Full review

The 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. This is expected to be the top-selling model.

A further outlay of £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. Power unit is now a 2-litre 120bhp. An automatic is available with the top-spec 180bhp motor but Romahome has yet to announce pricing for this. 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 ubiquitous 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. Unusually, at night the curtains run behind the cab, rather 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. Better are the amount of worktop on offer and the neat utensil recess alongside the sink. The open storage pockets seen in this pre-production model will have cargo nets added.

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 fore/aft 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.

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