Full review

Marquis is part of the same group as Auto-Sleepers and the two are collaborating, this time on a range of campervans fitted with an automatic gearbox as standard. Not only that, but these models come with every conceivable Auto-Sleeper option and are available only in white.

Usually, Auto-Sleepers’ van conversions are based on the Peugeot Boxer and, while the Fiat Ducato is dimensionally identical (and built in the same factory in Italy), it has one clear advantage over its lion-badged sister – an automatic transmission.

That’s especially important now, not because more and more motorhome buyers are seeking two-pedal driving, but because Fiat has relegated the robotised Comfort-Matic to the history books and replaced it with a superb new nine-speed torque converter gearbox, complete with Eco, Power and Normal modes. A short drive is all that’s required to convince you of its smoothness – and its intrinsic suitability for a leisure vehicle.

There are eight models in Marquis’ exclusive automatic range and all come with the same every-bell-and-whistle spec and the latest 140bhp engine, but we’re reviewing the Warwick Duo, a classic two-berth rear lounge layout. It is priced at £63,995 on the road – no ‘from’ here because there really is nothing left to add.

On the outside, it’s instantly recognisable as an Auto-Sleeper, due to the athermic tinted glass side windows which give a more automotive appearance, but you’ll also note the Thule Omnistor awning, 16in alloy wheels, colour-coded front bumper, outside TV and barbecue points, and the filler for the 25-litre underslung gas tank.

Jump into the driver’s seat and, as well as the ‘9 SPEED’ logo on the auto’ gearstick (and the missing clutch pedal!), you’ll spot the leather steering wheel with radio/phone controls, the DAB radio with sat-nav, the cab air-conditioning, the fitted cab blinds, and the fact that (in this model) the lack of seat swivels means you sit a little lower, giving a less bus-like driving position.

The high-backed cab chairs are expertly retrimmed and have a single armrest apiece and you can choose from Casa Milà or Sagrada fabrics in five colours each – the lime here is one of the bolder options.

It’s what’s at the other end of this six-metre camper that’s the crux of the Warwick Duo model, though, as here is a spacious rear lounge with twin 1.89m-long sofas, complete with matching scatter cushions and armrests.

On the nearside there’s an overhanging wardrobe reducing seating space slightly, but you still have the choice of using this area as twin single beds or a huge 1.85m by 1.89m double. There are no opening windows in this area but there’s a wind-up Heki sunroof above, rear speakers are fitted and the four reading lights can be positioned at will along their rails.

The kitchen, forward of the lounge on the offside, is another example of the extensive standard spec as it includes a Dometic cooker hood over the Triplex cooker with three gas burners and combined oven/grill, plus a new-style Dometic microwave and a 96-litre three-way fridge from, well you’ve probably guessed.

But the best part of this galley is its generous worktop area, although the removable draining board, five drawers (four small, one large for pots and pans), and plates and glasses holders are pluses, too.

Opposite the kitchen, the washroom reduces the width of the sliding side door entrance but the electric step here still makes for easy access. Inside the bathroom you’ll find a bench cassette toilet, tip-up washbasin, a small vanity unit and a shower with separate showerhead, curtain and twin drains in the tray.