Full review

Hymer Free 540 Blue Evolution campervan

Feeling a bit blue? Well, this Hymer could be just the tonic to cheer you up – especially when you see its extensive kit list, which Nottingham dealer, Lowdhams, says includes £14,516-worth of options. Not only that, but this limited edition model is surprisingly compact and looks fetching in Storm Blue metallic (hence the name) with contrasting black alloy wheels. It has flush-fit windows, a flyscreen on the sliding door and a wide electric step, as well as an awning as standard.

The Fiat base vehicle comes with the 140bhp engine, Eco Pack (with stop/start), air-conditioning, cruise control, fog lamps and a leather steering wheel. The Media Pack is included, too, so you get a 7in touchscreen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, four speakers and a reversing camera.

Hymer Free 540 Blue Evolution campervan layout

The layout is the typical transverse rear bed format but two features make the Blue Evolution more unusual – the use of the compact 5.41m van and the addition of a rising roof. That pop-top makes this Hymer into a four-berth with a 2.00m by 1.28m double bed upstairs. There’s a lollipop light with built-in USB port in the roof, too, as well as flyscreened vents at the front and on the offside (and a window on the nearside). The bed’s ladder splits into two to stow on the overcab shelf.

Below, it’s a half-dinette with a wall-mounted table featuring a swing-out extension leaf. There’s a 230V socket adjacent and pleated blinds cover the windows. The cab windows get blinds, too, while the rear bench has automotive head restraints and Isofix.

Hymer Free 540 Blue Evolution kitchen

Just inside the sliding door, the 70-litre compressor fridge has a door that opens from either side – handy when reaching for a cold cola to go with your barbecue. Alternatively, cooking in the ’van is on a two-burner hob that’s part of a combined unit incorporating the stainless-steel sink. The galley also includes three soft-close drawers, while a slightly raised worktop to the rear hides a small wardrobe (970mm hanging height).

Hymer Free 540 Blue Evolution washroom

Opposite, the tambour door slides back to reveal a washroom with corner basin, opening window and mirrored cupboard with fiddle rails. A wooden duckboard is provided, as is a shower curtain, but the latter only needs to cover the basin and loo rather than going all the way round.

Hymer Free 540 Blue Evolution sleeping area

The rear bed measures 1.94m by 1.21m and comes with a window on the offside, as well as openable glazing in the back doors. There are reading lights that clip into any position on their rails, rear speakers, and cupboards over both ends of the bed (so you can’t sit up in bed, but you’ll probably be grateful for the storage). A bedside heater outlet is a welcome touch – warmth coming from a 4kW Truma Combi system. Beneath the bed is a storage space measuring 750mm wide and 760mm tall – more if you stack the bed to the nearside. Under-bed cupboards include the gas locker on the left and the 100-litre fresh water tank on the right.

Hymer Free 540 Blue Evolution campervan summary

With its grey cabinetwork and great spec, the Blue Evolution looks a very attractive compact camper that could suit those trading up from a VW T6 to a ’van with a washroom. Better still, it doesn’t have the usual long list of essential extra cost options to add.

Images courtesy of Erwin Hymer Group