DETAILED REVIEW

KEENLY priced and lacking the extra axle of some rivals on its Al-Ko chassis, the 800 is also more modest in length – an eight-metre-long parking space will see it snugly accommodated.

Ahead of the Al-Ko rear frame, Fiat’s latest-and-greatest Ducato propels, although the standard 130bhp motor will probably only enjoy using the gearbox’s sixth ratio downhill, with the wind behind.

No matter, just over £1,700 will see a far more appropriate 157 horses under the bonnet and still keep the price under £50k. Surprisingly – in these days of ever increasing safety standards – this is a six-berth motorhome with only two belted seats.

Although there’s plenty of scope for visitors to stay over I would prefer to see a more practical set-up and, indeed, the soon-to-be-introduced HD version will add a couple of belts (on a half-dinette) in the rear.

Raison d’être here is the rear-located island double bed, snug in its own room and with en-suite facilities on-hand.

Separate shower cubicle and toilet/washbasin room are all enclosed as the toilet door swings across into the aisle.

The bed’s longer than some and very comfy – the same, however, cannot be said about the headroom.

I’m only 5ft 10in tall but I found my pate interfering with the light fittings and Heki rooflight as soon as I ascended the step into the bedroom.

The other four berths are born thanks to a generous luton double and the lounge, where modestly-sized twin sofas pull together to make another transverse two-person bed.

Lounging – thanks to swivelling cab seats –is good for six motorhomers, while mealtimes see a free-standing table provide a dining surface in the same place.

The kitchen’s linear character includes full cooker and deep sensible sink/drainer, although the small fridge, limited storage and lack of worktop do it few favours.

Kit levels are good, with flatscreen TV locker and convector heating with blown-air and mains electric operation stand-out conveniences. General storage matches the three-quarter-tonne payload – externally-accessed through-locker, under-bed and under-sofa space should swallow plenty of bulky kit.

Summary:

Seemingly well-priced and well-equipped, the 800 will suit shorter motorhomers, while the forthcoming rear-seatbelt equipped HD version will make far more sense.


Fact-file:

Make: Lunar
Model: Roadstar 800
Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Al-Ko, 130bhp
Price from: £48,285 on-the-road
Length: 7.97m (26ft 2in)
Width: 2.38m (7ft 9.5in)
Height: 2.95m (9ft 8in)
Gross vehicle weight: 4,250kg
Payload: 750kg
Berths: 6
Travel seats: 2, including driver

•    This article was first published in the April 2007 issue of Which Motorcaravan.

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