Full review

Images courtesy of Lowdhams

Does this look familiar? If it does, that’s because, while the brand name may not be the one you expect, the conversion is a proven design from one of the top VW camper converters, Hillside Leisure. So, the Summit has European Whole Vehicle Type Approval as well as National Caravan Council (NCC) approval and, of course, Hillside is one of the first companies to meet the standards of VW’s own Motorhome Qualification Scheme. In a market where there are numerous firms converting pre-registered vans without any quality assurances, it’s very reassuring to know that this camper ticks all the boxes. It even comes with a three-year habitation warranty, too.

It’s marketed exclusively by leading motorhome retailer, Lowdhams, and forms the second string to the bow of the Summit brand. The first models were based on the Ford Transit Custom and converted by Wellhouse Leisure, with these now sitting alongside a line-up of four VW Transporters by Hillside. Prices start at £41,995 for the entry-level Trail, but it’s the better-equipped Hi-Trail that tops the sales charts.

Based on a T6.1 with 110PS engine and five-speed manual gearbox, Highline spec means that the Hi-Trail gets adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, cab air-con, Bluetooth, Sidewind Assist, and automatic lights and wipers. This example also had 16in alloy wheels (£595), a solar panel (£595), metallic paint (£500) and trapezoidal side bars (£495).

Not that the basic spec is lacking. Features you might not expect to be standard include Eberspächer heating and a 230V hot water system that not only serves the kitchen sink but also an external shower. Blinds cover the windows and both cab seats swivel, although space to use the driver’s chair when rotated is very limited. That’s because the Summit retains a Hillside trademark, the deeper section of galley behind the cab where a slim cupboard opens out to reveal the 65-litre compressor fridge and also a grill.

The rear RIB bench seat comes with integral three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints, while also converting easily into a 1.77m by 1.20m double bed with a chaise longue position for those lazy Sunday mornings. There are downlighters and rear speakers over the head of the bed, too, but most important of all is the way the seat is installed – there’s no point in having a crash tested seat system if the installation itself is not up to scratch.

That engineered-for-safety approach continues with fitting one of the best pop-top roofs on the market, from German firm, SCA. This TÜV-approved roof comes complete with a 1.94m by 1.11m upper bed as standard.

The kitchen includes plenty of storage, but no drawers, as well as the usual two-burner hob and sink combination. The solid worktop is available in a choice of two colours, while a Dometic portable toilet slides away under the rear seat. All in all, though, it’s the high standard of finish that impresses as much as anything with this new dealer special edition campervan.