Full review

Since its introduction, the extra-long Fiat Ducato panel van has been well used by campervan converters right across Europe. Just over 350mm of extra length over its six-metre sibling gives the XLWB significantly more internal space. And that allows all-important twin single beds to be more easily incorporated in the rear

Aside from the continentals’ love of fixed beds, this layout’s popularity is based on the cavernous under-bed storage that the design provides. Kit-swallowing potential is great: folding bikes, outdoor furniture, barbecues... All those things that get in the way can be neatly tucked away. Forward of the bed area are the washroom, kitchen and half-dinette-based lounge.

The HymerCar Yellowstone enters this hard-fought arena already ahead of the game as the quality of build is excellent, as is attention to detail. Both are results of Hymer’s many years’ experience building motorhomes of all types, shapes and sizes.

Décor is clean, smart and modern – the whole interior says ‘high-quality leisure vehicle’ where others speak more of standard caravans in design and style. Here, the cabinets have curves in all the right places, while neat details include slots on their ends that house sliding hooks for things such as tea towels. The upholstery is in quality automotive style.

The lounge/diner is created when the cab seats are swivelled to face the wall-hung table and rear, two-person travel seat. But, unlike much of the competition, where the table can be bulky and nearly always in the way, this one folds flat to the wall when not needed.  The table folds up, then out as a coffee/snack surface to become a full-blown diner, and neatly demonstrating what good motorhome design should be: clever, making great use of available space and simple to operate.

The kitchen is small and has just a two-burner hob/sink combo, while storage is pretty good – housed mainly in big, practical drawers. The 12V fridge is large, too: 108 litres in a body that makes the most of the limited amount of space.

The bathroom is smaller than most and so all of its facilities are grouped in front as you enter through its tambour door.  The integral shower is a given in here, while a drop-down, stowable basin is the space-saving element that helps the whole compact design succeed.

The bedroom does its job well. Two generous singles can also become a transverse double, with a clever cutaway in the middle to ease access. There’s plenty of stowage space above and, of course, below.

It’s the rising roof option that adds a touch of genius, making the Yellowstone a practical four-berth camper in a moment. As the main living area is never impeded, the second bed becomes near invisible when not needed.

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