Full review

If you’re looking at Bailey motorhomes and seeking something fairly compact then this, currently, is as small as they come. The Advance II models are slimmer than the more upmarket Autographs, and this is shortest in the new line-up.

Inside, it’s a classic two-person layout with long side-facing settees and a rear washroom. There are no rear travel seats, but overall length is less than some with similar floorplans from Elddis (Autoquest 175 – 7.02m) and Swift (Bessacarr 542 – 7.37m). This is still a very open-feeling interior and those 1.86m settees (same length both sides) can form near-instant single beds or, with just a little more effort, a king-sized double. Flat cushions mean flat beds, too, and, fortunately, Bailey’s previous DreamSleep system with thin, folding cushions is no more.

Thanks to the Al-Ko chassis, the entrance is low but this floor level is not continued throughout. There’s a step up to the lounge from the galley and a smaller rise in floor height into the cab. In the lounge floor, a hatch reveals a small locker. With the cab seats swivelled you could seat eight in this vehicle for an evening’s natter and the cab has reading lights. These are dimmable, too, with the spotlights over the settees having built-in USB ports. A good-sized free-standing table could serve four and it has its own storage compartment.

The kitchen comes with Bailey’s new Basalt Stone worktops, while the Thetford Triplex cooker has three burners and a combined oven and grill. There’s an 800W microwave above and the square sink comes with a washing-up bowl, removable draining board and chopping board. Importantly, there’s a flip-up worktop at the forward end of the unit – and a lot more space on the dresser unit opposite. There are two deep drawers here in addition to the small drawer below the oven. The fridge is just an under-counter model rather than the tall units seen in continental rivals, and its basic controls are one of the few indications that the Advance is a budget-priced motorhome.

Despite the keen price, the Bailey is not short of kit. The 130bhp motor is the only engine option but the ultra-low Al-Ko chassis is a big plus for handling and stability – and it’s absent from more upmarket competitors. Also included are ESP, cab air-con, cruise control, driver and passenger airbags, cab blinds and a DAB radio. Then, in the living area, you get new over-locker ambient lighting, a Truma Combi 4E gas/electric heating system and a 95-litre inboard fresh water tank. What you don’t get is options; the Advance comes with one spec level (very good) and no packs to conceal the real cost.

Finally, the 66-2 comes with a full-width rear bathroom with generous separate shower (only one drain hole, though). Work surface around the basin is lacking and shoulder-room on the corner-mounted loo might be tight for some.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read loads more like it in What Motorhome magazine. You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.