Ilusion motorhomes arrive in UK

Denby Campervans, based in Leek, Staffordshire, has become the sole UK distributor for Ilusion Caravaning, a Spanish manufacturer of low-profile motorhomes. It is the first time that the Ilusion brand has been officially represented here.

The company’s XMK Series is based on the Fiat Ducato cab with a wide rear track, 3,500kg gross weight, and cab air-conditioning and cruise control as standard. Payloads of over 700kg are offered on some models, while overall height (2.68m) is one of the lowest on the market.

The low-profile bodies have a polyester roof and sides, as well as a 70mm-thick floor with polyester underside. The entrance step and wheelarch liners are also in polyester, while skirts and external wheelarch mouldings are in ABS plastic. A slightly rounded profile to the bodywork is claimed to improve aerodynamics and prevent wa-ter accumulation on the roof. Windows are aluminium-framed units from Seitz and the rear panel is designed in several sections for easier repair.

Inside, the Ilusion XMK benefits from direct and indirect LED lighting, five travel seats (except in the 590), 6kW diesel heating and 150-litre AES fridges (not in the 660). Kitchens come with soft-closing drawers and upper lockers with a hidden closing system, and an oven/grill is being added to the specification for UK vehicles.

Worktops are in Krion, a natural mineral material, and upholsteries have a Protech stain-resistant finish, while the furniture is fitted with an anti-vibration system.

The XMK range has 12 models, ranging from 5.99m to 7.30m long. Initially, Denby Campervans’ right-hand drive stock vehicles include the 590 (5.99m long, half-dinette lounge with electric drop-down bed above, rear transverse double bed over a garage) and the 590FT which has a similar layout but with a rear U-shaped lounge in place of the fixed bed. The 590FT is priced from £54,988, while the 590 is £55,498.

The third model in the compact sub-6m size is the 590L with rear bunk beds, while Denby has also ordered the rear lounge XML 650 (6.60m long) for stock. Other layouts, which are available to order include the 690 and 740 with fixed single beds, 695 and 730 models with island beds, and the six-berth 760 with rear bunks.

All models can be ordered with a silver cab, as an alternative to the standard white, while UK vehicles are being specified with alloy wheels.

For Denby Campervans, which builds around 150 Volkswagen-based campervans (on new and used T6s) per annum, this is a move into a new part of the market and the sub-6m 590 models were seen as a logical step up from VW campers. It has been building campervans for over 20 years but is at maximum capacity for production, so adding the Ilusion range to its portfolio allows the company to expand without having to manufacture larger vehicles.

Denby is looking to steadily establish the Ilusion brand here before adding two further agents to cover the north and south of the country. Jonathan Downing, Director at Denby Campervans, comments, “We selected Ilusion to be our partners as they have an excellent-quality product for a fair price, and they share our passion in the manufacturing process, along with many years’ experience.”

Ilusion, from Zaragoza, builds 500 to 600 vehicles per year and is an independent brand which claims over 20 years’ experience. It had been seeking a UK dealer for some time. It already has representation throughout Europe, including Derek Walsh Camper Center in County Limerick, Ireland.