Full review

In our July 2019 ‘Best New ’Vans Money Can Buy’ issue, we declared the Elddis Autoquest CV20 to be the class winner in van conversions without a fixed bed. Here then, is a dealer special edition based on that model, but with extra spec. What’s not to like?

Elddis launched a pair of six-metre van conversions for 2019 and both are available in Evolution trim. Each has a rear lounge – one with rear travel seats in a half-dinette behind the cab (CV40) and one pure two-berth (CV20). Both are based on the Fiat Ducato with a 130bhp engine – and metallic black paintwork.

Base vehicle spec goes on to include a rear view system, ESP, a DAB radio with Bluetooth, cruise control, cab carpet, cab air-con, automatic lights and wipers and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Alloy wheels add a touch of style, while the exterior also features a solar panel and awning. The sliding side door is equipped with a flyscreen and electric step.

The layout is a British classic that focuses on spacious lounging in the stern. Both rear settees are 1.88m long (perfect to act as instant single beds) and the area feels even more spacious with the rear barn doors fully open. There’s only a small rooflight here but there are opening windows all around and moulded trim panels on walls and doors give a more automotive look, while distinctive fabrics give the Evolution its own ambience. Reading lights are fitted in all four corners of the lounge and a free-standing table caters for dining.

Up front, both cab seats swivel and there’s plenty of adjustment for the driver’s seat, despite the position of furniture close behind. Cab blinds are fitted and this area makes a good secondary seating area.

The kitchen features a Thetford Triplex cooker with three-burner hob and combined oven/grill, while a 90-litre compressor fridge (mounted at waist height on the offside) is another big plus. Under the fridge is the wardrobe (with 770mm drop), while the kitchen is angled at the forward end (where you’ll find four small-but-useful front-facing drawers) to increase floorspace. Practical features include a folding worktop extension over the end of the nearside sofa.

Opposite the galley, the washroom is located where you’d anticipate it but you’ll be impressed to see a ‘boutique’ basin on a plinth, although the tap does double up as the showerhead and there’s only one shower drain. Towel hooks, toothbrush mug, etc, are provided and there’s a small mirror-fronted high-level cupboard.

Elddis turns to Whale for heating and hot water – 4kW for the former, eight litres of the latter, both mounted underneath. There’s an underslung 90-litre fresh water tank, too, but the waste tank is a modest 45 litres. The 25-litre LPG tank will save you money on gas.

Completing the kit list are Grade III insulation and a Tracker Retrieve (Category 7) security system. All in all, like others of its ilk, the Evolution CV20 takes a proven product and adds more equipment for a slightly inflated price tag. We suspect the only question will be whether or not you like the black exterior.

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