Bürstner Lyseo TD 594 Harmony Line motorhome

Small on the outside, big on the inside…

For many this is the holy grail of motorhomes, something not much bigger than a campervan to drive but with no lack of living space on the inside. A sort of Tardis on wheels. And Bürstner has been building vehicles like this since 2011, the latest being the Lyseo TD 594 Harmony Line.
 

The Lyseo TD is Bürstner’s bread and butter – a line-up that includes single bed and island bed floorplans, even rear lounges, with a price and spec that is far from entry-level but not too premium, either. But, while the rest of this range is from 6.89m to 7.36m in length, the 594 is much more compact at a whisker under six metres. 
 

Typical Bürstner, with a double floor

In everything but size, this is a typical Bürstner motorhome with a continuous insulated sandwich construction floor that ensures superior winterisation and, for the UK, upgraded Harmony Line specification. The technical double floor means that there are no steps in the living area, while all the pipes, hoses and water tanks are in a frostproof location between the floors.

Meanwhile, the Harmony Line’s extra features include indirect lighting and an opening overcab sunroof, as well as special cosmetic finishes inside and out. Externally, there are flush-fitting framed windows, too, to complete the upmarket appearance.

Cab spec

At just 5.99m long, the Lyseo TD 594 is the same length as a long-wheelbase Fiat Ducato panel van, although width is greater (a typical-for-a-coachbuilt 2.30m). Basis is, of course, the ubiquitous Fiat with the 140hp motor and a low-frame chassis and stop/start. Cab spec extends to all-season tyres, a heavy-duty alternator, leather steering wheel, multimedia unit with DAB radio and reversing camera, ESP with Traction Plus and Hill Holder, 16in alloy wheels, cruise control, manual air-conditioning and cab blinds.

Body spec

The Bürstner body features a GRP roof and underfloor as well as a wide habitation door with electric step. The cab is finished in Lanzarote Grey and running board steps help to merge the Ducato and Lyseo elements. A 3m awning and 100W solar panel are included as standard. External storage is provided by a small flap behind the cab on the offside, opening onto under-seat space, while a near-full-height locker in the rear corner includes a hanging rail and can accommodate skis, etc.

Drop-down bed

It's the layout that’s the winning feature here, though, and there are few motorhomes that offer so much space in such a short length. Thank the lack of a fixed bed for that, but equally there’s no cushion juggling at bedtime. The electric drop-down bed measures up to 2.00m in length and 1.40m across, while an optional extension can create a huge bed that stretches into the cab. You can convert the lounge seats into another double but the 594 is far better seen as a luxurious two-berth.

Large lounge

With the cab seats swivelled and sofas on either side, the little Lyseo’s lounge feels bigger than you’d expect, especially once the table is folded in half. Roman blinds add a touch of class and there are plenty of downlights set into the base of the drop-down bed. Aft of the habitation door, the TV is well-placed for viewing with the habitation and heater controls panels above.

Fully eqipped galley

Adjacent to the telly is the tall 133-litre fridge, with the main L-shaped galley unit opposite. A loose cover for the sink makes partial amends for the limited worktop but UK models get a Thetford Duplex cooker with oven, grill and three gas rings rather than the simple hob shown in our photos. A magnetic holder for glasses and a rack of coffee capsules are also provided.

Separate shower

Finally, the across-the-rear washroom is a star feature that includes a separate shower as well as the wardrobe to act as a spacious changing room, too.

A very comfortable and well-equipped motorhome that is ideal for couples seeking a 6m model.