Full review

We spotted this VW at the National Motorhome & Campervan Show at Peterborough and covered the launch of this new brand in our June issue. One of a selection on show, it stood out with its silver and purple paint. Here, the conversion is brand-new but the base vehicle is a late used T6 with around 12,000 miles on the clock.

Options fitted included the RIB rear bench/bed system, front and rear parking sensors, cab air-con, the grill pack and 20in gloss black alloy wheels, which help complete the arresting visuals but might give a rather unforgiving ride and less than brilliant grip on wet grass.

We’d probably go for something less OTT but the VW market – and Redline’s campers – cater for a wide variety of buyers and their tastes. That’s equally true of the interior treatment. Yes, this is yet another side kitchen layout campervan on a Transporter but you won’t see many with purple cabinets – to match the exterior, of course.

The Redline brochure shows black (with red highlights), the ever-safe grey, a greyish wood finish, lime green and even pillar box red furniture, stating that these are just a small selection of the options. All the furniture is manufactured using the latest CNC machinery and all elements of the design and installation are done by Redline, including using its own elevating roof.

There’s a similar variety when it comes to fabrics. Here it’s an automotive-looking duo-tone grey but we rather like the tartan trim (as seen in Volkswagen GTIs). Leather upholstery is available, too. Then you can choose contrasting cupboard edging, flooring and kitchen worktops. Here, there are speckled, sparkly tops for the kitchen and the table.

First, though, you’ll need to select your base vehicle – short or long-wheelbase, T5 or T6, new base vehicle or used, van supplied by you or by Redline. A Ford Transit Custom model is currently in research and development, while a bigger Crafter-based camper is expected to follow. In the meantime, the company sources all its vans from franchised dealers or large leasing companies to guarantee service history and genuine mileage.

Redline is also going for European Whole Vehicle Type Approval for its conversions. The conversion here is completely conventional in format, so it is the quality of finish that Redline hopes will allow its vehicles to stand out. The side kitchen includes a Dometic compressor fridge at the forward end where the galley unit is angled to allow plenty of adjustment of the driver’s seat for taller owners.

The top lockers above the kitchen window are also larger than in many rivals and galley worktop space is good, too. Down below, the combination two-burner hob and sink, there’s a fitted gas grill – so toast is on the menu – and double doors reveal the gas compartment. Combined, these two aspects rob you of quite a bit of storage. 

We were pleased to see Isofix on the rear RIB bench and it’s worth noting that LWB models can be specified with a wider, three-seatbelt, rear seat.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read loads more like it in What Motorhome magazine. You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.