Full review

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Rapido C03

Rapido’s C Series debuted for the 2021 model year, with slimline A-class motorhomes joining the low-profiles two seasons later. Now, there are six ‘C’ models to choose from, with the C03 the newest and smallest addition to the line-up. 

As well as being just 2.17 wide, this baby is only 6.19m long – shorter than an extra-long Fiat/Peugeot panel van.

So, this is a truly petite coachbuilt but Rapido also made a conscious decision in its design to create a motorhome that’s slightly longer than some of its rivals. 

Many of these small low-profiles with a transverse fixed bed at the rear – often referred to as ‘Van’ models in German-built ranges – are sub six metres, but the French firm decided that an extra 20cm in length would make a real difference inside without harming its compact credentials.

Two key aspects are highlighted as a plus over 5.99m-long rivals. Perhaps most important is the supersized compressor fridge (a tall 140-litre model), while Rapido also points to the ‘proper’ wardrobe, not one squeezed beneath the bed. 

The exterior

Externally, this is a neat-looking little motorhome with a recognisably Rapido appearance. It comes with alloy wheels and a huge overcab sunroof, as well as framed habitation windows and a glazed entrance door, although this is quite high, so you’ll need to deploy the electric step for access.

Obviously, an important part of this type of motorhome is the garage and here it offers up to 1.20m of headroom, as well as fixed tie-down points and access to the boiler and leisure batteries. Right-hand drive models also get an external shower. 

The interior

Step through the offside habitation door and facing you is an L-shaped sofa, while both cab chairs swivel right round and there’s an extra folding jump seat by the door. 

It’s not a large lounge, but it’s surprisingly comfortable and perfectly adequate for a couple on tour. Reading lights are fitted over the cab seats as well as the side window and the tables folds for more space.

There’s a TV bracket on the wall and net curtains but it’s worth noting the three different floor heights in this area. 

The lounge can also be converted into an adult-sized transverse single bed (abutting the entrance door), with the use of a large infill cushion that’s stored in the garage. 

The bedroom

Of course, the main bed is at the rear, over the garage. It measures 1.95m by 1.45m (slightly narrower on the  offside) and it has a window at either end. 

There’s room to sit up, plus reading lights on the nearside, but you’ll need to take care not to damage the blinds if you rest against them. A pair of fixed steps up to the bed make for easier access than in most rivals.

The wardrobe that we mentioned earlier is alongside the foot of the bed  on the offside and it has a generous 1.01m drop from its rail, as well as a shelved section below. 

Clearly, Rapido owners care about their attire…

The kitchen

And the Gallic company knows that it has to enhance its kitchens for its British fans, so, when looking at our images, remember this is a French spec vehicle; UK motorhomes get an oven, so the huge central drawer is half the size. 

Not that you’ll be short of storage here, especially with that tall fridge alongside.

That said, the galley is quite compact with limited worktop, so you may need to use the table for food prep. 

The spec

But the kitchen isn’t the only area that gets enhanced for our market. Right-hand drive spec also adds a heated waste tank, diesel/230V 6kW heating, carpets, front fog/cornering lights, a leather steering wheel with radio controls and Traction Plus. 

One aspect that needs no extras is the Duo’Space washroom with its practical swing-wall shower. 

Where to buy

In Scotland, the dealer is Dicksons of Perth.

In England, there are six outlets representing the brand – Spinney (Knutsford) and Brownhills (Newark) look after the Midlands and north, while Simpsons is in East Anglia, Highbridge’s two branches cover the southwest and Rapido’s original British dealer, Wokingham Motorhomes, is in Berkshire.

In Ireland, Rapido has dealers north and south of the border – Thompson Leisure in County Down and  Cara Motorhomes in County Limerick.