Advertisement
Auto-Trail Expedition C71 overcab
Sections:

Key Features

Model Year 2022
Class Overcab Coachbuilt
Base Vehicle Fiat Ducato
Price From (£) 54,981
Engine Size 2.2TD
Maximum Weight (kg) 3,500
Berths 6
Main Layout Island Bed
See full details
Advertisement

At a glance

Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Price from: £53,391 Berths: 6 Travel seats: 4 Length: 7.25m Width: 2.35m Height: 3.16m Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 430kg

Full review

Words: Peter Vaughan

Photos courtesy of Auto-Trail

The Auto-Trail Expedition C71

This entry-level motorhome is easily recognised by those in the know as an Auto-Trail. The Expedition name – and the fashionable light grey coloured cab – might be new, but the body shape is inherited from the existing (more expensive) Imala. Unlike the C63 version reviewed previously, this longer C71 also has a more predictable layout.

Of course, while an island bed floorplan might appeal to more buyers, it also brings with it a lot more competition. So, this Expedition coachbuilt must go head-to-head not only with the likes of the Elddis Autoquest 150 (from £51,969), but also the Swift Edge 494 (with a more unusual transverse island bed, from £59,290), as well as countless imported models from makers such as Carado, Chausson, Joa Camp, Rimor, Roller Team, Sunlight and Sun Living.             

 

Content continues after advertisements
Advertisement
Advertisement

The layout

Most rivals (Edge excepted) are low-profiles but the Expedition sticks with the more old-school overcab style of body. It doesn’t look as sleek, or as modern, as a result and the cab seems less integrated into the living area, but using the upstairs bed will not impact on the lounge space in the way that a drop-down bed would in a low-profile.

Conversely, though, the luton berths are more confined, lacking headroom for adults. Which works best will depend on the age and size of the occupants, although it’s worth noting that the C71’s lounge can also be converted into a bed. So, this is a six-berth, although only four seatbelts are available – grandkids arriving separately could stay overnight, or teenagers could have a bed each.                   

 

The bedroom area

More important to many purchasers, however, will be the main bedroom at the back. Here, it’s the conventional format with a lengthways double and his and hers wardrobes on either side (the nearside one with shelves rather than a hanging rail). The bed itself measures a modest 1.86m by 1.32m, with a radiused foot to the bed making it unsuitable for tall motorhomers.

There’s quite limited space around the end of the bed, too, and the concertina screen that closes off the bedroom almost touches the bed. Whenever possible, you’ll want to retract this bed into its chaise longue position, which gives a lot more floor space.    

 

The washroom

Rather better than the bedroom is the washroom, which, in typical Auto-Trail style, incorporates a separate shower with bifold doors. There’s no roof vent, so the opening window is the only source of ventilation here. That aside, it’s a fairly spacious and practical little room that avoids any back-to-basics feel.        

 

The kitchen

If the C71 has a forte, though, it’s the size of its kitchen. You won’t find this much preparation space in its rivals, which often feature rather cramped L-shaped galleys. Here, there’s acres of worktop between the cooker and sink – loads of room to use the appliances you can plug into the three-socket tower. There’s a fairly generous amount of storage here, too, although the fridge has just an 85-litre capacity and the under-sink cupboard is rather cluttered with pipework. Cooking kit comprises three gas rings and a combined oven/grill.     

 

The lounge

Up front, the lounge is the continental-style half-dinette, featuring swivel cab chairs and a side-facing seat that takes on-site seating capacity to four, or five at a push. The wall-mounted table (without an extension leaf) seems small for family dining, though.        

 

Storage

Finally, it’s worth noting that the only external storage is below the island bed, but accessed through a hatch in the rear wall, instead of at the side. This area measures a maximum of 1.13m wide, 1.19m deep and 560mm high.

Content continues after advertisements
Advertisement
Advertisement

Expert motorhome advice to your door!

Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!

MMM Motorhomers' Magazine

Want to know more about MMM magazine?

Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things. MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!

About MMM magazine  
What Motorhome Magazine

Want to know more about What Motorhome magazine?

Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.

About What Motorhome  
Campervan Magazine

Want to know more about Campervan magazine?

Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!

About Campervan magazine  

Sign up to our free newsletter

Join our community and get emails packed with advice and tips from our experts – and a FREE digital issue!

Sign up now!

Subscribe to the best motorhome magazine

Access the latest issue and a decade of previous editions – all fully searchable!

Discover more

More dedicated motorhome content

Advertisement
Advertisement