Full review

It’s not hard to appreciate the appeal of the classic British-style rear lounge with a full U-shape with side settees more than 6ft long, large windows on three sides, and add two panoramic roof windows.

To this in the A 740 Plus Frankia adds overcab single beds – with proper stairs and thick mattresses that are so comfy you might struggle to get up at all. Headroom here is 620mm, while a filler cushion means that this is a lengthways double over 2m wide, with a small section missing at the foot.

Climb down the three wide stairs and you’ll find two huge wardrobes, with one wardrobe door closing off the cab. Open the toilet door and the rest of the living area is separated, too, leaving you with a really generous en suite with a separate shower.

It’s not simply a metallic Ducato cab with a body made to match either. Here, the cab started off white and the exterior has been sprayed by Frankia. In combination with the alloy wheels it looks sensational. And it drives as well as it looks.

Practicality has not been overlooked. Despite the layout, a garage has been incorporated at the rear, with a full-sized door and a truly gargantuan top-hinged hatch in the rear wall. The garage also extends further under the lounge.

A hatch accesses the 34mm-deep double floor that holds a spare toilet cassette. The double floor means that both fresh and waste water tanks are inboard, while optional Alde heating provides radiator warmth throughout the vehicle.

The kitchen is not the biggest. But the fittings - including soft-close drawers and rattle-free hob - are quality. Five large drawers cater for low-level storage, while the double sinks have covers that can slot in to provide a serving shelf.

Opposite is a 160-litre fridge with an oven/grill above – a bit high, but if that matters to you go for the low-level oven/grill instead. Next to the fridge is a third wardrobe.

You’ll be able to take the kids, too, if you wish. The rear lounge can be turned into twin beds or a double bed that’s truly king-sized. Pop-up Aguti seats under the rear lounge mean travel is also possible for four.

This is an abridged version of the full review appearing in the November 2015 issue of What Motorhome.