Etrusco V 6.8 SCF motorhome

Slimline low-profile with single beds and a face-to-face lounge

Etrusco builds campervans (its CV and CV Plus models on Fiat Ducato) and low-profile (or semi-integrated) coachbuilt motorhomes on a choice of Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit chassis. This is neither, it’s what Etrusco calls a Van, or what we’d usually refer to as a narrow-bodied or slimline low-profile motorhome. It’s in a range of three ‘V’ models with lengths from 5.99m to 6.83m, but all just 2.14m wide (18cm less broad than Etrusco’s other motorhomes).

With less width, this Ford Transit-based range is designed to be more versatile, taking you into the city or down that narrow lane to the beach without worrying. And yet it has the extra space of a motorhome, thanks to the flat sides, and the superior insulation, too.

Where this newest (and longest) model in the range differs is in having a face-to-face lounge rather than the half-dinette more commonly seen in slim coachbuilts.

Base vehicle for this trio of compact models is the popular Ford Transit with a 2-litre TDCi turbo-diesel engine producing 130hp. With a 3.5-tonne maximum gross weight, they can be driven on a standard Class B car licence and yet this V 6.8 SCF has a huge payload of over 800kg in standard spec – another advantage of a more compact vehicle as less size equals less weight. It can also tow up to 2,000kg.

Of course, the Ford is a popular chassis choice, with its comfortable ride, car-like driving position and optional eight-speed automatic transmission. But, if you’re less familiar with the Etrusco brand, be reassured by the fact that this is part of the Erwin Hymer Group and manufactured at one of Europe’s most up-to-date motorhome factories in Tuscany. It’s an entry-level marque, sitting alongside Carado and Sunlight in the EHG stable and competing with the likes of Joa Camp (from Pilote), Roller Team (Trigano) and Sun Living (Adria). You’ll be pleasantly surprised even at this part of the market, to see a starting price (before options) of only £61,700. Don’t get too excited, though, as, with Type X Complete Selection spec, which you’re sure to want, the price will start with a seven.

Inside, the increasingly popular side settee lounge is the only surprise; at the rear are the expected twin beds over a garage. The compact kitchen and Vario bathroom (with swing-wall shower) are amidships.

The lounge incorporates the swivel cab seats, of course, while the sofa is longer on the nearside (on the offside it’s just a pew for one). There’s room to mount a TV on the washroom wall, by the entrance. The lack of cupboards above the cab makes for an easy walk-through and the optional overcab sunroof adds plenty of daylight – that’s important as the unglazed door and lack of an offside lounge window could, otherwise, leave it feeling gloomy.

Aft of the entrance, the kitchen is compact but the tall/slim fridge offers a generous 135-litre capacity. A combination two-burner hob and sink unit with glass lid is fitted, giving a modicum of worktop in front. An oven can be added but will compromise storage space.

Opposite, the washroom is one of the least ‘entry-level’ aspects of this motorhome. There’s a white basin recessed into the counter facing you (along with a large mirror) as you enter, while the loo is the usual swivel cassette. The swing-wall arrangement creates a curtain-free shower with its own showerhead. Water tanks are a good size – 110 litres for fresh, 100 litres for grey waste.

The layout is completed by twin beds in the stern, differing only slightly in size – 1.95m by 80cm and 1.97m by 70cm (Etrusco’s figures). If you need a third berth, an option is available to make the front dinette into a 1.75m by 83cm/58cm bed.

Couples seeking a slimline motorhome with single beds will be pleased to see the face-to-face lounge here, while Etrusco’s décor gives a contemporary feel. The small galley is the inevitable downside and the price looks less tempting once options are added.