Full review

The A-class type of motorhome is probably more noticeable in mega-big, super-luxury guise, but the concept actually works particularly well contained within the walls of more modest motorhomes. And the Geist 615 is a great example.

At just eight imperial inches over six metres in length, this diminutive model manages to be a very credible four-berth thanks to the A-class, reason-to-buy, drop-down bed up front and a very traditional French bed in the rear. In fact, the French bed is less seen in A-class ’vans these days – twin singles and island bed designs are the current in-vogue types. But, with the bathroom alongside, the arrangement here serves to allow this motorhome to be shorter, so easier to park and drive.

And the driving will be easy, too, as Fiat’s camper-specific chassis brings better handling, thanks to a lower ride height and wide-track rear axle.

There’s a 130-horsepower motor under the bonnet and, in the cab, captain’s seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control. Outside, alloy wheels add bling, while bright, LED headlights bring things bang up-to-date.

Swivel the cab seats and you’re faced with an interior that’s decorated in mid-tone wood relieved by creamy white panels and surfaces.

The lounge is a typical L-shape, twin belted travel seats in place and seating for five around a generously sized, adjustable table.

Above, the drop-down double bed scores highly as it’s long at two metres and with a latching system that’s a positive joy to use. In the rear, the French bed does well on dimensions, too, as it comes in at six-foot-four long: impressively accommodating for all but the lankiest.

All fixed beds provide big storage beneath and, with this one, there’s a deep space below that’s accessed from inside and out. It extends beneath the bathroom – a slim space that’ll make it easier to load long, flat items from outside.

Above your windbreaks and skis, the bathroom is a compact space, but nicely designed, with a separate shower and vanity basin set into a generous counter. There are plenty of cupboards in here, too, while the swivelling toilet is low enough to the floor to see even the shortest of leg comfortably seated.

French beds and bathrooms are always fighting for territory in an internal width that’s not much wider than two metres. Here, there’s a bit of a lack of shoulder room while sitting on the loo and the bed is a couple of inches short of domestic double width. All in all, though, Geist’s designers have apportioned things well.

The kitchen features oh-so-sensible drawer storage and a great hob/sink combo. Across the aisle, the fridge holds 141 litres of grub and drinks and includes a deep drawer in its base. A mini-oven lives above the fridge and it’s just that, there’s no grill and it loses points as it’s really set a bit high up for safe and easy use.

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.