Full review

Images courtesy of Coast 2 Coast

We came across Coast 2 Coast Campers at the National Motorhome & Campervan Show, where this VW caught our attention with its 20in alloys and lowered suspension. The Brierywood is one of six models offered by the converter and, despite adopting the ubiquitous side kitchen floorplan, it has some less-usual details. For a start, this is a long-wheelbase Transporter, which adds 400mm to the overall length – and thus extra floorspace (useful with pets) and cupboards inside.

The show model – based on a used T6 – is also quite striking with its adjustable coilover suspension featuring a comfort pack to maintain ride quality. Then there are the big wheels and a Sportline front spoiler with additional splitter, as well as side bars from Coast 2 Coast’s sister company, which does the cosmetic add-ons.

The roof is a German SCA pop-top with scenic opening front section. “It’s the holy grail of roofs,” says MD, Spencer Clark, although Coast 2 Coast also uses pop-tops from Westdubs and PopTop Roofs.

The layout

The key aspect of the Brierywood, though, is the three-seater bench, installed to meet growing demand for five-seater campervans (or six seats with a double passenger cab seat). The seat/bed unit used here is the 1.29m-wide RIB, mounted on top runners to give some fore/aft adjustment. As usual, it’s well shaped for comfort, if rather high for those with shorter legs.

Novelties

Inside, it’s optional extra all-leather trim, complete with diamond stitching and embroidered VW logos. Even more noticeable are the cab seats that Coast 2 Coast restyles to give more support at the sides and shoulders. Standard spec includes VW seat trim to match the original seats, while a small table clips to the front of the galley and serves two sat on the settee.

Another novelty is the flip-down TV screen built into the base of the roof bed – ideal to stop the ‘are we nearly there yet?’ enquiries on a long trip, perhaps. There’s an optional flyscreen on the sliding door, too.

Opposite the entrance, the cabinetwork is all designed and CNC-cut in-house. There’s a wide range of different finishes and styles available.

The kitchen

What makes the Brierywood different is the design of its galley – wide up front, then slimmer alongside the back seat – not just to include triple belts but also a wider bed. Where the unit is deeper, it incorporates a hob and sink combination unit, while below is the 47-litre front-loading Dometic compressor fridge.

Storage

Between the fridge and the cooker is a useful push-to-open drawer for your cutlery and utensils, while, towards the rear, tambour doors reveal a fairly generous amount of cupboard space. Unusually, there are two quite capacious drawers under the bench seat. Providing more storage are the top lockers running almost the full length of the camper but, in a further break from the norm, there’s no tall unit or wardrobe in the rear offside corner.

Options

The Brierywood’s spec also includes privacy glass, blackout curtains, LED lighting, an underslung 24-litre fresh water tank and 12V, 230V and USB sockets. Other options include a microwave or gas oven, underfloor LPG tank, Webasto diesel heating and solar panels.