Full review

While this all-new model, called the Phoenix RL Assist (RL for rear lounge), is based on the current Phoenix RL, it has several major modifications to make it suitable for a disabled passenger. Shire Conversions created the new model as a result of a request from one of its customers who wished to holiday independently with a disabled passenger.

The original Phoenix RL Assist is built on a Citroën Relay, but all of the production models will be based on the identical (in terms of body shape and dimensions) Fiat Ducato. The specification in the cab is high, with the 150bhp Euro VI engine as standard and extras such as sat-nav, cruise control, air-conditioning, twin airbags and reversing sensors all included in the price.

The habitation area has also been well equipped and includes two 110Ah leisure batteries, all-LED lighting, a 100-litre insulated fresh water tank and 60-litre insulated waste water tank. Buyers also get six 230V sockets and a USB charging point as standard. Water and habitation (blown-air) heating is courtesy of Truma’s Combi 4E gas/electric system.

But it is in the rear that the real interest lies. Immediately behind the twin swivel seats (and down a small step) is a four-point fixing system for a wheelchair (either manual or electric). This means that a wheelchair-bound passenger can remain in his/her chair facing forwards and in complete safety as there is also a three-point rear seatbelt to secure the passenger, in addition to the locking fixing points for the wheelchair.

The passenger can also travel in the cab seat, if desired, thanks to a standard electric hoist system that runs the full length of the inside of the motorhome. This system can be used to transfer the passenger to the cab seat or all the way back to the rear lounge. This latter seating area is equipped with a second TV (there is another one facing the swivel cab seats and both are standard equipment) and twin side-facing sofas, which convert into a transverse double bed measuring 1.85m by 1.37m. Cleverly, the bed can be part made, allowing easier access to the passenger who is laid down for situations such as giving them a bed bath.

There is, of course, a full electric chair lift for easy access through the side sliding door. Facing this door is an 88-litre three-way Dometic fridge and clothes storage, while just inside the doorway, along the nearside, is the galley. This, too, is well equipped, with a three-burner gas hob, combined oven and grill, microwave, and plenty of storage provided by drawers, a cupboard and overhead locker.

Opposite the galley is the washroom, which, as standard, comes with a shower, plus a fold-away basin above a swivel Thetford toilet. But, as Shire Directors, brothers Darryl and Dale Healey, explain, the washroom can be adapted – as can every aspect of this campervan – to suit an individual customer’s needs. “We can reduce the threshold – the step into washroom – or add a different, perhaps larger, swivel loo,” said Darryl. “We will work with each customer to ensure the conversion suits their specific needs.”

This new model is based on the extra-long (6.36m) Fiat Ducato with a 3.5-tonne gross weight, giving 400kg of payload. It retails for £62,000 but, because it has permanent adaptations and equipment for disabled passengers, qualifying customers will pay the VAT-free price of £51,667.

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