Full review

This is a proven model in Auto-Sleepers’ line-up of Peugeot-based van conversions, which grows to eight variants this year with the arrival of the Fairford Plus. It’s also the little brother of the Warwick XL, which shares a rear lounge format, but in the longer 6.36m van.

For the new season it gets the latest Euro 6d engines – up to 2.2 litres and 165bhp, as well as boasting 20Nm more torque, a larger AdBlue tank and Stop & Start as standard. If you want an automatic, then the Warwick swaps onto the Fiat Ducato with 140bhp engine and the new nine-speed torque converter transmission.

Further changes concern the heating, which is a new – and easy-to-use – system from Whale. In cold chamber tests, the new heater beat the previous unit, while also freeing up space as it’s mounted underneath. A mobile WiFi system has been added to the standard spec and Thule roof rails are a new option, as is a second roll-out awning fitted over the rear doors.

The usual side awning from Thule is part of the Premium Pack, which also adds Peugeot’s integrated DAB radio with sat-nav, a leather steering wheel (new for 2020), alloy wheels, Al-Ko Air Top suspension, cab air-conditioning, a colour reversing camera with LCD screen, cruise control and a 80W solar panel.

You’ll instantly recognise any Auto-Sleeper campervan with its flush athermic glass side windows – the company uses the Boxer window van as a base. There are four exterior colours to choose from – white, blue, silver or Champagne.

The Warwick Duo, like its sister models, also comes with items that many rivals charge extra for – an underfloor 25-litre gas tank is particularly worthwhile as it’ll save you money on refills, avoid having to carry heavy cylinders and it also frees up storage space inside. An external barbecue point is included, too, but you’ll still want to add the Winter Pack and, perhaps, the Media Pack.

The layout is a classic and one that is sure to suit couples downsizing from a coachbuilt motorhome – as well as touring caravan owners. The dominant feature is the rear lounge with two long settees. It also comes with scatter cushions and armrests, reading lights and a choice of tables. Auto-Sleepers even fits a press-studded draught-excluder for the rear barn doors, so you can stretch out here whatever the weather is doing outside.

The bathroom is sited, unusually, adjacent to the sliding side door – it and the galley effectively swap places here compared with key rivals (and the Warwick XL). It includes a simple plastic tip-up washbasin, bench cassette toilet and shower. Water tanks measure 69 litres for fresh and a rather too modest 40 litres for waste.

The galley has plenty of worktop and a generous spec – it’s probably the Duo’s best feature, gaining from being on the offside rather than by the sliding door, as in most opponents. The cooker boasts three gas rings and a combined oven/grill, plus an extractor hood. There’s an eye-level microwave (a new Dometic motorhome-specific design), and an automatic energy selection fridge, as well as little details like the kitchen roll holder. What really sets this galley apart, however, is the acreage of worktop.

At night, the rear lounge converts into single beds (1.85m by 0.68m each) or a huge double (1.87m by 1.85m – manufacturer’s figures). There’s an overhanging wardrobe on the nearside, under which you tuck your toes, so heads go to the back of the motorhome. Concertina blinds are fitted, as well as lined curtains. Of course, this is a pure two-berth (with no rear travel seats), but the swivel passenger cab seat does give you somewhere to sit while your partner has a lie-in.