Full review

The Majestic range of motorhomes, made for the Marquis dealer network by Elddis, has grown by four models for 2015. There are now 11 motorhomes in the range including front lounge, rear lounge, twin lounge and fixed bed layouts, and low-profiles and overcabs in body lengths from sub-six to almost 7.5 metres.

The recently facelifted Peugeot Boxer is the base for the whole range, but this year all models get the 150bhp output as standard. Other ‘as standards’ across the range include a tyre pressure monitoring system, a reversing camera, an awning, a microwave and a dual-fuel hob. 

The all-new Majestic 135 and the 140 (tested here) feature rear lounges with benches that flip up to create a large storage area. Both motorhomes also have a rear hatch (but not a full-height tailgate) to access the space, bringing – in theory, at least – van conversion practicality to a coachbuilt motorhome.

A 130bhp power output is pretty much standard in the world of coachbuilt motorhomes. Many manufacturers offer power upgrades from new, but the Marquis Majestic range is one of a tiny number offering 150bhp as standard.

The 130bhp Boxer engine is no weakling, but the 150’s additional 20bhp of power and 30Nm of torque make a huge difference to the driving experience. This is particularly true in a relative lightweight like the 140.

The 140 accelerates with ridiculous ease, so roundabout exits and busy junctions don’t need the early planning you have to build in with a less willing motorhome. Motorway speeds don’t trouble the engine at all – with maximum power coming in 500rpm lower than the 130bhp Boxer, the engine note at higher road speeds is barely noticeable. This engine makes the 140 a supremely relaxing drive. You can flow and blend with other traffic without fear, and there’s never a feeling that you are the traffic.

Leisurely cooks will doubtless rest in the swivelled cab seats while lunch is cooking in the kitchen just a metre or so in front of them. For a small motorhome, the kitchen is well equipped, with a Thetford four-burner dual-fuel hob (three gas, one electric), Thetford Duplex oven/grill and a Dometic 95-litre fridge. The Daewoo microwave is a standard fitting in the Majestic range and it sits in the locker unit above the hob.

With the hob and the sink taking up all the flat space in the kitchen there is little left for worktop. The flip-up surface, measuring 30cm by 38cm, next to the sink would suffice for sandwich-making, but little else. Leave this flip-up in position and it’s also a head-bashing hazard for any small child coming aboard. Opposite the kitchen, below the wardrobe, is another flip-up surface. This one is barely bigger, at 30cm by 40cm, so any serious preparation will need to be done on the table that clips to the end wall of the lounge.

Kitchen storage has certainly been compromised in the 140 by the addition of the microwave. It takes up an entire locker, leaving a single cupboard to store all the plates and non-perishable food. The kitchen’s remaining storage consists of a shin-threatening cutlery drawer below the oven.

At night the lounge transforms into two singles or a double bed. The single beds take a minute a side to make. Remove the backrest cushions, store them up front in the cab, fit a couple of sheets and you’re ready for bed. Each single measures 1.80m long by 0.70m wide. In single bed mode you’re left with a wide aisle between the beds, so access to the rest of the motorhome is unrestricted.

This is an abridged version of the full review that appeared in the April 2015 issue of Which Motorhome.