Overcabs making a comeback: the Rimor Kilig 9

However, here we’ll focus on the Kilig 9, which has a much more conventional layout. As with the rest of the Kilig range (there are low-profile models on offer, too), this model is based on the super Ford Transit. Soft suspension makes for a more comfortable drive, as does the seating position and cab environment, which feels much more car-like than many of its competitors.

It's a 3.5-tonne model, too, so even if you passed your test after 1 January, 1997 (that magic date when they switched off the rights to automatically drive 7.5-tonne vehicles), you’ll be able to consider a family adventure in this model.

And being a Rimor means it offers great value, priced at a smidge under £63k; yes, that’s a lot of money, but in the current market, you’ll struggle to get more value for money. There’s a pack that adds more spec, which is likely to be fitted to all UK models, providing a reversing camera, Cat 1 alarm, a window in the habitation door (making the lounge feel much brighter), leather-effect cab seat covers, nets for the upper berths and extras for the cab including automatic lights and wipers, heated windscreen and more.

However, the standard spec does feature Bluetooth, ESP, cab air-con, cruise control, twin armrests for both cab seats and a leather steering wheel.

The OC

We’ll come to those all important bunk beds at the back, as they’re the reason you’ll want to buy this motorhome, but it’s important to discuss that overcab first.

That pod over the cab will affect fuel economy a little, but not as much as you might expect. However, if you are planning to do a lot of touring around Europe, and France particularly, that height will certainly add to motorway toll bills – stick to the routes nationales and to be fair this is generally a much nicer way of touring around, unless you need to stack up the miles to a further away destination.

However, this moulding, also known as a luton overcab, has a couple of clear benefits over the low-profiles with drop-down beds above a lounge. That bed above the cab is instantly available. You can leave the bedding in situ and it’s a great size, which means you can pop the kids up here or even choose it as the grown-up bedroom. Headroom does reduce towards the front of the space, but it’s a big bed for two adults, so you should be able to work around this. The shelf provides a handy space for the specs, etc, while reading lights and an opening window are also welcome.

The mattress sits on a slatted base for more comfort, too.

Bunking up

The other star feature of this motorhome is the bunks at the rear. These are over 7ft long, so more than suitable for adults or growing teens. Each also has a slatted base.

The bottom bed has a window and there is a ladder to access the top bunk. Both beds have a reading light and curtain for privacy.

This area also doubles up for storage. There’s space under the bottom bunk, accessed through twin doors externally, However, you can also lift up the bunk against the rear wall, and it secures in place to allow you to load bigger items (like bikes) here, with tie-down points to ensure they stay put.

And you shouldn’t need to worry about payload, with a pretty healthy 558kg available.

What about the rest?

There’s potential to travel and sleep six on board if needed, by converting the lounge to a three-quarter bed (this is an option).

That lounge offers two dinettes, one large dinette with space for two on each side and a smaller dinette with single seats. The larger dinette has the travel seats: three-point belts on the forward-facing bench and lap belts for seats pointing backwards.

Both tables are mounted on wall rails and are totally wobble-free, but what really makes this space so appealing is the supersized windows on either side.

There’s plenty of lighting come night-time, with reviewers saying that you’d never need to use them all.

The kitchen offers a really good amount of storage – you may need a step to access some of the uppermost spaces. However the oven is mounted about the generous-sized fridge, so make sure you are happy using this, and note that it doesn’t have a grill, so you may need to look at other options for your morning toast.

The washroom is an all-in-one affair, but makes good use of the space available. The wet zone contains the basin, with a curtain to cover the loo over when needing a shower. The bench cassette is at the right height, too, while an opening window allows for better ventilation.

To sum up

If your motorhoming involves children then this new Rimor is a great option – it has a family-friendly layout, feels spacious and is very competitively priced. It’s well equipped and seems solidly made – as witnessed by the absence of on-road rattles. The only significant sticking point for some would be the very high location of the oven.

Specifications