Full review

Like all V-Line SEs, the new 634 comes only in silver and, with its 16in alloy wheels, colour-coded front bumper, fitted awning and LED daytime running lights, it looks like a leisure vehicle. It manages an upmarket air, despite the caravan-style windows mounted proud of the body. 

This entry-level Ducato motor is more frugal (and lighter) than the more-often-seen 130bhp engine (which is available for an extra £900). For many buyers it’ll be entirely adequate, though an engine upgrade becomes essential if you want the robotised Comfort-Matic gearbox. If you do want more grunt, our choice is the 150bhp motor, priced at £1,800 over the standard unit.

There’s no shortage of cab spec, though, as long as you’ve forked out an extra £1,149 for the usual Auto-Trail Media Pack. That includes a new Xzent touchscreen radio with reversing camera and sat-nav.

The 634 SE is based on the extra-long (6.36m) Ducato panel van and uses its generous-for-a-campervan dimensions to create a roomy two-berth motorhome. It’s the classic rear lounge format, with the only travel seats being those in the cab. The main beneficiary of the additional third of a metre (plus a bit) over the long-wheelbase van seems to be the kitchen.

Not only is the fridge super-sized, but the galley is more generously proportioned than many, too. The tall cooler faces you as you open the sliding door and incorporates a 15-litre freezer on top and a bottle drawer at the bottom. The rest of the kitchen is on the nearside but less of the doorway is obstructed than usual and, even with the folding worktop extension raised, entrance here is easy. That working area is not the sole preparation space, either, as there’s a useful area between the hob and sink. And you don’t just get a hob (three gas burners) to cook on, as there’s a combined oven/grill below and an 800W microwave up above.

As a pure two-berth, this V-Line owes much of its appeal to the rear lounge where there’s more than enough space for a couple to put their feet up. The design really came to the fore for me when parked up near Sutton-on-Sea with the back doors wide open, a coffee on the table and views out over the miles of uncrowded sandy beach. Gazing at the outside world like this, you can place a scatter cushion against the furniture, but it’s equally possible to lean against the back doors when they’re closed. 

I was pleased to find in the wardrobe a small, round table that was perfect for meals on my own, but which would also serve well when catering for drinks and snacks for a couple. The larger dining table (800mm by 550mm, rather than 550mm diameter) seems sensibly proportioned for a two-berth ’van. It stores behind the driver’s seat and uses the same single leg.

The attraction of the end lounge doesn’t stop when you switch off the lights. In fact, at night this type of van conversion layout is perhaps second only to a fixed bed. Firstly, you can simply remove the settee’s backrests and use the sofas as twin single beds. Alternatively, bridging the gangway – easily done with pull-out slats supported by their own integral legs – allows a large double to be formed without a great deal of effort (or too many cushions). The nearside single bed measures a full 6ft long but make sure you’ve got a significant other who’s shorter than you, because the offside bed is 5ft 9in

The one time it pays to have long legs is when sat on the cassette toilet – because it’s mounted on a plinth and its seat is rather high. While you’re seated you’ll also find the shower control fitted rather too close to your ribs, but you won’t get an accidental showering because the shower has a trigger-type head. That does mean you’ll have to hand hold the small shower head, and you’ll probably have to mop up afterwards as there’s only one drain hole.

The V-Line isn’t generally short of spec, however, with Truma Combi 4E gas/electric heating, plus a 100W solar panel, an underslung 25-litre gas tank and generous interior lighting. Aside from the Media Pack (or Media Plus Pack with satellite dish), the only main options to consider concern what’s under the bonnet. Storage, too, is quite generous.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the November 2018 issue of MMM magazine. You can get a digital version of this latest issue of MMM magazine here.