Full review

Bürstner’s City Car campervan range includes all the usual fixed bed formats beloved of continental makers. Now there are two more upmarket (higher spec) Harmony Line models, including this C 603, which adds an unusual twist to the layout.

In fact, most of what you see here is shared with the conventional C 600 Harmony Line, including the six-metre Fiat Ducato panel van base and the fold-away transverse double bed in the tail. What’s new is the lounge, or you could even say the lack of lounge, for the C 603 does without the usual half-dinette and its associated rear travel seats. Here, the only chairs are the two Fiat ones in the cab, which of course swivel round when you arrive at your camping destination.

Those seats are attractively re-trimmed, partially in faux leather, and come with twin armrests apiece. But where a forward-facing bench would normally face the rotated cab seats there is instead a low-level cabinet which features a deep top-loading locker and recesses for four wine bottles, plus an elasticated rack for maps and magazines on the wall.

Then, adjacent, under the side window, is more storage under a large, two-section, swing-out table which would also serve as a good desk for your laptop, etc. Actually, it makes you wonder if this motorhome is envisaged to live a life as a business tool, as well as a leisure role.

The remainder of this new-for-2019 City Car is much as you’d expect, starting with a galley that’s sited part-way across the sliding door (on the offside as per most imports). Here there are six large soft-close drawers below the separate two-burner hob and matching rectangular stainless-steel sink. A small worktop flap is an essential addition as the two glass lids fill most of the galley area, while it’s good to note that a flyscreen for the large side door is also standard.

To the rear of the main kitchen unit (with a spice rack on the wall and 12V and 230V sockets nearby) is a 90-litre compressor fridge – a good size for a campervan of this size. Then, under the cooler, is a shallow wardrobe.

The rear bed measures a generous 1.94m by 1.53m maximum (it’s slightly narrower on the nearside). The mattress itself goes right into the recessed shape of the side walls, so this bed is a good deal longer than some other transverse bed Fiats. The bed base is on slats all the way across, too, while further pluses are the pair of rear speakers, twin USB ports and heater outlet. Removable reading lights attach to rails at either end of the bed, while the slot-in panel at the forward end of the under-bed space not only stops your gear sliding forward under braking but also has a step attached to ease access to the bed (which is 0.92m off the floor).

Conversion of the bedroom to a full-height garage is as easy as they come, with the centre section of the bed simply folding from horizontal to vertical and clipping into position.

The central washroom is quite small but its tambour door won’t disturb the gangway, or the cook working there. Inside, the design is pure HymerCar, even down to the controversial backless basin which could be a waster of water if you’re not quick with the tap. Two large mirrors make the space feel bigger than it is, while a clothes drying rail is fitted and the shower curtain only has to protect the back of the compartment.