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Auto-Sleeper Warwick Duo and IH Tio R 20th Anniversary Edition
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Featured in this review
Auto-Sleepers Warwick Duo
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Class | High top |
| Base Vehicle | Peugeot Boxer |
| Price From (£) | 46,495 |
| Length (m) | 6.00 |
| Berths | 2 |
IH Motorhomes R 20th Anniversary Edition
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Class | High top |
| Base Vehicle | Fiat Ducato |
| Price From (£) | 48,029 |
| Length (m) | 5.99 |
| Berths | 2 |
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Full review
This is a very interesting comparison because, although both vehicles start out here on a longwheelbase van and end up as two-berths with rear lounges, the philosophy to each couldn’t be more different.The Warwick Duo is Auto-Sleepers’ best-selling high-top. In motorhome terms, it’s mass-produced, albeit the name behind it – Auto-Sleepers – is possibly the most prestigious British marque in the motorhome world. As such, there is an extensive UK dealer and service network behind it.
It’s up against the individually produced Tio, in even further special edition 20th Anniversary guise, as sold direct to buyers coming to IH’s Knottingley, Yorkshire premises.
ON THE OUTSIDE
The alloy wheels here are obvious, as are the athermic glass windows (single-glazed but offering privacy).
Then there’s the colour-coded front bumper. And the Thule awning, underfloor gas tank, double-leaf rear suspension, LED running lights and external barbecue socket.
Much of this is covered by the Premium Pack. It’s £2,500 and like other options packs, it’s only going to be noticed by its absence. It puts the starting price at a more realistic £48,995. You can have all the above on an IH Tio (except the glass) but at extra cost.
ON THE ROAD
Both engines pump out a healthy 130bhp, but they are different units.
The 2.2-litre under the Warwick’s bonnet is simply not as refined, sounding noticeably gruff on start-up and acceleration, but otherwise settling down when cruising.
There are differences in the ride, though. Both base vehicles start off with exactly the same suspension specification, which tends to give a pretty firm ride overall, but Auto-Sleepers is unique amongst motorhome converters in specifying their bases for van conversions with second rear leaf springs as well as Al-Ko’s Airtop suspension aid.
ON SITE
Both vehicles here might be strictly two-berths with end lounges offering a choice of two single beds or a double, but the way they achieve this really is completely different – with the usual advantages and disadvantages for both.
KITCHEN
A proper kitchen! In fact, one that we’d be praising if it appeared in a large coachbuilt.
The Warwick Duo boasts a full food preparation area that keeps all key appliances together (it’s the same cooker as the IH, but note the different handles).
ON-BOARD STORAGE
That wardrobe is big. Auto-Sleeper designers were briefed that it must be ‘full coat hanger width’. And it’s uncluttered. It’s the pay-off for a somewhat intrusive nature.
There are five overhead lockers in the lounge. The under-seat storage via a hinged metal seat base frame offers the best access, but it’s easier to do with all cushions removed.
The nearside base has locker door access for smaller items, which is handy. What also helps are the cubbyholes – two just inside the rear doors, two over the sliding door.
What would I add? A hatch to access one of the settees when either rear door is opened could go onto the shortlist.
ON TO BED
I’m happy to accept most Warwick owners prefer to sleep as two singles – where the bed-making is simply so much easier. For the double, you remove (and have to stow) the cushion strips under the backrests.
ON THE LOO
Both vehicles offer similar facilities in terms of a bench toilet and a fold-down basin. There’s praise for two waste outlets in the shower tray, and the fold-up ledge/cup-holder on the back of the door is an intriguing addition.
I’m not so keen on the clingy shower curtain and the use of normal wallboard rather than any plastic linings.
From the layouts, you’d expect the Warwick to have much more space in its washroom. The reality is there isn’t a lot in it.
ON QUALITY
Of course it’s well put together – it’s an Auto-Sleeper. And, price per level of specification, it actually wins this contest hands down.
A bit more thought on the detailing/final inspection – for example, the actions of some of the locker doors, the missing press studs for one of the backrests – may have helped.
ON VALUE
On top of being by some way the most competitively priced product here (always assuming it’s the specification that you want, of course), Auto- Sleepers’ trump card will always be its residual values. You’ll get cheaper rivals, but it’s all about luxury as well as longevity here.
IH Tio R 20th Anniversary Edition
ON THE OUTSIDE
At the back you’ll find IH’s signature one-piece panel that incorporates a full-width, top-hinged boot, with gas struts, plus hinges and locks in stainless-steel.
There’s some three days work on this alone and it all adds up to a rather classy back end. Or you can go for the twin rear doors and save yourself £3,500. All the added windows are double-glazed acrylic – sliding for the lounge nearside (so its opening doesn’t impede the side door).
ON THE ROAD
It’s not me, that Fiat engine is definitely the quieter on start-up. It somehow seems the more willing, too, even though both motors have the same 130bhp rating. Like, the Auto-Sleeper, you can expect the IH to be pretty much rattle-free.
There’s little to choose between the driving environments, too.
ON SITE
It’s interesting to see both converters have opted for underslung gas tanks – standard in the Warwick, optional on the IH (who can also fit a larger tank, at 38 litres). Not only will it save you money on gas cylinder refills, it also frees up a considerable amount of interior space for more storage.
Slide back the side door and it’s easy to see the fuller access for the IH.
KITCHEN
It’s a smaller kitchen unit here. Nevertheless, the full cooker – the same Thetford model – doesn’t look out of place. There’s also a valuable extra worktop you can hinge up.
In theory, you could then add a drainer, although there’s useful racking on the sink’s glass lid to perform some of this function.
The fridge is across the gangway, but easily accessible and the cutlery drawer shows off IH’s carpentry skills. Storage is pretty good, too.
ON-BOARD STORAGE
A bonus of the flat floor is the overhead lockers are deeper without affecting the overall ambiance, and you can still see out via the lounge windows!
It was a slight surprise to see no sign of divider or shelves in the lounge lockers, but such fittings are made to individual specifications.
ON TO BED
Again, it’s two single beds that seem to be the preferred arrangement of buyers of this type of product – although, I stress, one possible reason (apart from easier access to the rest of the living area) is it’s not such a hassle finding somewhere to stow the excess cushions when it comes to bed-making.
At 1.98m the IH singles beds as being some 9cm longer than those in the Warwick; however, they’re also narrower.
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About Campervan magazineOur verdict
It's a close-run showdown. The Auto-Sleeper nudges ahead on re-sale values and the converter's Service Centre. The IH offers a bespoke experience and outstanding build-quality.
Auto-Sleepers Warwick Duo
Advantages
High spec and competitive pricing
Superb kitchen
Generous washroom for its type
Disadvantages
Lacks just a few further refinements
Tunnel effect of washroom and wardrobe
IH Motorhomes R 20th Anniversary Edition
Advantages
Established, award-winning manufacturer
Top-class build quality
Flexibility of specification
Disadvantages
Just the one sales and servicing outlet
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