Compact motorhome for a family: Rimor's Kilig 4

Launched last year, the Kilig is based on the Ford Transit and this is one of the smallest models at 5.95m – if you like the layout but don’t want the overcab, take a look at the Kilig 18 Plus, which is a low-profile motorhome with a drop-down bed in the lounge.

However, it’s important to note the Kilig 4 has a couple of clear advantages over the low-profile and it’s all to do with that bed over the cab. The base pushes up out of the way during the day for easier access in and out of the cab, but otherwise it’s almost fixed. You can leave bedding in situ and even use the area to store bulky lightweight items when on the road (you’ll need some form of retainer, though).

This bed also doesn’t eat into the lounge area when it’s in use, unlike the drop-down bed in the low-profile version, which will partly block the doorway when deployed. The bed is also a really good size – 2.18m by 1.43m with an opening window on one side and shelf and reading lights at the other.

That aforementioned lounge may be compact, the cab seats swivel to face the bench that also provides the rear travel seats. A semi-fixed table has a leg that may get in the way but the top folds in half for more space when not dining. However, it does sit on short rails so it can be moved slightly fore and aft, creating more legroom whether you're dining or travelling.

There’s an option to make the lounge into a further single bed, but this will restrict access to the overcab and the door, and there are only four travel seats. And as this is an option, it’s likely that you’ll need to store the kit to do this somewhere.

The kitchen, despite the compact nature, can cope with family dining, thanks mainly to the excellent 141-litre fridge/freezer to the right. The shape of the three-burner hob and sink also allows a small amount of worktop – the reality is that you’ll probably using the dining table for food prep.

The washroom differs from when we saw it last year, too. The swivel toilet sits on the right with a basin on the left. A curtain allows the room to be used for showering, while a window allows natural light and ventilation. The shelf along the back of the basin is handy.

At the back, you’ll find a double bed running across the width of the motorhome. It’s not quite as wide as the overcab, but that 2.15m length is impressive for taller motorhomers. There’s a window in the rear wall as well as on one side and a roof vent which is good for both ventilation and natural daylight should you wish to get some daytime relaxing in away from the family.

There’s also a door into the large storage space underneath, meaning that if you’ve left one of the kids' gadgets in there, you’ll be able to get at it without going outdoors – a brilliant feature if its chucking it down outside.

The one drawback of that storage is the height of the bed. You’ll notice the fixings for a ladder, which you probably have to use for access. The compact nature of this layout along with the garage access door and that big fridge means there’s no space for steps, but that’s a small concession if you want a family motorhome in a shorter length.

Although Kilig is an entry-level model, British buyers get a little more standard specification than their European cousins. For example, the cabs seats are retrimmed to match the rest of the seating and models get an oven (although this often eats into storage, so ask yourself if you’ll use one).

In terms of style, although the exterior is very plain, the interior adds bold turquoise accents that we love. These contrast with a mix of pale and dark wood furniture, creating a distinctive look all of its own.

The engine is the 130hp option, but you can specify an automatic gearbox, which will make driving this model so much easier. You can also add alloy wheels, but that’s a personal preference.

Summary

It’s a great family motorhome and it’s compact and a great price, still only starting at a smidge under £60k. Remember, though, there has to be compromises when fitting four berths into a motorhome under 6m, so take a look at all the aspects carefully.