Full review

Last year’s Dreamer D55+ was one of the very first van conversions on the scene in which the usual Fiat Ducato overcab shelf had been removed and a big cab sunroof added extra daylight up front, as well as the full-height walk-through.

It came with a host of added kit, too, but Hobson’s choice when it came to layout – just the typical transverse rear bed format beloved of continental brands. Despite that it was a highlight of the Dreamer range – and of the 2019 season.

Now, in its place there are three Limited models from this Rapido Group brand – the D55 layout again, plus D62 (French bed) and D68 (single beds). All come with the Comfort + Pack as standard (passenger airbag, cruise control, cab air-conditioning, DuoControl automatic gas changeover, height-adjustable cab seats, Pioneer radio with Bluetooth, rear speakers and flyscreen for the sliding door).

Not only that but they get a panoramic Skyview sunroof, a choice of three metallic paint finishes, TEP leather-style upholstery, pneumatic rear suspension, 16in alloy wheels, touch-operated reading lights and a new digital control panel that can be controlled from your smartphone.

The D68 uses the extra-long Fiat panel van and features one of Europe’s most popular campervan layouts – with a half-dinette up front and twin beds in the rear. It’s a format occasionally seen in the 6m Ducato but it benefits from the extra space of the longer van, which actually has the same wheelbase so suffers very little in terms of manoeuvrability.

Here, the all-important single beds each measure 0.79m wide, with lengths of 1.92m (nearside) and 1.97m (offside). Side windows and a small rooflight provide light and ventilation while there are two USBs and a speaker in the nearside corner. A small wardrobe (66cm hanging height) overhangs the nearside bed – that’s something you might want to try for size if you have large feet. Also, bear in mind that the top cupboards prevent sitting up in bed here.

If the bedroom is a key feature, so is the storage beneath – fitted with a practical chequerplate flooring and a false floor (storage height is 43cm with it in place, 64cm with it removed). You can go further and fold both beds to the side for a full garage, in which the nearside cupboards are unusually easy to access thanks to sliding doors. If you need the third berth (in the lounge), note that the large infill cushion takes up a lot of space.

Whether it’s a two or three-berth motorhome you need, the stylish new design of the washroom will impress. Entered via a tambour door, there’s plenty of storage for your toiletries (and elasticated straps to keep them in place).

A shower curtain is provided but only to cover the furniture and it clips into place.

The kitchen’s star feature is the 135-litre fridge/freezer with automatic energy selection, but there are also three extra-large drawers with central locking, a pull-out rack for bottles and tins, a waste bin and worktop flaps alongside the sink and over the hob. An oven is available as an option.

In a crowded sector, though, it may well be the light and airy lounge (thanks to the extra sunroof) that wins the day for this well-built and well-thought-out conversion.