Full review

THE Vanroyce exudes build quality – both inside and out.

When you hand over the readies for a Vanroyce or Vanmaster, you’re buying more than just a tourer; service, quality, personal touches and a dedicated team are yours for the asking price, and this doesn’t come cheap.

The layout of the Kudos 480/2 has an end washroom, side kitchen with dresser opposite and a front-end dinette.

The furniture is all hand-built at the Vanroyce works by skilled craftsman. The finish is superb of course, simple and classic. The front dinette of the Vanroyce features twin singles or a massive double, a chest of three drawers and six roof lockers providing plentiful storage. Lighting is by mains and 12-volt spots, plus a ceiling light.

The lounge is supremely comfortable and you certainly have the feeling you’re in something a bit special when sitting there. The side kitchen comes with fully enamelled sink/drainer unit and a four-burner hob.

Worktop provision isn’t over generous, but a handy pullout piece from the kitchen’s front makes for some useful extra food preparation space. A full oven and a microwave are standard fit, while an Omni-Vent extracts unwanted cooking smells.

Storage in the kitchen is very good, with useful drawers next to the 117-litre fridge. Opposite this, the dresser houses the Truma heater and houses drawers and excellent cupboard storage. Here a door folds out to reveal a metal arm designed to hold a flat-screen TV that simply folds back and out of the way.

To the right of the entrance door there are more cupboards, and the freestanding table is stored in here too. Step into the rear end washroom and it’s very palatial. The washbasin is large with two shelves beneath and two deep cupboards either side.

It’s a piece of furniture in itself, perfectly crafted. The latest Thetford electric flush loo is fitted as standard and nighttime lighting levels are the best we’ve seen. The shower cubicle is in the offside corner while the wardrobe is next to it, and oh what a size it is for two; it’s full length and wide, making it perfect for couples on a long tour.

Verdict:

It’s great to see a Vanroyce back on the market and by its original makers too. We love the charm and quality only a tourer such as this can create. Sure, it’s not cheap and it hasn’t got the gimmicks of some, but it has pedigree and it’s built in a small factory, individually, and not on a production line.

Specification:

Price: £25,250 approx
Berths: 2
Length: 4.80m
Width: 2.29m
MIRO: 1290kg
MTPLM: 1550kg
Bed sizes: Front double 1.85m x 1.43m, two singles 1.91m x 0.79m.

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•    A full version of this review appeared in the May 2008 issue of Which Caravan. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.

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