Full review

Globecar (and its sister brand, Pössl, which is not currently marketed here) is currently building a new production plant in Vielbrunn, Germany, as the company is experiencing record sales throughout Europe. It is already a market-leader on its home turf and the new factory will increase capacity and reduce delivery times for its H Line models. At this point, we should, perhaps, explain that most Globecars seen here are from the D Line range, built by Dethleffs, but the H Line range includes the more innovative layouts – including extra-high roofs with upstairs berths, bunk beds, etc.

Although the Summit 640 reviewed here is not new to the H Line range, it’s a really neat campervan that comes with some nifty updates this season.

To the rear, a pair of lengthways single beds is located, and these are generously sized (claimed lengths are 1.90m and 2.00m) and are actually joined in the centre. The beds are easily accessed via a couple of central steps that double as storage space. There is a small, centrally positioned skylight plus a side window for each bed, so the bedroom has a lovely, light and airy feel about it. On the practical side, the rear doors are unglazed, so pillows won’t fight with blinds in the night, but the top locker over the rear door will stop you sitting up in bed.

Ahead of the beds on the nearside is the bathroom, which is superb as it manages to squeeze a toilet with cabinet above, washbasin with mirror, and semi-separate shower into a very compact space. It does this through clever design, as there’s an all-new ‘push & lock’ internal swivelling door system that rotates the basin and the wall behind it over the loo to create a proper shower cubicle with no clingy curtain.

Opposite the bathroom is the kitchen, where a good-sized (raised) worktop is positioned above a 90-litre compressor fridge. There’s a sink and two-burner hob (in a combination unit) next to this and further workspace above the stylish curved forward end of the unit. All of the work surfaces are made from scratch-resistant mineral granite, making them durable and hardwearing, and there are plenty of cupboards for storing all your kitchen items, both above and below the worktops. An oven is available as an optional extra – a rare find in this class of vehicle.

Up front, there’s a half-dinette where swivelling cab seats and an extendable table create a good-sized seating area for four. The bench seat features seatbelts and Isofix for child seats is an option. The standard upholstery is a tasteful Mindoro grey, but alternative styles are also available.

The Summit 640 is based on the extra-long Fiat Ducato panel van and offers a payload of around 560kg. Under the bonnet, there’s 2.3-litre 130bhp engine with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox. The usual base vehicle options are available, and many of these are grouped together in the All-In Package, which includes things like ESP, ASR, Hill Holder, cab air-conditioning, electric mirrors, Remis cab blinds, a passenger airbag and an adjustable-height passenger seat.

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