Full review
IT’S immediately obvious from the distinctive styling that this is no run of the mill two-berth which certainly hasn’t originated from a British factory.
Maybe it’s the deep, curved overhead lockers with oversized brushed aluminium handles and opaque Perspex inserts; or it could possibly be the absence of proper curtains.
Then again, the subtle LED ambient lighting underneath the lockers and pelmets could be the clincher. Actually, it’s almost certainly a combination of all three that makes it clear that this is something special.
Hymer’s contemporary clutter-free approach with the Nova isn’t to everyone’s taste - and if you’re more at home surrounded by velveteen, chintz and lace antimacassars, it probably won’t be to your taste, but for me, it just works.
From the bodywork to the quality of light fittings (LEDs outside as well as inside) you can see that when it comes down to quality without compromise, Hymer doesn’t have a close rival at home or abroad.
Hymer grey/silver external paintwork looks great in an understated way, as do the big 15-inch alloy wheels and the immensely long A-frame - covered only with a vestigial fairing and tipped with an AL-KO AK3004 stabiliser.
To the left of the door, there’s a half depth mirror with a small fabric pouch beneath designed, I suspect for feminine-type grooming accessories.
To the right there’s a large, clutter-free curved work surface, underneath which lives the fridge, a sizable shelf and the Truma heater.
Over the door, you’ll find the control panel with easy-to-read displays to indicate the health of the leisure battery and the fullness of the on-board water tank.
Directly opposite is a compact granite-effect worktop, domestic-style oven/grill and four-burner gas hob with huge pan cupboard underneath.
An extractor fan with filter and a couple of mini spotlights sits above the cooker and this is complimented by another twin-halogen striplight over the work surface with integrated 230v power point.
No continental-style kitchen compromises here then; and whilst its an impressive array, space on this side is at a premium - especially when using the sink and drainer.
Rotate yourself 180 degrees, however, and there’s plenty of additional space at the right height on that second work surface over the fridge.
The circular sink is topped by a matching granite-effect cover and fitted with a stylish mixer tap.
Underneath the sink, there’s a huge cutlery door and some very usable cupboard space - the lower of which contains a neat pop-out bin integrated into the curved door.
Overhead are a brace of those deep lockers - one horizontally split by a shelf, the other left uncluttered for larger items.
There’s a single-piece front window and a deep wooden shelf sitting over the sizable front gas locker and three more of those overhead lockers at eye level for books, DVDs and all manner of gubbins.
Moving right to the rear of the Nova, the washroom is a triumph of packaging. Compared with other washrooms in this class, it’s actually very compact - but it manages to cram everything you’d need into this limited space without compromising the changing space available.
Moving forward into the traditional twin sofa lounge, there’s ample room for four to sit around the huge table - which, when not in use, lives in its own cupboard in the washroom.
The central chest of drawers has a well-crafted pullout table, which is perfectly adequate for two to dine at.
The seats are extremely deep, supremely supportive, sprung affairs perfect for ultra comfortable lounging, reading, eating - and , we suspect, very conducive to a good night’s sleep.
• A full version of this review appeared in the April 2007 issue of Which Caravan. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.
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