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Autocruise Forte
Sections:

Key Features

Model Year 2013
Class High top
Base Vehicle Peugeot Boxer
Price From (£) 45,230
Length (m) 6.36
Berths 4
Belted Seats 4
Main Layout Rear Lounge
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At a glance

Price From:£45,230 Price As Tested: £46,675 Type Approval: High-top Van Conversion Options Fitted: Comfort Pack (£1,445) Berths: 4

Full review

Using the Peugeot Boxer’s extra long wheelbase, the new 6.4m Autocruise Forte is part of a growing trend of extra long van conversions. Murvi recently announced the Morocco XL and Rapido have just unveiled the V66, so how does the Forte stack up in comparison?


The Forte is an interesting blend of winning aspects from other members of the Autocruise range, especially the Rhythm and Accent, with a vastly improved bit of the Quartet. But there’s much more to it than that say Autocruise. The Forte is aimed at those who want a full-sized four-berth motorhome, but want to keep it all in a van conversion.

Cruising Along

Also available on a Fiat Ducato base for those wanting the option of an automatic transmission and a slightly more refined engine, both models push out the same 130bhp, but initial take-up is a bit livelier on the Fiat.

The official figures are that the Boxers 130bhp is produced at 3,500rpm with 320Nm of Torque at 2,000rpm, whereas the Ducato power peaks a 3,600rpm, but the same torque is developed at 1,800rpm.

Whilst the Boxer can be a little gruff on start up, the six-speed gearbox and optional cruise control (included in the Comfort Pack - £1,445) make up for it.

On the road, the extra 0.36m over the long wheelbase variant is barely a concern, and with reversing sensors (also in the Comfort Pack) parking isn’t a problem. The only small concern here is the lack of an interior rear-view mirror.

More (Weight?) For Your Money

The optional Comfort Pack comes with cruse control, passenger airbag, reversing sensors and front foglights, amongst myriad other fixtures and fittings, but at cost to payload.

Payload on the standard model is 380kg, not exactly generous considering the vehicle is four-berth, but this is pegged back by the extra 37kg of the Comfort-Matic gearbox, and another 20kg for the Comfort Pack. Especially low when you consider the Forte doesn’t come with a spare wheel, but a Fix ‘n’ Go puncture repair kit.

Living Areas

On entering the Forte’s living areas (two lounges no less), the primary concern in winter is the lack of the standard Truma Combi 4. This model comes with the cost-cutting Combi 2, probably not powerful enough to keep you toasty on the coldest of European days.

The furniture however is of a relatively high standard, hardwearing, comfortable and well trimmed. It’s produced from high density, reflex foam of a better quality than many manufacturers.

Frustratingly, when rotated the cab seats, even at their lowest settings are a few inches too high to comfortably eat from the half-dinette table they face which comfortably seats 4. In the rear lounge there is a smaller circular table, with more comfortable dining for two.

Entertainment wise, there are a plethora of speakers throughout the Forte, as well as facilities for placing your flat screen TV in either lounge. Autocruise fits two brackets and a folding arm for this very purpose, and the Status 530 TV aerial comes as standard.

Despite the fitting of a Truma Combi 2 as opposed to the 4, the Forte does actually retain heat well. The whole vehicle has been tested in Truma’s cold chamber, achieving a Grade Two rating. The only downside here is that the washroom actually gets too hot due to the proximity to the heater.

The Galley

Located centre-van, nearside, the kitchen provides an adequately sized worktop, cutlery drawer, and four cupboards to hand, as well as two overhead lockers. Whilst it may be narrow by necessity, the Forte’s kitchen provides everything one could ask for with a 3-burner hob, base level oven and high-level rear refrigerator, as well as a double mains socket.

No microwave is fitted as standard, however there is an option for one of the overhead cupboards to be removed in exchange for one. This could lead to a lack of storage, although below the refrigerator there is what is technically a wardrobe, which could be pressed into storage if necessary.

Washroom Facilities

There has been a lot of effort put into this frankly tiny washroom. The toilet is brilliant, a swivel bowl model so no issues with comfort there. The fixed handbasin is also a good effort at keeping the basin actually useable, although it can be very intrusive when attempting to shower.

It appears Autocruise have weighed up their priorities and settled that very few folk do actually shower in van-conversions. Despite the lack of space in the shower though, it is actually very good. There is a water-saving trigger action, as well as a moulded panel for the back wall.

The Sleeping Areas

The Forte has two separate sleeping areas, with everything required to turn the lounge areas into functional, comfortable bedrooms stored in a single unit at the end of the kitchen.  The sleeping areas have been vastly improved buy Autocruise after some less than favourable feedback on the Quartet.

The rear sleeping area is endlessly easier to set up and much more comfortable than on previous Autocruise models. It’s also home to a few angle-poise lamps and energy-saving LED lights. In fact the only area lacking in the bedrooms is the absence of a ledge to put your book and glasses on.

Construction and Storage

With Autocruises entrance to the XL-Wheelbase arena, ahead of many key rivals, storage has of course been improved. Whilst in any small camper storage will always be an issue, this is an oxymoron, large, small camper. As opposed to the magnetic storage lockers on previous Autocruise campers, which have come in for their fair share of criticism, the overhead lockers are now sealed with much more reassuring solid catches.

A great touch is the simple fact that the ambient lighting actually shines into almost all storage areas within the Forte, making searching for that small item all the easier.

It could be argued that this model works better as a two-berth touring, with the extra bed an optional extra to free up some valuable storage space, but the standard of construction really is great. The Forte is a motorhome that should hold its value, meaning this model should be a very sought-after vehicle on the second-hand market.

Read the full review in the May 2013 digital issue of MMM

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Our verdict

Too early to call until Autocruises rivals models are released, but this certainly seems to fill a gap for an extra long van conversion. One major credit point to Autocruise is that they have hit the ground running with the Forte. This is not a hesitant debut into a new market. It is well thought through, great value for money and shows a willingness to listen to customers other companies would do well to note.

Advantages

Two lounges - in a panel van
Good looking exterior
Highly competitive price
Easy driving
All-LED lighting
Quality upholstry and fittings

Disadvantages

Noisy engine on Peugeot Boxer base
Very limited payload
Numerous rattles
Lack of interior and exterior colour options

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