Full review

Words: Val Chapman  Photography: Richard Chapman

The Coachman Lusso I single-axle caravan

When Coachman created the first Lusso, the company took caravanning to a new level. While several top-spec caravans sit just under the £40,000 price point, Coachman dared to position the Lusso above that level. And it worked.

Lusso proved that there is demand for this level of luxury and price is no barrier – and so Coachman launched a second Lusso. Now, buyers have the option of a Lusso on a single axle. This is the Lusso I; for clarity, its twin-axle sister is the Lusso II.

The Lusso I is shorter, lighter and costs £3,590 less than its twin-axle sibling; although, at this level, price is not going to be a deciding factor between the two models. So, which of the Lussos would you go for?                  

Lusso I or Lusso II

The Lusso I has a body length of 5.8m; that’s 40cm shorter than the twin-axle version. With an MTPLM of 1,800kg, it’s 160kg lighter, able to pair with more cars.

Both are 2.44m wide. Both have transverse island beds, L-shaped lounges, L-shaped kitchens and rear shower rooms. The difference is in the length of the kitchen and the length of the lounge.

The Lusso II’s kitchen surface measures 1.08m by 50cm to the left of the sink, whereas the kitchen in the Lusso I is 42cm wide at the same point. The lift-up extension gives you another 30cm width and 60cm in depth and brings the total surface area to nearly a full square metre.

And the lounge? The sofa that runs across the front is the same size in each model, of course; the difference comes in the seating sector that runs from the front to the kitchen, which is shorter in the Lusso I than the Lusso II. That means that, if you want to use the lounge as single beds, you get one that is 1.98m by 77cm and a second that is 1.5m by 70cm; that’s slightly smaller than the Lusso II’s single bed configuration.

Considering that the vast majority of Lusso buyers will never use the lounge as a bedroom, we think the difference is academic. The important factor is whether the lounge seating is large enough for you. The plain fact is that the Lusso I’s lounge is amply big enough for two.

It’s worth saying that the double bed that you can create in the lounge is the same size in both models, which is also the same size as the fixed double bed. So, unless you have a strong preference for either twin or single-axle caravans, or your towcar’s weight is not suitable for the Lusso II, it’s a tough decision.                            

What’s included

The spec list is top-notch. E&P’s touch-of-a-button self-levelling system. A mains water inlet for connection to a tap on a pitch. Alde’s load monitor that automatically detects when you turn on a device such as the microwave, and switches off the Alde heating, while you are using it, to prevent you from tripping out your electricity supply. A wireless phone charging pad is built into the front windowsill. A domestic-style towel warmer is in the shower room. There’s an exterior cold water shower. An on-board water tank.

And, as you’d expect, an alarm system with PIR and tilt sensors, plus an Al-Ko Secure wheel lock and Al-Ko’s stability control system. You might not expect, though, a caravan to have its own 4G WiFi. An air-conditioning unit comes as standard.

Among new features introduced for 2022 is the hinged extension to the kitchen surface; this has transformed the kitchen’s workspace significantly. Coachman has changed the style and shape of the dining table for 2022. Both Lussos now have conventional folding tables, replacing the monopod design in the previous models. The table is stored in its own cabinet. The oven is a fan-assisted model. There’s an extractor fan directly above the hob, with touch-controls, a clock and a light inset.                        

Lighting

Lighting is a strong feature of the Lusso styling. Strips of light define the space between each of the kitchen drawers and the top of the cabinet.

Lighting also runs around the bases of the cabinets and along each side of the Truma Aventa air-conditioning unit that sits above the kitchen. Neat spotlights focus down the wardrobe door and the locker door above the fridge.

The bedroom window has a fine voile curtain with a geometric design.                

The washroom

Lighting in the shower room outlines the large mirror and illuminates the rock-effect surround and splashback above the oval basin sitting atop a large cabinet. This is a fabulous shower room that brings super luxury to caravan preening. An exceptionally bright spotlight illuminates the shower cubicle, where a rock-effect panel runs floor-to-ceiling.

Two shelves are here for shampoos and there’s a neat, foldout towel hook. There's also two more hooks and there’s the white ladder-style towel warmer, part of the Alde central heating system.               

The kitchen

The kitchen is equally fabulous, with a Corian work surface and super-large sink, rimlessly inset to the work surface. And there’s a ridged drainer provided as standard. The kitchen cabinet is of an ingenious design, with both a front and side opening to the slide-out metal shelving providing a good amount of space; that’s in addition to the three drawers and the 80cm-wide top cabinet beside the microwave.

The door to this cabinet, and also the microwave surround, are finished in gloss acrylic – complete with a neat, chrome Lusso decal. The fridge is the 133-litre Dometic model with a door that can be opened from either the left or the right.             

Summary

Elegant, refined, super luxurious, top quality – the Lusso I is all of those things and more. Every furniture component, every edge, every angle is beautifully finished. This is a caravan that makes a statement of superlative quality. You’d expect excellence at this price and the Lusso delivers in no short measure.

We were surprised how spacious the Lusso I feels, given that we were already familiar with the twin-axle Lusso and comparisons are inevitable. Both are masterpieces of design and refinement.

The only question is: do you go for the single-axle model, or two axles, a little more length and a bigger fridge. Either way, you’ll get a caravan of superior design.

Expert caravan advice to your door!

Caravan magazine has been inspiring caravanners for more than 80 years! We have grown to become a leading authority on caravans, the caravan industry, caravan lifestyle, campsites and caravan travel destinations. We know what our readers want – and that's to make the most of their caravans and their holidays!

Want to know more about Caravan magazine?

About Caravan magazine