Full review

Instantly recognisable from the rest of the Danbury range, the Royale has its elevating roof hinged from the opposite end, as its layout requires maximum headroom towards the rear. It is the only model produced solely on the long-wheelbase version of the Transporter, as well as being the only one with a high-top option.

The Royale High Roof is 2.48m tall and comes with additional high-level lockers, opening windows in the sides of the high-top, but otherwise the same specification as the Low Roof version which we are concentrating on here. Only the elevating roof version can be ordered with the optional roof bed.

Key to the Royale layout is that it can offer separate twin beds, which retain a walk-through to the rear of the vehicle to access the kitchen or loo. That the layout includes a fitted cassette toilet in its own private area is a further reason to choose a Royale over Danbury’s more conventional VW models: the Surf and Trail. However, those seeking the on board loo in combination with a double bed can be catered for via an optional infill section between the single beds.

In the daytime, the Royale offers four individual seats for travel, while the cab chairs rotate through a full 180 degrees to create the lounge/diner. The rear seats are to Danbury’s own design and these fold flat at night to make the beds, with feet stretching out onto the cab seat squabs. Claimed bed lengths are 1.90m (nearside) and 1.82m (offside).

For dining, the table and its leg pop out of their ‘secret’ storage position in the lining of the offside wall. The tabletop sits centrally which is not as convenient as a pair of smaller tables (and an unhindered centre aisle) as seen in some rival models.

The split galley features a stainless-steel sink and 50-litre compressor fridge on the nearside, with a two-burner hob and grill under a folding worktop flap opposite. The cooker might look dated but at least toast is on the menu, and a full oven is on the options list – that’s a rare find in a VW camper. A small slide-out worktop extension next to the hob is another unexpected plus.

Right at the back you’ll discover the wardrobe in the offside corner, with a bench cassette toilet facing it from the other side of the campervan. A folding screen provides the required privacy here but, in the elevating roof model, the height of this is obviously limited. Above the loo, which is not covered and which is serviced via the open tailgate, is a slide-out washbasin concealed in a drawer.

All the usual Danbury options are available, including up to 50 different furniture finishes and 50 soft furnishing schemes (including leather). A diesel-fired heater is a popular option, while accessories such as sporty alloy wheels, a security tracking system or a bike rack can be factory fitted.

The Deep Black Pearl example here had the 150PS engine and DSG automatic gearbox, but a full range of VW colours and engines is available. All Royales are based on a VW T6 Window Van with DAB radio, electric mirrors, stop/start, Hill Hold Assist, ESP and twin airbags. The optional Motorhome Pack adds further features, such as cab carpet, armrests, body-coloured bumpers, additional soundproofing and more.

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