Full review

The VW Crafter always seemed to be the poor relation of the Sprinter, hamstrung by the Merc’s narrow body and slim track but without the badge cachet or the desirable V6 engine and automatic gearbox. Now, though, there is a new Crafter, one which shares nothing at all with next year’s new Sprinter.

VW has already shown its fabulous California XXL concept, while Knaus and Westfalia have launched production campervans on the new Crafter. And here is the first mainstream UK conversion, the Hillside Heatherton (to be joined by a rear lounge sister model in February).

You may be relieved to hear that there are seven other shades available, including three metallics. With the predictable-choice silver paint costing £1,284 extra, though, you might want to consider the solid colours.

It’s a reminder that VW options can be eye-wateringly expensive but, fortunately, you’ll have limited need of the extras list as Hillside plans to build all of its Heathertons on the Highline spec van. That means  features such as a DAB radio with 8in touchscreen and steering wheel controls, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, Climatic air-conditioning, a heated windscreen and front foglamps with cornering function, ESP, ASR, Front Assist with Emergency Braking and Crosswind Assist.

You can also choose from a range of power outputs from a 2-litre TDI Euro VI motor. The test ’van had the flagship 175bhp motor, which boasts a massive 410Nm of torque (10 more than the Fiat Ducato’s top engine). And, Volkswagen has already released a unique-in-class eight-speed auto option.

From the durable feel of the cab’s interior to the Germanic ‘thunk’ when you close the doors, this feels like a cut above the opposition. Highline trim brings Comfort Plus seats and these not only feature twin armrests, height adjustment and tiltable squabs but also four-way electric lumbar supports. They guarantee superb long-distance comfort and can be lowered, so that you don’t feel as if you’re in a heavy truck.

This must be the quietest van in its class, as well as a front runner for performance and handling. Like the Transit, it manages to offer a less bone-jarring ride than the Ducato without losing out on a precision feel for the driver.

Hillside has gone to some lengths with the exterior looks, hiding the mains hook-up flap in the rear bumper and the water filler in the driver’s door step well, while acrylic panels around the windows give a more automotive appearance.

Inside, you can choose from lightweight furniture board with a cross cut oak finish and solid walnut highlights (as here) or a darker look with stained oak panels and lighter solid oak highlights, while a more contemporary grey cabinetwork scheme will also be available.

With a completely unobstructed sliding door aperture and easy access to the front lounge and rear galley/ablutions, there’s an immediate feeling of spaciousness.

Unusually, full standing height is maintained right into the cab. There are just small map shelves either side of the cab roof, with a very modern (but simple-to-use) control panel in the centre.

The table stores on the inside of the sliding door and attaches to a wall rail for use. It’s just adequate for two diners but, at 855mm by 395mm, it could usefully be made deeper.

The rear seat converts into the only bed and, in RIB fashion, as you sit on one side of the cushions and sleep on the other, the bed is completely flat.

Lighting is generous, even in the cab, but there are no directional reading lights. Pleated blinds are fitted on the side windows (oddly, they pull down from the top) but the Crafter is still too new for cab blinds to be available; as soon as they are, Hillside will use them rather than curtains.

Here in the Heatherton is one of the first induction cookers we’ve seen in a motorhome. As it requires mains power, you also get two gas rings, but this is a world away from the usual motorhome mains hotplate that takes a lifetime to boil a kettle.

Also featuring in this galley are a 115-litre compressor fridge (at a convenient height) and plenty of drawers (although nowhere actually designed for cutlery).

The Corian-style worktop adds another touch of class and the shelves around the corner from the cooler will have fiddle rails added in production. Below here, the lid to the low-level storage locker is actually a second table, designed to lift up and attach to the wall behind the RIB seat to act as a kitchen worktop. What a neat idea, especially as 12V and 230V sockets are adjacent!

The washroom is another area that needs some detail finishing, with loo roll and towel holders to be added, along with a removable hanging rail in the shower.

Remarkably, the Heatherton manages to offer a fully separate shower and being able to hang coats here will be a boon as the wardrobe is tiny.

I’d also consider investing in a waterproof bag for my duvet and pillows, so that these, could be kept in the shower – the only other possible home for bedding is under the RIB seat and a thick duvet is a tight fit here.

Back to the washroom and you’ll find Dometic’s ceramic bowl-type loo and a fixed basin with shelves below and mirror above. For a six-metre van conversion this is an impressive washroom, even down to the sturdy Hillside-branded wetroom floor.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the January 2018 issue of MMM magazine.

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