Full review

In the commercial vehicle sector, 96% of the UK’s 4.8 million vehicles are diesel-powered. And, as we know, motorhomes almost invariably start life as light commercial vehicles. In the UK, there are just a handful of campers based on car-derived petrol-engined vans, such as the VW Caddy and Ford Transit Connect, plus Hillside’s all-electric Nissan Dalbury. That was all.

Now, though, VW has introduced petrol versions of the T6 Transporter, which were previously only available on the Continent. The question is, are there really benefits in returning to the green pump?

While Volkswagen’s diesel T6 range stretches from 83bhp up to 201bhp in four stages, the petrol offering – thus far – is more limited. You can have 148bhp, but only with a six-speed manual gearbox, or 201bhp, solely with a seven-speed DSG automatic (for an extra £5,000!).

Both short and long-wheelbase derivatives come with petrol power but there’s no four-wheel drive option.

Bilbo’s has been proactive in bringing petrol-engined campers to market and was the first to offer us one for test – a short-wheelbase 148bhp version of the Celex.

Turn the key, and the fuel used is obvious immediately. It is extremely hushed, so thankfully the Bilbo’s conversion was rattle-free, too.

VW refers to its ‘sportier driving style’ but the initial impression is more of extra smoothness and refinement.

VW’s official figures put the TSI just 0.1 seconds ahead of the TDI in the 0-62mph dash, though, and top speeds are identical. Using VW’s official figures on the combined cycle, the TSI looks miles behind its established equivalent – 31.0mpg plays 45.6!

However, while we’ve never got anywhere near 45mpg with a diesel T6, the petrol engine wasn’t too far adrift from the numbers quoted: a trip computer indication of 27/28mpg when touring seemed easily achievable. Compare that with the 35mpg we’d expect from a TDI in similar conditions and the diesel will save you less than £200 in a year (based on 5,000 miles per annum and today’s fuel prices).

If diesel is taxed more heavily in future that advantage could be all but wiped out – and don’t forget the £1,000 saving at the outset.

Whether you go for petrol or diesel, the Celex conversion is the same. It starts life as a T6 window van, which Bilbo’s chooses over the panel van for safety reasons, as seatbelt mountings are already in situ.

The company offers alternative models, but the classic side kitchen design in the Celex remains its top seller, with long-wheelbase versions favoured by those wanting extra living space and storage.

It’s the shorter model that’s tested here, with Bilbo’s own low-lie elevating roof. Unusually, this is side-hinged and, lowered, it doesn’t stretch right to the extreme edges of the ’van.

It is a doddle to raise and lower, though – much lighter than other manual roofs – and provides a generous 7ft headroom, with daylight flooding in through the nearside windows and a flyscreened vent at each end for fresh air.

A roof bed for kids is an option, but those seeking a larger bed up top can go for the continental (rear-hinged) roof option, while a high-top is offered for buyers wanting extra storage.

All T6s also now come with City Emergency Braking (which will slam on the anchors if an imminent collision is detected).

In the kitchen, you can’t fault the finish, but the design, too, trumps most rivals because it includes two large drawers (where rivals usually have less-convenient cupboards), a larger-than-average fridge (65 litres) and there’s a grill/warming oven as standard (or a microwave as an option).

The little lockers over the galley are just a small addition to stowage space, but the tall, tambour-doored cupboard next to the sink is more significant. Whether you use this for clothes or food, it adds significantly to the space available. As does the double cupboard under the rear seat, one half of which will take a Porta Potti.

Then there’s the large boot area, with plenty of room for all your bedding on the upper level and space for mucky outdoor stuff (boots, mains lead, chairs, etc) below (even long items can be accommodated thanks to sliding hatches in the backs of the under-seat cupboards).

Pity there’s no light in this bottom area, though, and it was disappointing to see untrimmed rear wheelarches (there’s quite a lot of paintwork on show around the rear windows, too).

The wardrobe (in the far rear corner) has its door hinged so that it’s easiest to reach by leaning over the back seat but, if the top section of the boot is rammed with bags and bedding, it may be a struggle to get to that clean shirt. Could a tambour door have been employed here?

Or maybe the answer is to move some of your gear when you’ve parked up on site and raised the top. Now there are useful shelves at each end of the roof – ideal for soft bags.

Bilbo’s uses its own design of seat/bed, too. The rear bench doesn’t slide but it is one of the easiest to convert to a bed and the bed’s width beats many rivals – despite the comprehensive kitchen – because the furniture is slimmer to the rear. It’s also a comfortable, ridge-free bed and you’re less likely to need a mattress topper here than in say a California.

The table clips to a rail on the front of the galley and can be used either in conjunction with the cab seats or the back bench. Lined curtains do an effective job of keeping out the daylight and providing privacy, while four LED strip lights illuminate the interior, although they can seem a bit too intense. We couldn’t fault the surprisingly quiet, optional (petrol-powered!) heating, though, with Webasto’s latest digital temperature control and timer.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the January 2018 issue of MMM magazine.

You can get a digital version of this latest issue of MMM magazine here.