Full review

Leisuredrive has been around for close to half a century, with a reputation for practical, entry-level VW campervans; it has an incredibly loyal customer base. However, this latest Occasion model offers something a little different.

A blue oval appears on this camper instead of the iconic VW roundel; it’s based on the Ford Transit Custom. Some people prefer the drive of the Transit, some like Ford’s approach to prices and availability for spares. The Ford tends to be lower priced, too, spec for spec. It can make a pretty decent alternative to the Volkswagen.

The model shown here is based on the top-spec Ford, with plenty of toys as standard. It’s got the factory semi-high roof, too, which offers rather restricted headroom. The engine is the 2-litre 130bhp unit with six-speed manual gearbox (an automatic is available, too). The cab seats are not standard Ford-fit items –for reasons which will become clear – but they have been crash tested.

In terms of layout, it’s all pretty standard fare. Behind the two cab seats – only the passenger one swivels – is a side sofa (offside) and a forward-facing seat with three-point belt (nearside). The kitchen is at the back, along with the toilet.

The lounge also makes into this campervan’s only bed. You sleep lengthways, with the bed incorporating the cab seats. These slide forward and the backrests fold flat.

Further back, the kitchen is reasonably well equipped for the size of ’van. You get a small Dometic three-way fridge (60-litre capacity), a grill/oven and a two-burner hob and sink, although it’s cold water only here. The on-board water tank is just a plastic container below the sink – but that means there will be no winterisation problems. There’s also a decent-sized cutlery tray above the grill.

Although the toilet area isn’t a separate compartment, it’s a fair compromise. It’s got a swivel cassette loo, covered by a door and worktop, so you can use this area for extra prep space in the kitchen when needed. The toilet is emptied via the offside rear door.

The cocktail cabinet, with wine glass and bottle holders, is situated above. You’ll also find two mains sockets, a USB port and the control panel here, too.

Storage is fairly decent, with cubbyholes at the back, near the rear doors, and roof lockers above the kitchen and lounge. The latter have hinges that stay open. Plus, there is a recess above the cab with a good lip. A drawer is located below the side sofa and there’s space under the forward-facing seat, although this can only be accessed through the small drop-front door.

Reviewed here is the £44,980 Gold version, which features an enhanced specification, including half-leather seats, 14in TV/DVD, Webasto diesel heating, dimmable touch-to-operate spotlights, an electric step, an extractor fan above the kitchen, an awning and LED lighting. But we can’t help feeling that this camper makes more sense in its entry-level guise, with an introductory price of £36,990.

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