Full review

THE Auto-Sleeper Sigma EK sits on the latest Peugeot Boxer motorhome-spec chassis-cab and buying at the starting price gets you the 2.2-litre, 100bhp engine.

However, an extra £735 for the 120bhp motor’s extra grunt should be money well spent.

Externally, a new one-piece GRP roof has raised sides, allowing the incorporation of a flush-fitting roll-out awning without compromising internal storage.

This will also help protect rooflights and other retro-fitted accessories, such as a TV aerial or solar panel, between the raised sides of the roof. Down below, an externally-accessed skirt locker offers a home for hook-up lead, wedges and tools.

Entrance through the window-equipped caravan door introduces a classic layout with front lounge and rear kitchen and washroom. The lounge offers the best of both worlds as a shallow L-shape provides forward-facing belted travel seats while still keeping the feeling of a spacious twin sofa set-up.

Here, two single beds, or one big double, are available, while above the cab the compact luton offers a further double bed more suitable for youngsters.

The rear offside kitchen features a full cooker with sensible sink/drainer, while forward of this the fridge housing is topped by a good slab of worktop served by a cocktail cabinet above, complete with crystal glasses.

At last, this Auto-Sleeper offers a proper cutlery drawer where previous models were less well equipped. The washroom sees Auto-Sleepers’ take on the swinging wall, as washbasin and mirrored cabinet twist aside to create a virtual separate shower.

There’s a second door to the adjacent wardrobe in here too, so this space could also be used as a dressing room.

Auto-Sleepers’ latest electrical control system includes a touch-screen panel and remote control that, among other things, allows you to switch on the interior lights as you approach the ‘van in the dark.

A flexible and powerful battery charger also ensures that even if you are using 12V power – when on hook-up – a depleted leisure battery will still be recharged.

High-quality upholstery, pleated blinds and comprehensive lighting are the icing on the Sigma cake.

Summary:

A popular layout adds increased versatility in washroom and lounge while combining Auto-Sleeper’s traditional values with some of the latest technology.



Fact file:

Make: Auto-Sleepers
Model: Sigma EK
Base vehicle: Peugeot Boxer chassis-cab, 100bhp
Price from: £39,995 on-the-road
Length: 6.28m (20ft 7in)
Width: 2.32m (7ft 7.5in)
Height: 2.97m (9ft 9in)
Gross vehicle weight: 3,500kg
Payload: 481kg
Berths: 4
Travel seats: 4, including driver

* This article originally appeared in the April 2007 issue of Which Motorcaravan. To subscribe to the magazine, click here.