Full review

With campervans and van conversions accounting for much of the boom in leisure vehicle registrations in Europe’s biggest market, Germany, it’s hardly surprising that every maker is now fighting for a slice of that increasingly large kuchen. Specialists such as Globecar and Westfalia have expanded their line-ups to fill every niche, manufacturers such as Hobby have entered the fray and everyone seems to be after a USP. When most firms offer the same transverse rear double bed or lengthways twin singles layouts, that’s not easy…

Enter Sunlight (and sister brand, Carado). A company that’s built a reputation on solidly constructed but utterly conventional layouts in a modest array of coachbuilts, Sunlight trades in the entry-level market. So, it’s no surprise to see the new Cliff (launched this season) offering tempting price tags from £40k to £43k. At that level, competitors are relatively few – think Dreamer (from Rapido), Rimor and Sun Living (from Adria).

That starting price is slightly misleading because you’ll not want to go without the £1,970 Chassis Pack, which adds cab air-con, a passenger airbag, electric mirrors, cruise control, radio pre-wiring, height adjustment for the passenger seat and a 120-litre diesel tank. Deduct 58kg for your payload now, too.

Chances are, UK-bound stock vehicles will also boast the Basic Pack – that’s another £1,230 and 44kg. And then you’ll get a duckboard for the shower and clothes rail in the bathroom, cab armrests, a galley worktop extension flap, bathroom window, cab blinds, an external step and flyscreen for the sliding door and a table extension. So, now we’re up to £44,450.

In tune with other Sunlight vehicles, though, the conversion holds few surprises. It does feel like a practical camper, though, that’s short on bling but strong on usability. Up front, the half-dinette bench is trimmed to be a close match for the Fiat upholstery on the cab chairs. Separate head restraints are fitted for rear passengers and the reading lights clip to a rail and can be positioned wherever you deem most suitable – that feels like a touch from a more expensive vehicle.

Where the overhead lockers have a traditional wood finish, the galley adopts a more modern white and grey with large drawers making excellent use of the space. The extension flap is pretty much the only worktop available once the hob’s lid and sink’s chopping board cover are out of commission. The compressor fridge has a generous 90-litre capacity and is mounted at chest height for easy accessibility.

Opposite, between the washroom and lounge, is a surprisingly large wardrobe with useful shelved locker below. Storage is well-thought-out in this vehicle. And that’s before you consider the usual fold-away rear bed which allows bikes, etc, to be carried on board. The step for the rear bed and the bathroom’s tambour door and fixed corner basin are more pluses.

Practicality is again the Sunlight watchword, it seems.

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