Sunlight's compact range designed for adventure
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Compact motorhomes for adventure
Compact is the latest watchword in motorhomes, and narrow low profiles, like Sunlight’s Van range, are just the ticket if you want to upsize from a campervan or even downsize from a large motorhome.
At just 2.14m wide, these Van motorhomes are barely wider than the Fiat Ducato they are based on. Plus, with lengths ranging from 5.94m to 6.85m and a height of 2.74m, the difference between these and a large campervan is negligible.
The benefits of narrower coachbuilts over a similar-sized campervan are threefold.
- Those straighter sides (most campervan roofs slope inwards toward the top) create a bigger feeling of space as well as enhancing eye-level locker capacity
- Sandwich construction means a much more even spread of insulation – less cold spots
- Layouts can be more flexible as they don’t have to be based around the supporting structures of the van
All photos courtesy of Sunlight
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
Adventure by name, Van by nature
There are two specification levels, Van and Van Adventure, but the more comprehensively equipped Adventure is likely to appeal to UK buyers.
That extra kit includes a cab sunroof, which creates a more spacious-feeling lounge, something very important in more compact models. You also get a second garage door, allowing you to use that under-bed storage more effectively.
The awning, three-bike rack, skid plate and framed headlights in black contrast well with the all-white body and bumper, plus Adventure decals. This is complemented by 16in bicolour alloys, usefully shod with mud and snow camper tyres.
The 140hp engine is standard, but you can upgrade the manual gearbox to the automatic as an option. All the basic safety kit is included (ABS, EBD, ESP, ESC, ASR and hill holder), but we would also consider the £970 Safety Pack.
This features full brake control with pedestrian detection, rain and dusk sensor, lane control, traffic sign and high beam recognition, driver alertness detection and intelligent speed assist.
Traction+ and the multifunction steering wheel are standard, too, and while the headlights have DRLs as well as foglights, you can upgrade to full LED headlights on the options list.
The handbrake is the manual version but, if you’d prefer an electric version, that can also be found on the options list with tyre pressure monitoring and the 90-litre fuel tank. The 60-litre version is fitted as standard and most likely done to provide more payload on the 3,500kg chassis – for those that only have the category B driving licence.
The Basic Pack is included – flyscreen for habitation door, mirror with coat hooks, panoramic rooflight and second rooflight.
Note also that the rear bench does have Isofix points for both travel seats and you can choose between three no-cost fabric options (the dark brown and cream combo will appeal to most, but the Green Trail is more rugged looking and Performance Grey is more timeless.
There are three layouts to choose from, all with fixed beds and large storage spaces below…
Sunlight V60 Adventure
5.94m long, this is the classic transverse double bed layout. Take a look at the large wardrobe between the main door and the cab. The kitchen has a combined two-burner hob and sink unit with a small amount of worktop and an under-counter fridge. There is more wardrobe space under the bed, which does narrow to the foot, but it’s still an OK 1.30m (4ft 3in) at its narrowest point. The washroom has a swing wall arrangement to create a shower area. The lounge can make into an extra single berth as an option.
Price from £59,090
Sunlight V66 Adventure
At 6.64m this is slightly longer than the extra-long Fiat. A two-berth, this model has twin single beds at the rear, which is the main reason you’ll want to buy it. The kitchen mirrors that in the smaller V60 but there is an extra tall cupboard between it and the bed, offering more storage and workspace. You step up into the bedroom with wardrobes under the foot of each bed. A central section has a cushion, and this can be extended further with a pull-out base and infill cushion.
Price from £61,690
Sunlight V69 Adventure
The largest model in the range (6.85m long) has an island bed at the rear, but is almost identical to the V66 in every other aspect. That extra length allows for a 1.95m-long bed, but still with enough space to manouevre around it, especially important at the foot. It’s set at a higher level so has a step up on each side for access, but not so high that the ceiling lockers would impede most from sitting up with their morning cuppa. Note the doors at the foot for access to more storage.
Price from £61,690
Sunlight Van Adventure details and options
As already pointed out, these models are a viable 3,500kg if you only have a car driving licence, but if you hold rights to drive heavier vehicles (C or C1, for example) and you want to tick a few more options, particularly the automatic gearbox that adds an extra 60kg, you can upgrade to 3,650kg.
As well as the Safety Pack already mentioned, we also reckon most people will specify the Digital Pack with automatic cab air-conditioning, wireless charger for a smartphone, radio/sat-nav and a reversing camera.
If you plan to tour all year round, we’d probably get the upgrade to the Truma Combi 6 E H (a more powerful space/water heater that can run off gas and electric), as well as the electric floor heating and the insulated waste tank.
And finally, an oven is also an option. If you specify this it will be located low-level under the kitchen counter. This means it’s easy to access and use, but consider if you’d prefer storage instead.
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