Detailed Review

IT may not have the most distinguished profile, but the Zenith looks modern. The presence of a one-piece front window and the absence of a glazed stable door aside, the Lunar looks more up-market than budget.

Inside, the Zenith EB the layout comprises front double dinette, side kitchen with dresser opposite and rear end fixed bed with corner washroom.

Looking at the Lunar, it’s so well presented that it’s hard to believe that this tourer is aimed at same sector of the market as the Sprite, Dart and Ranger. Seating is supportive and the soft furnishings modern but practical.

The front dinette is spacious for a group of four to use. The roof locker storage is excellent and the central front roof locker has two nifty cubby-holes either side. Lunar recognises that mains lighting is important, and has included two spots as well.

Seat base locker flaps are large and allow easy access to the storage space beneath. However plywood tops are a big no-no for me and there’s talk that these may be changed on production models.

The front chest allows for only one drawer and no slide-out coffee table. Overall the dinette is an airy and comfy spot, but with only one blown-air outlet fitted, it may struggle to be cosy.

The side kitchen comes with a three-burner hob, combined grill/oven and stainless steel sink and drainer.

Equipment-wise, the 97-litre Thetford fridge/freezer is small and the kitchen offers virtually no work surface – a fold-out extension flap would certainly be a welcome addition here.

The kitchen’s storage comprises two roof lockers, a cupboard and the free-standing table storage cupboard. As a fancy touch, the 12-volt control panel is placed above the fridge, but maybe this would be better moved to another wall area, out of harm’s way.

Opposite the kitchen, a large side dresser offers good storage space with a drawer and shelving, plus a roof locker above with twin spot-lamps below. The Truma heater is positioned below with some extra shelf storage next to it.

Moving into the rear bedroom, the wardrobe that is situated on the left has great hanging space, plus two drawers and a cupboard beneath.

Next to it is the small hand basin with double-doored cupboards below. The fixed double bed has roof lockers above and shelves for putting that first brew of the day on while you contemplate getting up.

A large side window aids ventilation as well as letting natural light in, even on a dull winter’s day. Spot lamps are well placed, as is a domed ceiling light. The corner washroom comes with shower and swivel loo; it’s not the most spacious but it’s practical and comes with its own side window as well as a roof vent.

Verdict:

Under its new UK ownership, Lunar is already making changes with the Zenith and other new models in the pipeline.

The Zenith has much to shout about: its furniture finish feels so much more up-market than the price tag suggests. Upholstery is supportive, and should last for years. The curtains and carpet match well, and the brown hues will hide any of the usual campsite stains of mud and grass.

With mains lights, modern smart spots, an oven and fridge the Zenith won’t leave its occupants wanting for much. Its build is undeniably good. One criticism: an extra blown-air vent at the front would make for warmer evenings. All in all, this is a great re-vamp of a popular Lunar range. It’s lightweight and spacious – the EB is a winner.

Fact-file:

Price: £11,195
Berths: 4
Internal length: 5.25m (17ft 3in)
Overall length: 6.72m (22ft 0in)
Overall height: 2.53m (8ft 3in)
Headroom: 1.91m (6ft 3in)
Width: 2.16m (7ft 1in)
MRO: 1016kg
MTPLM: 1235kg
Bed sizes: Front double 2.01m x 1.48m (6ft 7in x 4ft 10in) or single 1.53m x 0.69m (5ft 0in x 2ft 3in). Rear fixed bed 1.93m x 1.34m (6ft 4in x 4ft 5in)  

•    A full version of this review appeared in the August 2008 issue of Which Caravan, the only magazine all about buying a caaravan. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.