Full review

The medium-wheelbase Fiat Ducato panel van is becoming an increasingly popular choice in the van conversion sector, as buyers recognise the extra manoeuvrability and ease of parking afforded by its compact 5.4-metre length (almost 0.6m shorter than the long-wheelbase Ducato). Rapido is just one manufacturer that has added a MWB high-top to its range for 2017.

Unsurprisingly, the new Rapido V43 follows the continental staple diet of a fixed bed layout with a transverse double in the stern. The bed can be folded away to maximise load-carrying but, even with the bed in position, the locker measures 950mm by 1,140mm with a height of 675mm.

Apart from being a new size for a Rapido Van, the V43 boasts a number of new features. These include improved insulation of the sliding side door, a closed-in overcab locker, the new space-saving Thetford WC223 toilet and – as an option – an insulation kit for the rear barn doors with zipped access to the load area.

Other options include a 20-litre oven/grill, side door flyscreen (the side door itself remains on the continental side), electric floor heating, sat-nav and reversing camera, and an insulated/heated waste water tank, while heating can be upgraded to diesel or 6kW gas/electric versions of the Truma Combi.

All V43s are sure to come with the Rapido Van Pack, which includes base vehicle essentials such as cruise control, a passenger airbag and cab air-conditioning. A 2.3-litre Multijet diesel engine is a given, but you can have 130, 150 or 177bhp power outputs. The Comfort-Matic robotised semi-automatic is also available.

On board you can order glossy Castello furniture (light wood with darker contrasting strips) or more traditional Élégance (dark wood with white highlights).

Up front, the half-dinette lounge (with five fabrics to choose from) comes with a wall-mounted table with two extension leaves. The small side kitchen, which partially extends across the doorway, comes with a flap to create extra worktop space, while also featuring a three-burner hob and 90-litre compressor fridge.

The central washroom does not extend into the aisle, unlike in some rivals, but has a sliding tambour door for access and a fixed corner basin in shiny stainless-steel. There’s also an external shower fitting.

The rear bed has the benefit of a Bultex mattress, while a third berth can be created from the lounge seats. Other features include a generous 110-litre fresh water tank and two 100Ah leisure batteries.

Rapido’s sister brand, the van conversion specialist Dreamer, also offers a layout like this – the D43 Fun. Interestingly, Dreamer also builds the D42 Fun, which is the same size but with a French bed.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read the full version and more in the April 2017 issue of What Motorhome magazine.

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