Full review

Romahome’s R50 Génération marks the relaunch of one of the most famous names in small motorhomes.

It continues the long-established relationship between the brand and Citroën, and features the company’s trademark GRP interior fixtures. But as a conventional side kitchen, pop-top camper, it takes the maker into previously uncharted waters.

The R50 is based on the Medium version of the latest Citroën Dispatch van, so it compares closely in size with a short-wheelbase VW T6. The conversion is offered in three models, all linked to the spec of the base vehicle.

The entry-level model sneaks in at just under £40k, based on the Dispatch X with a 95bhp 1.6-litre engine. It comes with ESC, driver and passenger airbags, cruise control, DAB radio and rear tailgate with wash/wipe. 

Upgrade to the £44,995 Exclusive (on the Dispatch Enterprise) and you get a 115bhp motor, air-con, electric mirrors, one-touch front windows, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, alarm, 7in touchscreen, automatic lights and wipers, and a Look Pack.

A further £3k takes you to the top-of-the-range Exclusive Plus, with front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, alloy wheels, metallic paint, front foglights and electrically folding mirrors. The power unit is now a 2-litre 120bhp, too. An automatic is also available with the top-spec 180bhp engine. Every base vehicle comes with a three-year/100k-mile warranty.

Whichever version of the R50 takes your fancy, you’ll get a swivel passenger seat, rear-hinged elevating roof, pleated blinds, mains hook-up, four touch lights and a leisure battery. Key options include a diesel-fired heater (£1,500), colour-coded roof (£650), coloured cabinets (£250) and a solar panel (£285).

The conversion uses the popular RIB rear seat/bed, which folds down to create a double bed measuring 1.85m by 1.04m. There’s an optional memory foam mattress for kids sleeping up top (the bed is 1.64m by 0.94m), while a useful shelf at the front of the pop-top (when raised) makes a practical addition. Rather unusually, at night the curtains run behind the cab, excluding this area after dark.

The side galley includes a Can hob and sink with two gas burners and push-button ignition. The fridge is a 38-litre Vitrifrigo compressor type, while, alongside, a tambour door reveals the portable water carrier and rather limited storage space. The amount of worktop on offer is good, though, and there’s a neat utensil recess alongside the sink.

With its GRP furniture, the R50 has a practical feel to its interior that will appeal to past owners of the brand. While its rear seat is not mounted on floor track, it does have some backward/forward movement, but it’s worth noting that with the bed down, the fridge door is obstructed. That’s the price to pay for the Citroën’s smaller interior dimensions compared with a VW T6.

The Romahome lowdown

Romahome is best known for its micro-coachbuilt motorhomes based on small Citroëns, and they still build the R20 on pre-owned Berlingos.
New models based on the next-generation Berlingo and the Relay panel van are currently in the pipeline. If you fancy getting your hands on one, Romahome has two dealers: Wilmoths in Southampton and Howards Motorhomes in Taunton.

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