STEVE and Claire Parsons have already sold more motorhomes in 2009 than during the whole of last year and are now expanding their indoor premises, with new office accommodation and an accessory shop to support their new mail order website.

This will also free up more showroom space for the motorhome display. Although they specialise in the high quality, mid-price range, but one of their beginners’ motorhomes is now back for its third stint in the showroom, after each previous owner traded it in to upgrade. Now that’s what you call efficiency.

Auto-Trail Tracker EKS SE

Year: 2007 Miles: 5,800 Price £34,250
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.3JTD
Berths: 2 Belted seats: 2
Length: 6.26m Width: 2.26m Height: 3.05m
MTPLM: 3,500kg Payload: 465kg



Special edition with a drop-down Freeview TV/DVD system and external barbecue point and shower.


The bed cushions are quite a tight fit.

Mart’s impressions

Auto-Trail have established themselves as one of the British manufacturers who can be trusted and relied upon. The established look tends to be traditional - not unduly dated, but with few real surprises either.

Auto-Trail don’t set out to undercut other manufacturers; they build to a style and standard that appeals to buyers who are prepared to pay for what they know and like.

Although well known for their large Frontier models, they also produce this little Tracker, which is slightly unusual in being equipped with a projecting overcab area that is used entirely for storage.

The comparatively short length of 6.26 metres provides plenty of internal space when combined with swivelling cab seats and a parallel sofa layout - a major benefit of having to include only two belted travel seats.

The interior is relaxed, warm and subdued; the upholstery pattern is abstract, but the pale green shades will appeal across the board and create a soft feel when partnered with the rich glow of the woodwork.

It is designed to make you feel at ease and is very effective at doing so. It isn’t for those who prefer wall to wall Ikea, but Auto-Trail know their customers well.

What appear to be flip-up tables at the cab end of each sofa, are actually extensions for the two beds if you wish to use them as singles.

Otherwise, you pull out the bed bases to join at the middle to form a large, lateral double. Be aware though, that the cushions a necessarily a tight fit and require a bit of thumping to bed them down.

End kitchens often disappoint in this type of layout, but this one works better than most by providing superior storage and a duel-fuel cooker and oven.

The sink cover doubles as a chopping board and worktop space is only made possible by a clip-on drainer, but it is enough for you to manage quite comfortably in most situations.

The washroom is as good as you could possibly expect in a motorhome of this size, with high quality cabinet work and an excellent variety of storage.

Suffice to say that it goes way beyond the purely functional, although it does also succeed on that level, providing every kind of storage facility in pleasant surroundings. The shower cubicle isn’t over large, but par for the course in a motorhome of this size.

Mart’s verdict

You can find cheaper motorhomes of a similar design, but there is no shortage of customers for any model that Auto-Trail produces. Take note of all the extras included here when comparing prices.

Contact:

Peak Leisure Vehicles
Units 2/3 Howardson Works
Kirk Langley
Derby DE6 4NJ

Tel: 01332 824782
Web: www.peakleisurevehicles.co.uk

* This article is published in the October 2009 issue of Caravan Motorhome & Camping Mart. Find out more about the magazine that can help you save money when buying a used motorhome, caravan or camping equipment by clicking here.