seen M1-tested RIB bench seat, which has seatbelts, adjustable headrests and Isofix. 

It converts to a double bed in about 20 seconds, simply by folding the three sections flat, creating a sleeping surface that measures 1.86m by 1.12m.

The front passenger seat can be swivelled, but that’s still only three seats when camping... The windows have dark coloured curtains, but there is the option to upgrade to Vanshades blinds.

The dining table is stored in the boot when not in use – not ideal when the area is full of walking or welly boots (and other gear), or if it’s raining when it comes to mealtimes.

The kitchen

The layout includes a standard side kitchen with a typical combination sink and two-burner hob, but it also features a microwave – a rarity for a Transporter conversion. A 50-litre front-loading Dometic fridge is fitted and water comes from a 60-litre underslung tank.

The kitchen has a limited amount of worktop, with a narrow strip in front of the cooker and an area alongside the sink – the latter is not especially convenient as it also incorporates a top-loading cupboard. 

The storage

Storage-wise, there’s also a drawer under the hob, a cupboard below the microwave and two top lockers above the galley’s window, all with flush-fitting doors, plus another cabinet with a tambour door next to the back seats. 

There’s more storage under the bench, with a cubbyhole for the Porta Potti. 

All the rest

The Webasto diesel heater and 100mm Rockwool insulation cater for cooler weather and the camper’s electrics are controlled from the Montana touchscreen control panel, which is compatible with Android and iOS phones, and there are a couple of USB slots in the back, along with two mains sockets.

Where to buy

Escape Campers is based in Peterborough and you can visit the showroom in Royce Road seven days a week. 

The conversions are carried out at these premises, too, so you can discuss creating a bespoke camper or view the existing conversions in stock.