Full review

Dealer special editions have long been a significant part of the UK caravan and motorhome market. Take a popular model – usually from big British manufacturers, Elddis and Swift – add to the standard specification, change the graphics, branding and soft furnishings and you have a special edition, available exclusively from its supporting dealership.

It’s no surprise, then, that Brownhills – which had serious success in the past with its Suntor brand – re-entered the dealer special market in 2014 with the Evolution range from Elddis. Or that Evolution took off to such a degree that it’s now been joined at this Newark dealer by the Champagne range from Swift.

Here, though, we’re looking at the baby of the Brownhills fleet – the 5.70m Evolution 115. It’s the only model to duck – just – under the £40k price point, which certainly adds attraction for couples looking for their first new motorhome.

Brownhills says the popularity of this dealer special is down to its exterior colour scheme (with a black cab), its unique interior décor and the options fitted as standard across the range.

On the base vehicle front, these include automatic lights and wipers, ESP, and a reversing camera system for the Peugeot Boxer. Of course, the 2017 models also come with a Euro VI engine – a 2-litre, 130bhp unit which will require AdBlue top-ups around every 6,000 miles.

The extra kit doesn’t stop there. You’ll spot the awning on the side, of course, but there’s now a solar panel on the roof, too. Other additions are a dual-fuel hob and microwave, with Brownhills adding that the spec has been dictated by customer feedback and that its bulk order of better-equipped vehicles enables it to “pass on significant discounts and supply vehicles more quickly than if placing individual factory orders.”

Turning to the specifics of the Evolution 115, this is a classic two-berth, end kitchen model with a side-settee lounge (so just two travel seats, in the cab).

Despite its diminutive size, it feels roomy for two people and light, too, thanks in part to the overcab Sky-view rooflight.

The lounge converts easily into a transverse double bed, while the seat cushions use Ozio lightweight construction for optimum comfort.

Turning to Elddis’ SoLiD body construction, there’s a GRP underskin to the motorhome floor, a low-level entrance step, Grade III insulation and a 10-year water ingress and body integrity warranty.

Like all 2017 Evolutions, the 115 is also built on a lowline Peugeot chassis for the first time, which will give it much more surefooted and stable handling, especially in windy weather conditions.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the July 2017 issue of What Motorhome magazine.

You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.